• SMARTstart Application

    SMARTstart is an entrepreneurship learning and development program that helps new entrepreneurs develop business skills. To apply, please fully complete this application form.

    Before applying, please read the Eligibility and Commitment information and if possible attend an information session.

    Acceptance into the program is determined by a selection committee. This committee will rely on your application and supporting materials to determine admission to the program. We recommend you put a high degree of effort into completing the application and providing supporting materials. Applicants may also be invited to an interview.

    Supporting materials are optional, but encouraged, and may include:

    • resume or CV
    • business plan (can be a draft of a plan) or market research
    • video introduction or pitch (of less than two minutes)

    Questions?  Find your location contact

    Application must be submitted on time to be considered for the SMARTstart program.  You will receive a copy of your application to the email entered in your application. Please contact your town/city location if you do not recieve a copy (remember to check your junk folder).

    This form can be saved and returned to ONLY if completed on the same device/computer. 

    Mac Users - sometimes JotForm will have issues with Chrome.  If using Chrome, please clear your web browser caches.

  • Applicant Information

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  • Date of Birth
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  • Eligibility

    If you are not sure if you meet the eligibility requirements for SMARTstart, please review Eligibility & Commitment before proceeding with this application. 

  • Have you attended/viewed a SMARTstart information session?*
  • Is your business located or will be located in the Town/City you reside in?*
  • Is your business a franchise or part of a chain?*
  • Does your business and/or business idea involve a partner?

  • Partnership Information

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  • Do you have a formal partnership agreement?*

  • SMARTstart Participation

    A maximum of 2 partners are eligible to participate in the SMARTstart program. Only ONE application form needs to be completed per partnership. We encourage you to complete the application together.  Each partner will be charged the full fee and it is expected both partners fully participate in the program activities.

  • How many partners are applying to participate in the program:*

  • Partner/Applicant #2 Information

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  • Date of Birth
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  • Entrepreneur Type

  • What type of entrepreneur are you? Please read carefully.*

  • About Your Business Idea

    You are an ENTREPRENEUR WITH AN IDEA, NO BUSINESS

    To be filled out by applicants who have not started their business. If you currently operate your own business and are actively working to generate revenue, please go back and check "I am an Existing Business.”

    Please be detailed and thorough in answering these questions. The selection committee relies solely on the information in your application to understand your business/idea and to determine if you are a good fit for the program.

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  • Have you completed any demographic analysis, market size research, competitor studies or product/service testing?*
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  • Have you started to work on a feasibility plan or business plan? If yes, please attach a copy of it in the supporting materials section. Draft documents are welcome.*
  • Where will you operate your business from?*
  • Have you researched what your start up costs would be?*
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  • What is your timeline to start your business?*
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  • About Your Business

    You are an NEW OR EXISTING BUSINESS who has been operating less than 3 years.

    To be filled out by applicants who have started their business and are actively working to generate revenue. If you are still in the idea stage and have not started business operations, please go back and check “I am an Entrepreneur with an Idea.”

    Please be detailed and thorough in answering these questions.  The selection committee relies solely on the information in your application to understand your business/idea and to determine if you are a good fit for the program.

  • How long have you been in business?*
  • Where do you currently operate your business from?*

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  • Rows
  • Did you complete any demographic analysis, market size research, competitor studies or product/service testing prior to opening the business?*
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  • Do you have a business plan? If yes, please attach a copy in the 'Supporting Materials' section. Draft documents are welcome.*
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  • Strengths & Learning Goals

  • Have you owned or operated any other businesses?*
  • What are your strengths in operating a business? (Check all that apply)*

  • What are your weaknesses or areas you need improvement with your business skills? (Check all that apply)*

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  • What component of the SMARTstart program interests you the most?*
  • The outcome of the program is the creation of a feasibility, business or strategic plan. Are you committed to completing this plan?*
  • The program includes 11 in-person/virtual workshops (1 to 2 hours long). Half the workshops are over the lunch hour and half are in the evenings. Are you committed to attending these workshops?*
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  • How did you hear about the SMARTstart Program?

  • Supporting Materials

    Supporting materials are optional, but encouraged, to assist the Selection Committee in understanding you and your business.

    Supporting materials may include, but are not limited to:

    • resume or CV
    • business plan (can be a rough draft or in initial stages)
    • market research (can be a rough draft or in initial stages)
    • marketing materials
    • video introduction or pitch (of less than two minutes)
  • Are you including any supporting materials*
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  • Privacy Statement

    The SMARTstart program is committed to protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal information.  We adhere to the provisions of the Alberta Personal Information Protection Act.

    We collect personal information about you in order to assess your application form and suitability for the SMARTstart program.  Personal information is any information that identifies you as an individual.  It does not include business contact information used for business purposes.

    The SMARTstart program:

    • Will not collect, use or disclose your personal information for any purposes other than those identified to you, subject to exceptions permitted by law;
    • Will make all reasonable efforts to protect the confidentiality of your personal information when doing business internally or externally with other organizations;
    • Will make all reasonable efforts to protect your personal information with appropriate security safeguards;
    • Will make all reasonable efforts to keep your personal information accurate and up-to-date;  and
    • Will attempt to honor requests you make for access to your personal information or the corrections of your personal information, subject to exceptions permitted by law.

     

    We take our responsibility to respect and protect your personal information seriously.

    Program Commitment

    Successful applicants will be asked to pay a fee and sign a commitment letter agreeing to complete online coursework, attend in-person seminars, work with a mentor and produce a plan within the 8-month program. By submitting this application you are indicating you understand the commitment required to participate in the program and are able to fulfil the program expectations.

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