MNP Self Employment Program
Start your own business in Saskatchewan with our free self-employment training program.
The MNP Self Employment Program gets you started running your own business the right way — with expert training, advice and support through every step of the journey.
What is the MNP Self-Employment Program?
Designed especially for those in Saskatoon or Regina (and area) who have a passion to start their own business but need the skills and training to get started. The MNP Self Employment program can help you:
- Learn the necessary skills to start a business, including bookkeeping, marketing, customer service, financing, legal considerations, and more
- Build and execute an effective business plan
- Get professional advice and coaching every step of the way from a team of experts
Does the program cost anything?
This is a fully government-funded model which makes it no-cost for qualified participants.
Who qualifies for this program?
Participants in the MNP Self Employment Program must meet some basic eligibility to qualify, including:
- Currently unemployed, OR working less than 20 hours per week
- Must be a resident of either Saskatoon, Regina, or the surrounding area
- Have a business idea and commit to starting your own business in Saskatchewan once the program is complete
- Able to take a classroom-style learning program with a daily schedule, or a self-directed model on your own time
What are the benefits of this program?
The MNP Self Employment Program has some unique features such as:
- Eight weeks of classroom-style training on important topics to help get you started
- Regular connection with our team and consistent check-ins for an additional seven months so you always have someone to ask for help while you start your business
- Flexible self-start options available for those who can’t commit to a classroom style during working hours
- The benefit of starting your own business at the same time as others, with a team to help and offer advice every step of the way
Fill out our form to get started
Start your journey today. Fill out the online form and a member of our team will contact you to complete your application process. They can also answer any questions you have about the MNP Self-Employment Program and whether it’s right for you.
Fill out my online form.
Who is right for this program?
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You want to start your own business in Saskatchewan
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You have a business opportunity but don’t know how to start
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You need free small business training like business planning, marketing, bookkeeping, and more
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You are committed to starting on a journey of self-employment
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You want the assistance in a full-time eight-week program with an additional seven months of coaching and support
Learn more about the program
This video will provide more information about the program, what you’ll learn, and who qualifies.
Self Employment Program Structure
This training program for small business start-ups is nine months in total. An initial eight weeks of full-time business training and mentorship to get your business plan off the ground, followed by 28 weeks of business coaching, support, and advisory to help stay on track.
Training
Online e-Learning with live instructor facilitated training
Business Plan Development
Participants develop a comprehensive business plan.
Coaching and Support
Advisory support throughout the nine-month program.
Here is what some of our program participants have to say
Frequently asked questions
To qualify for the Self-Employment Program, you need to have identified a viable business opportunity and plan to start a new business. If you are not certain what business you intend to start, you can continue your research with the assistance of organizations such as SK Startup Institute https://skstartup.ca/.
Yes, the Self-Employment Program is free to eligible participants.
All training and access to consultants at MNP is included in the program. However, funding in terms of capital to start your business is not provided. The Self-Employment Program provides information on where you can find loan programs for your business.
You will complete a business plan for the business that you intend to start within the timeframe of the Self-Employment Program (nine months). The training component provides you with the knowledge to complete a business plan and this is one of the deliverables required in the program.
The program is offered in two streams:
- Self-Employment Program - Virtual sessions delivered in real-time with a live facilitator – all participants attend the training sessions at a scheduled time and date (typically 9 – 12 a.m., Monday through Friday)
- Self-Directed Self-Employment Program – recordings of training sessions are provided to participants that may view them when convenient. Training sessions will be expected to be completed within the first eight weeks of the program.
The training provides foundational knowledge and skills required by business owners to start and operate a business in Saskatchewan.
As a participant in the Self-Employment Program, you receive one-on-one consulting support with access to MNP’s diverse and knowledgeable team throughout the nine months of the program. Access to professional advice as you are setting up and starting your business is an invaluable benefit to participating in the program.
No. The eligibility criteria states that participants must intend to start a for-profit business.
To be eligible for the Self-Employment Program, participants must be eligible to work in Canada and a resident of Saskatchewan. Please inquire with MNP for more information.
Please submit the form on this website and you’ll be contacted by a member of the Self-Employment Program team or call 639-398-7745 or send us an email at [email protected].
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Contact us
For general inquiries regarding the Self Employment Program, please contact Jennifer Lester, by email at [email protected] or by phone at 639-398-7745.