The Canada entrepreneur program you’ve heard about (the old federal Entrepreneur Program) ended in 2014. Today, business‑minded applicants usually choose one of 2 routes:
- Start‑Up Visa (SUV): for innovative founders
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) entrepreneur stream: to buy or start a local business. This isn’t legal advice; policies change. Check official sources or consult a licensed professional.
Snapshot
- Eligibility: SUV = innovative founders with a letter of support; PNP = buyers/starters of a real local business.
- Key steps: Pick SUV or PNP → secure support or register EOI → apply (work permit or PR) → run the business → apply for PR when you meet rules.
- Typical timelines: Work permits and PR vary by stream and country of residence. Always check IRCC’s current processing times.
- Core documents: Business plan, proof of funds (SUV settlement funds table), identity/civil docs, language test (SUV CLB 5), police checks, medicals.
- Fees: Government fees, biometrics, and (for some streams) provincial fees.
- Next step: Book a free assessment, we’ll map the fastest, lowest‑risk path for your case.
your 5‑step path
| Step | What it is | How long | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Choose a route | SUV (innovative) or PNP (buy/start) | 1–2 weeks [VERIFY] | Goals, budget, sector |
| 2. Secure support | SUV letter of support or PNP EOI/registration | 2–12+ weeks [VERIFY] | Pitch, plan, documents |
| 3. Apply | Work permit or PR | Varies by stream [VERIFY] | Forms, fees, biometrics |
| 4. Operate | Run the business in Canada | Ongoing | Payroll, taxes, contracts |
| 5. Get PR | When program targets are met | Program‑specific [VERIFY] | Proof you met conditions |
Is there still a “Canada Entrepreneur Program”?
No. The federal Entrepreneur Program was terminated on June 19, 2014 under the Economic Action Plan 2014 Act (Bill C‑31). Files without a selection decision by Feb 11, 2014 were closed and fees were to be returned.
What that means today: If you’re an entrepreneur, you’ll usually pick Start‑Up Visa or a PNP entrepreneur stream depending on whether you’re building something innovative or buying/starting a local business.
Option 1: StartUp Visa (SUV)
Direct PR for innovative founders
Who it’s for: Founders whose businesses are innovative, can create jobs, and can compete globally (outside Québec). You must have support from a designated organization (VC, angel, or incubator).
Requirements and numbers (plain English):
- Letter of support from a designated organization. Minimum $200,000 (VC) or $75,000 (angel); no cash minimum if an approved incubator accepts you.
- Language: CLB 5 in English or French (approved tests only).
- Settlement funds (updated July 29, 2025): e.g., 1 person $15,263; 2 people $19,001; 3 people $23,360; 4 people $28,362. (See full table.)
- Team: Up to five owners can apply together as a group.
- Work while you wait: Optional open work permit (up to 3 years) for SUV applicants, effective for new apps from Oct 3, 2024.
2024–2026 program management (to reduce wait times):
- IRCC prioritizes files supported by VC/angel capital and incubators in Canada’s Tech Network.
- Cap: IRCC will consider only 10 complete group applications per designated organization per calendar year until Dec 31, 2026 (first‑come, first‑served).
An example: Lina pitched an incubator, received a letter of support, and filed for PR under SUV. She used the open work permit to move early and start building with local mentors.
Option 2: PNP Entrepreneur Streams
Buy or start a business, then PR
Every province runs its own entrepreneur stream with its own investment, net‑worth, and job‑creation rules. The usual model: EOI → invite → work permit → performance agreement → nomination → PR (after you hit the targets) [VERIFY].
- British Columbia (BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration): Active streams with current guides on WelcomeBC; pages show last updates on Sept 10, 2025.
- Manitoba (MPNP Business Investor/Entrepreneur Pathway): Manitoba removed the old $100,000 deposit; applicants sign a business performance agreement instead.
- Ontario (OINP) Entrepreneur Stream: Closed on Nov 4, 2024; in‑process files continue under updated regulations.
Micro‑example: Amit and Sana bought a corner grocery in Manitoba through the entrepreneur pathway. They focused on steady payroll and local sourcing to meet nomination targets.
Tiny Glossary
- Designated organization (SUV): Approved VC, angel group, or incubator that can support your start‑up and issue a letter of support.
- CLB 5: A basic language level for listening, reading, writing, speaking (SUV requirement).
- EOI (Expression of Interest): Pre‑application profile used by many PNPs.
- Open work permit (SUV): Lets you build your start‑up (and, if needed, work elsewhere) while PR is processing.
Who’s Eligible and What Proof Helps?
SUV (direct PR): Innovative idea, letter of support, CLB 5, settlement funds, and a team of up to five if needed. Keep bank letters recent and clean
PNP entrepreneur (two‑step PR): Realistic business plan, enough capital to buy/start, language as required by the province, and a plan to meet your performance agreement.
Practical Tips That Save Months
- Pick the right lane: Innovative tech/service? Consider SUV. Buying a bakery, café, or logistics shop? Likely PNP entrepreneur.
- Quality over quantity: For SUV, study which designated orgs fund your sector and stage; don’t shotgun pitch.
- Track evidence: Contracts, payroll, tax filings, and local partnerships show real activity, key for PNP nomination or later PR.
- Timelines change: Always check IRCC’s current processing‑time pages before you plan travel or spending.
✅ Real‑life snapshots
- Lina, AI founder: Letter of support → SUV PR file in → open work permit to move and hire a part‑time dev.
- Amit & Sana, buyers: Acquired a small Manitoba grocery, met job targets, and moved toward nomination.
- Marco & Leena, bakery owners: Registered in B.C., signed a performance agreement, and hit their sales and hiring milestones.
FAQs
No. The federal Entrepreneur Program ended when Bill C‑31 became law on June 19, 2014. Files without a selection decision by Feb 11, 2014 were terminated and fees were to be returned.
SUV gives direct PR if you have a letter of support from a designated org and meet language and funds rules. PNP entrepreneur streams usually give a work permit first; you run the business, meet your performance agreement, then the province may nominate you for PR.
For support, either a $200,000 VC investment or $75,000 angel investment,
or incubator acceptance (no set cash minimum). You must also show settlement funds (for example, 1 person $15,263; 2 people $19,001; 3 people $23,360; 4 people $28,362 as of July 29, 2025).
Often yes. There’s an optional open work permit for up to 3 years so you can build the business (and, if needed, work elsewhere). Applies to new SUV work‑permit applications from Oct 3, 2024 onward.
Up to five owners can apply as one group. Designated organizations may mark some team members as “essential.”
No. Ontario closed its OINP Entrepreneur Stream on Nov 4, 2024. In‑process files continue under updated regulations.
B.C. publishes current entrepreneur guides and continues to invite candidates. Manitoba runs an Entrepreneur Pathway and removed the old $100k deposit in favor of a performance agreement. Always check the latest provincial guide before you plan.
