Self-Employment and Small Business

Working for yourself has great rewards. It also comes with huge challenges.

You need to be aware of, and weigh, the advantages and disadvantages of being self-employed. For example, self-employment might allow you to:

• work at home or in other settings of your choice
• set your own hours of work
• earn more money than you would working for someone else.

On the other hand, it might also involve:

• working long hours to meet deadlines or deal with problems
• working independently, without a support system of co-workers
• investing and possibly risking your own money.

See the Self-Employment: A Career Option for You? tip sheet and the Self-Employment: Is it for me? booklet.

Starting your own business is more than having a good idea or a willingness to work long hours each day. You need good strategic information and a well thought out focus on how to build your revenue stream.

Here are current and relevant resources to make the most of your business ventures organized by:

• Self-employment and Small Business in Alberta
• Self-employment and Small Business in Canada

Self-Employment and Small Business in Alberta

Resources to help you get started

• Self-Employment - Rocket Fuel for Your Biz! Learn what it takes to start and operate or improve your small business.
• AlbertaFirst.com —provides a directory of Alberta companies and community and regional profiles
• The Business Link Connect with entrepreneurial experts and information services to Albertans for business start-ups and expansion.
• Services for Small Business - Western Economic Diversification Canada Get help with business planning and development, and information on government programs and services through a network of business professionals.
• Alberta Entrepreneurs Association Learn how to be successful in initiating, organizing and managing new business ventures.
• Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Get support from this non-profit organization that helps Alberta women start and expand their businesses.
• Agriculture Financial Services Corporation Learn about alternate sources of business financing.

Resources to help build your business

• Starting Your Business Find information on the various industry sectors in Alberta.
• Alberta Research Council (ARC) Gain a competitive edge through research about agriculture, biotechnology, energy, environment, forestry, information technology and manufacturing.
• Alberta Venture Magazine Online Access this monthly provincial magazine for entrepreneurs and business-minded people.
• Better Business Bureau of Central and Northern Alberta Learn about membership and fostering ethical relationships between businesses and the public in Northern and Central Alberta.
• Better Business Bureau of Southern Alberta  Learn about membership and fostering ethical relationships between businesses and the public in Southern Alberta.
• Small Business Week in Alberta  Find information about this annual event to help further your business and entrepreneurial activities.
• Alberta Purchasing Connection Access purchasing opportunities (goods, services and construction) that have been posted by the Government of Alberta, the Province of Alberta's municipalities, academic institutions, school boards and health regions.
• Writing a Proposal Writing a proposal may be required to get those lucrative contracts.

Self-Employment and Small Business in Canada

• Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)  Learn about innovative financial and consultation services for Canadian small- and medium-sized businesses.
• Canadian Franchise Association Find out about franchising.
• Canada Business Network Access federal government resources for entrepreneurs.
• Canadian Youth Business Foundation – Get help through mentoring, business support and lending practices (for young Canadian entrepreneurs with new businesses).
• Community Futures Explore business planning and entrepreneurship in rural Canada.
• Industry Canada Find Canadian business information at this comprehensive federal government website.
• MERX Register with this centralized electronic tendering service that connects over 50,000 businesses and government purchasers in Canada.