Background

Thriving Entrepreneurial Spirit

The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Canada. Entrepreneurs and small business owners are highly valued in Canada and that is reflected in the over one million small businesses in operation.

The formal steps required in setting up a business will largely be dictated by the province/territory in which the business is established. However, entrepreneurs will need to be familiar with both federal and provincial laws that may impact a business.

Entrepreneurs interested in immigrating to Canada to start a new business may qualify for a business visa if they can demonstrate they have the necessary funds to support themselves during the start up phase of the business, and generally can make an investment in that business of $300,000 to $400,000 CAD.

Several agencies provide assistance to those interested in starting a business in Canada. Industry Canada is responsible for economic development and investment in Canada. Invest in Canada is the federal agency charged with promoting, attracting and retaining foreign direct investment in Canada. Canada Business is the government information service for businesses and start-up entrepreneurs. Additionally, each province/territory operates its own agency overseeing business start up and registration.