PROVINCIAL ENTERPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMS

Provincial Entrepreneurship Immigration Programs in Canada are designed to attract foreign entrepreneurs to specific provinces in order to establish new businesses or invest in existing ones. Each province has its own program, with unique requirements and criteria for eligibility.

To be eligible for these programs, applicants must typically demonstrate a certain net worth and/or investment amount, as well as provide a detailed business plan outlining their proposed investment or entrepreneurial venture. Some programs require applicants to have a minimum level of education or language proficiency as well, including a detailed exploratory tour in the desired province.

Once an applicant has been accepted into a provincial entrepreneurship immigration program, they are typically granted a work permit or visa, allowing them to come to Canada to establish or invest in a business. Successful applicants may also be able to apply for permanent residency in Canada.

The requirements and criteria for these programs vary by province. For example, the Quebec Entrepreneur Program requires applicants to establish a qualifying Canadian business in Quebec and become actively involved in its management. On the other hand, the British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration program requires applicants to invest a minimum of $300,000 CAD in a new or existing business and create at least one new job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Here is an outline of all the provinces we support and their requirements

MANITOBA

We like Manitoba for their affinity towards businesses and hence it’s our top choice for our clients looking for this path.

The Entrepreneur Pathway is a program offered by the province of Manitoba in Canada. The program is designed to attract and nominate qualified businesspeople from around the world who have the intent and ability to start or purchase a business in Manitoba.

To be eligible for the program, candidates must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). The EOI is a pre-screening tool that assesses the candidate’s business experience, education, language ability, age, and adaptability. Candidates who score high enough are then invited to submit a full application to the program.

In order to qualify to submit an EOI for the Manitoba Entrepreneur Pathway, a candidate must be able to prove they have the interest, ability, and financial resources to start or purchase a business in Manitoba. They must also meet the following eligibility criteria:

Education: candidates must have a minimum Canadian high school certificate equivalent.
Age: there is no minimum or maximum age requirement, but candidates are ranked based on their age.
Business experience: candidates must have a minimum of three years of business ownership or senior management experience in the past five years.
Language ability: candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English or French with a minimum score of CLB/NCLC 5.
Adaptability: candidates must demonstrate adaptability to Manitoba’s labour market and quality of life.

Once a candidate has been invited to apply for the program, they must submit a detailed business plan outlining their proposed investment or entrepreneurial venture in Manitoba. They must also provide evidence of their net worth, which must be at least $500,000 CAD, and their ability to invest a minimum of $250,000 CAD in Manitoba.

Overall, the Entrepreneur Pathway in Manitoba offers a great opportunity for qualified businesspeople to establish themselves in Canada and contribute to the province’s economy. However, the application process can be complex and time-consuming. It is recommended that interested candidates seek the guidance of an experienced immigration consultant to help navigate the process and increase their chances of success.

Disclaimer: The explanation above is a very general outline of the program and is not updated to reflect any changes. It’s always advisable to check the official province’s website to get the most up to date information.

NOVA SCOTIA

The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Program is a program designed for individuals who wish to start or purchase a business in Nova Scotia. To be eligible for this program, applicants must meet certain criteria.

First, applicants must have no less than $600,000 CAD in unencumbered net business and personal assets. Second, they must demonstrate a personal net worth of at least $600,000 CAD.

Additionally, candidates will be required to provide information about their business ownership or management experience, language proficiency, education, investment, and net worth.

Successful applicants will also be required to invest a minimum of $150,000 CAD in a Nova Scotia business. This investment must be made prior to the issuance of a work permit.

Overall, the Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Program is a great opportunity for individuals who wish to start or purchase a business in Nova Scotia. The program has strict eligibility criteria and minimum investment requirements to ensure that only serious applicants are considered.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND (PEI)

The PEI Entrepreneur Program is a pathway to Canadian permanent residency for individuals who wish to start or purchase a business in Prince Edward Island (PEI). The program is designed to attract experienced entrepreneurs who can help grow the province’s economy.

To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet certain criteria. Applicants must have a minimum net worth of $600,000 CAD and be able to invest at least $150,000 CAD in a PEI business. They must also have at least two years of experience in managing or owning a business within the last five years. Additionally, they must be proficient in English or French, and have a minimum of a high school education.

Applicants must also demonstrate an intention to live in PEI and actively manage their business. They must submit a business plan detailing their proposed business venture, including its potential to create jobs, contribute to the local economy, and integrate into the community.

One unique aspect of the PEI Entrepreneur Program is the Expression of Interest (EOI) system. Applicants must first submit an EOI, which is assigned a score based on factors such as age, language ability, education, work experience, and adaptability. The highest-scoring candidates are then invited to submit a complete application.
If selected for the program, applicants will be required to sign a Performance Agreement with the Government of PEI. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of their participation in the program, including their investment and job creation targets.

Overall, the PEI Entrepreneur Program is a great opportunity for experienced entrepreneurs who wish to start or purchase a business in PEI and become Canadian permanent residents. The program has strict eligibility criteria and minimum investment requirements to ensure that only serious applicants are considered.

Disclaimer: The explanation above is a very general outline of the program and is not updated to reflect any changes. It’s always advisable to check the official province’s website to get the most up to date information.

QUEBEC

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the Quebec Entrepreneur Program, candidates must meet the following requirements:

✓ Age: Candidates must be at least 18 years old.

