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 closed!

Please check back for future openings.

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:

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.)
You are between the ages of 15 & up.
Applicants must have a business idea and fill out the basic application with acceptable detail
Applicants must complete a skills assessment worksheet with the Program Coordinator
Successful applicants must participate in 3 modules: Intro to Side Hustle to help create a basic business plan

Registration is Now Closed!

Program Objective

The Side Hustle program is intended to support business plans that contribute to one or more of the following goals:

Promote the success of entrepreneurs: proposals will be submitted by entrepreneurs and/or the business will be managed by an entrepreneur.
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.
Promote the patronage of community markets or research opportunities to sell product or service to a local market.
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:

Module One

Will focus on assessing your skills and what it takes to become an entrepreneur. You will work to
define your product or service -- what it is and where it fits in the marketplace. You will build an
effective product or service description which will guide you through the process

Module Two

Will focus on the development of your basic business plan using the "business canvas" tool

Module Three

Will focus on basic financials and a mini marketing plan

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.

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