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Business & Investment

Several Canadian programs target entrepreneurs and investors. The federal Start-Up Visa, the Self-Employed Persons Program, the C11 entrepreneur work permit, and most provincial entrepreneur streams cover the field. Quebec runs its own separate investor and entrepreneur programs.

What this section covers

  • Start-Up Visa (SUV) — designated organizations, support letters, $200K VC / $75K angel thresholds
  • Self-Employed Persons Program — cultural and athletic activities
  • C11 entrepreneur work permit
  • Quebec Entrepreneur and Investor programs (current status)
  • Provincial entrepreneur streams: MPNP BIP, SINP Entrepreneur, BC EI, AAIP Business, NB Entrepreneurial, NL IE, PEI WIS, NS Entrepreneur, OINP Entrepreneur
  • Net-worth and investment requirements by stream
  • Business plan and feasibility-study requirements

Latest in Business & Investment

7 articles

C11 work permit for entrepreneurs 2026: significant benefit explained

Guide to C11 work permit for entrepreneurs in Canada

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Self-employed persons program Canada 2026: who qualifies

Guide to the Self-employed Persons Program in Canada, including eligibility criteria and application process

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Start-up visa Canada 2026: designated organizations list, full

The 2026 list of designated organizations for Canada's Start-up Visa — venture capital funds, angel investors, and incubators authorized to issue letters of support, how to approach them, and what applicants need to know about processing times and common mistakes.

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Ontario's redesigned Entrepreneur stream 2026: what we know

Ontario proposed a redesigned Entrepreneur stream in Dec 2025 for new or acquired businesses, but no investment minimums, launch date, or final criteria are confirmed as of June 2026.

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Planning Canada PR? Ontario has closed its most popular immigration…

Ontario has closed its two most popular immigration streams — the Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills and Employer Job Offer: International Student categories — effective immediately, [as reported by Business Standard](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMi1wFBVV95cUxNbzg0S0w

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Starting a Small Business in Canada as a Newcomer: 5 Steps From Legal…

Newcomers planning to launch a small business in Canada must first confirm their legal eligibility to operate, according to [guidance published by CIC News](https://www.cicnews.com/2026/05/starting-a-small-business-in-canada-as-a-newcomer-5-steps-from-legal-eligibility-and-regist

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Canadian Start-up Visa Program: Permanent Residence for Innovative Entrepreneurs

The Start-up Visa (SUV) Program grants permanent residence to entrepreneurs whose businesses are backed by a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. Recent changes have introduced application caps and extended processing times.

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Frequently asked questions

How much do I need to invest in the Start-Up Visa?

There's no fixed personal investment from the applicant. The applicant needs a qualifying commitment from a designated organization: a minimum CAD $200,000 from a designated venture-capital fund, $75,000 from a designated angel investor group, or acceptance into a designated business incubator (no investment required).

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