✓ Business Experience: Candidates must have at least two years of experience as an entrepreneur or a senior manager within the past five years.

✓ Net Worth: Candidates must have a minimum net worth of CAD $300,000, which must be legally acquired through business or investment activities.

✓ Investment: Candidates must make a minimum investment of CAD $200,000 in a business in Quebec, either by creating or acquiring a business. Alternatively, they can make a minimum investment of CAD $200,000 in a Quebec-based business accelerator or incubator.

✓ Language Proficiency: Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in French or English by taking an approved language test.

✓ Residency: Candidates must intend to settle in the province of Quebec and operate their business from there.

Net Worth and Investment Requirements:

As mentioned, candidates must have a minimum net worth of CAD $300,000, which must be legally acquired through business or investment activities. The net worth must be verified by an independent third-party evaluator.

Candidates must also make a minimum investment of CAD $200,000 in a business in Quebec, either by creating or acquiring a business. Alternatively, they can make a minimum investment of CAD $200,000 in a Quebec-based business accelerator or incubator.

The investment must be made in the form of equity or ownership, and it must be maintained for a minimum of three years. The investment must also create at least one job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Application Process:

The application process for the Quebec Entrepreneur Program involves the following steps:

✓ Expression of Interest: Candidates must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Quebec government, outlining their business plan and investment intentions.

✓ Invitation to Apply: Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and whose business proposal is deemed viable may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Quebec government.

✓ Business Plan and Interview: Candidates must submit a detailed business plan and attend an interview with a representative from MIFI.

✓ Selection and Approval: Candidates who meet all the requirements and pass the interview may be selected and approved for the program.

✓Permanent Residency: Upon approval, candidates and their immediate family members may apply for permanent residency in Canada.

Conclusion:

The Quebec Entrepreneur Program is a business immigration program designed to attract experienced entrepreneurs who want to establish and operate a business in Quebec, Canada. To be eligible, candidates must meet certain requirements, including having a minimum net worth of CAD $300,000, making a minimum investment of CAD $200,000 in a Quebec-based business, and demonstrating proficiency in French or English. The application process involves several steps, including an Expression of Interest, Invitation to Apply, business plan submission, interview, and selection and approval. Successful candidates and their immediate family members may apply for permanent residency in Canada.

ALBERTA

The Rural Entrepreneur Stream is a part of the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) that is designed to attract entrepreneurs who are interested in establishing a business in a rural community in Alberta. The program offers a pathway to permanent residency in Canada for individuals who are willing to invest in and actively manage a business in a rural area in Alberta.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the Rural Entrepreneur Stream, applicants must meet the following criteria:

✓ Business Experience: Applicants must have at least three years of business ownership or management experience within the past five years.

✓ Language Proficiency: Applicants must have a minimum language proficiency level of CLB 4 or higher in English or French.

✓ Education: Applicants must have a minimum of high school education or equivalent.

✓ Net Worth: Applicants must have a minimum net worth of CAD $300,000, which must be legally acquired.

✓ Investment: Applicants must be willing and able to invest at least CAD $100,000 in an eligible business in a rural community in Alberta.

✓ Business Plan: Applicants must submit a business plan for the proposed business that meets the program requirements.

✓ Exploratory Visit: Applicants must undertake an exploratory visit to Alberta to meet with community representatives, learn more about the rural community, and finalize their business plan.

✓ Residency: Applicants must intend to reside in Alberta and actively manage the business.

Investment Requirements:

The investment requirement for the Rural Entrepreneur Stream is CAD $100,000, which must be invested in an eligible business in a rural community in Alberta. The investment must be made in the form of equity or ownership and must be maintained for a minimum of two years. The business must also create at least one job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Exploratory Visit Requirements:

The exploratory visit to Alberta is a mandatory requirement for the Rural Entrepreneur Stream. During the visit, the applicant must meet with community representatives, learn about the local community, and finalize their business plan. The visit must be at least five days and must be within six months of submitting the Expression of Interest (EOI).

Application Process:

The application process for the Rural Entrepreneur Stream involves the following steps:

✓ Expression of Interest (EOI): Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the AINP, outlining their business plan and investment intentions.

✓ Invitation to Submit Application: Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and whose business proposal is deemed viable may receive an Invitation to Submit an Application (ISA) from the AINP.

✓ Business Plan and Interview: Applicants must submit a detailed business plan and attend an interview with a representative from the AINP.

✓ Exploratory Visit: Applicants must undertake an exploratory visit to Alberta to meet with community representatives, learn about the local community, and finalize their business plan.

✓ Selection and Approval: Applicants who meet all the requirements and pass the interview may be selected and approved for the program.

✓ Work Permit and Business Establishment: Applicants must obtain a work permit, move to Alberta, and establish or purchase the proposed business within 20 months.

✓ Nomination for Permanent Residency: Applicants who meet the program requirements and actively operate the business for at least one year may be nominated for permanent residency in Canada.

Conclusion:

The Rural Entrepreneur Stream under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is a pathway for entrepreneurs who want to establish a business in a rural community in Alberta and obtain permanent residency in Canada. Eligible applicants must meet certain criteria, including having business experience, a minimum net worth of CAD $300,000, and a minimum investment of CAD $100,000 in an eligible business in a rural area of Alberta.