Starting a Business in Canada

Entrepreneurs in Canada are highly respected. There are a range of incentives and government supports as well as a range of different immigration options open to people who plan to start a business in Canada.

Many Provinces offer Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) that cater to entrepreneurs. If the Province you want to settle in has a PNP Entrepreneur (or Business Plan) stream then this will likely be one of the fastest routes for gaining permanent residency.

If the Province you wish to settle in doesn’t have a suitable program or you don’t meet the criteria for it then you may wish to consider the Federal Entrepreneur program. Processing time is longer than for PNPs and there are a number of criteria to meet. You must already have "business experience" in a qualifying business and be planning to start a business in Canada. You also have to undertake to employ at least one Canadian (other than yourself) for at least a year in your new business in Canada.

For certain categories of people who wish to be self-employed in Canada there is a federal Self-Employed program that caters to people who are engaged in athletics, cultural activities, or management of a farm. "Cultural Activities" for example encompasses a wide range of creatively talented people from music teachers to interior designers.

Sometime you may even want to get your business going before your permanent resident visas are issued in which case we can help you make a case for a temporary work permit by demonstrating that you either have the support of the Province or that you will generate a "significant benefit" to Canada.

In addition to helping you chose the right route for entry into Canada, we can provide a range of support services and introductions to help get your business venture off the ground. Click her for more information.

Starting a Business in Canada

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