Side Hustle
Do you have a great business idea that you want to explore? Or do you have an existing business that you want to take in a new direction?
Registration is now Open!
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Do you have a great business idea to make some money on the side but not have access to cash to get it started?
The Side Hustle MicroGrant program is for those with an entrepreneurial spirit looking to put ideas into motion. Applicants can apply for up to $500 in non-repayable funds to start their side hustle and test their concept. Funds can be used towards supplies, permits, equipment, and marketing as approved by the Program Coordinator. For pre-existing entrepreneurs, funds can be used towards creating a new service or product to expand a current business, though funds are not meant for direct sales, multi level marketing, or to go towards purchase price of an existing business. We have varying intakes focusing on youth, women, Indigenous people, people with disabilities, and newcomers to Canada. Applicants must also meet the following criteria:
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You are a resident of the Prince Albert & district region (if you live outside our area please contact us to see if you can be approved.)
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You are between the ages of 15 & up.
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Applicants must have a business idea and fill out the basic application with acceptable detail
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Applicants must complete a skills assessment worksheet with the Program Coordinator
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Successful applicants must participate in 3 modules: Intro to Side Hustle to help create a basic business plan
Program Objective
The Side Hustle program is intended to support business plans that contribute to one or more of the following goals:
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Promote the success of entrepreneurs: proposals will be submitted by entrepreneurs and/or the business will be managed by an entrepreneur.
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Promote the sourcing of products, services, or materials in the Prince Albert and district: preference will be given to retail specific applications who either source product or service directly from the Prince Albert and area or research the opportunity to source product or service in region.
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Promote the patronage of community markets or research opportunities to sell product or service to a local market.
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Engage residents of the Prince Albert and district Region in the "Intro to Side Hustle" curriculum including basics in financial literacy, marketing, and customer service and sales.
The Intro to Side Hustle program consists of 3 modules, with follow up based on your needs. Have a question? We're here to help you through it!
The modules are built around an introduction to starting up a side business and will help you to be sure you have your business organized and ready to go when the time comes to launch your product or service. Modules follow this basic guideline, though the program coordinators are here to assist with more resources along the way:
There are two options for attending the teaching for each module in-person or via zoom. At checkout please confirm your preference with your registration.
The Side Hustle Microgrant Program is an amazing way to get on your entrepreneurial feet, test out a product or service, and get to know the market without a huge risk. However, if you are looking for a little more cash to get your business going or to expand a current business, check out what Community Futures has to offer in terms of a micro-loan of up to $25,000. Your successful participation in the Side Hustle Microgrant Program gets you fast tracked for potential approval!
Prince Albert & District Community Futures provides entrepreneurs with small business loans up to $150,000 when traditional financial institutions are unable to help. Loans are available for new business start-ups, business expansion, or to stabilize an existing business. A loans committee comprised of respected business community volunteers is involved with the loan review process. Contact our office for more information or to request an appointment.
Have a question, or want to discuss your side hustle idea? Call 306-763-8125
Side Hustle Success Stories
Samuel
purchased equipment to start a snow removal service
Kylee
is working on growing her storefront business to include art
Lynn
expanding her senior and
disability services business
Stephanie
started a counselling and consulting
practice
Laura
creates and publishes children's books
Lisa
started Yellow Dog Farm a subscription based floral bouquet service offering weekly deliveries of fresh floral bouquets
Carter
started a business chopping, selling and delivering firewood.
Kamryn
specializes in graphic design and provides digital marketing services.
Martina
started her own esthetics venture.