The Quebec Entrepreneur Program offers a pathway to permanent residency in Canada for qualified individuals who possess the skills and desire to start or take over a business in the province of Quebec. This program seeks entrepreneurs with a strong business plan and the commitment to contribute to Quebec’s economic development.
Quebec Entrepreneur Program Requirements
Eligibility:
To qualify for Stream 1 of the Quebec
Entrepreneur Program, you must meet the following criteria:
●
Reside
in Quebec: You must settle in Quebec and establish your business there.
●
Start
or acquire a business: You can either start a new innovative business
venture or take over an existing one.
●
Partner
with a support organization: Your business must be supported by a service
offer from a qualified organization, such as:
○
Business accelerator:
Provides expert guidance and resources to help grow innovative businesses.
○
Business incubator:
Offers support services to entrepreneurs during the initial stages of building
innovative businesses.
○
University
entrepreneurship center: Provides coaching and resources specifically for
student entrepreneurs within a university setting.
●
Submit
a comprehensive business plan: Your application must include a
detailed plan outlining your business concept, operations, and financial
projections.
●
Fulfill
visa application requirements: You must complete all the necessary
forms and meet the additional requirements outlined by the Ministère de
l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion du Québec (MIDI).
Stream 2: Business Start-up Eligibility Requirements
Residency and Business Ownership:
- To qualify for Stream 2, you must commit to settling in Quebec and actively managing a new or acquired business.
- Successful applicants will be required to make two financial deposits:
- A security deposit of CAD $200,000, which will be refunded upon successful completion of the business plan.
- A startup deposit of CAD $300,000 for businesses in Montreal and CAD $200,000 for businesses outside Montreal, used to establish the business.
Financial Requirements:
- All applicants must demonstrate net assets of at least CAD $900,000, legally acquired. This may include assets belonging to a spouse or common-law partner accompanying the applicant.
Business Plan:
- Submit a comprehensive business plan outlining your venture.
Ownership Requirements:
- For new businesses: own and control at least 25% of the equity capital.
- For acquired businesses: own and control at least 51% of the equity capital.
Restricted Activities:
- Businesses cannot operate in the following industries:
- Payday loans
- Cheque cashing
- Pawnbroking
- Real estate development
- Real estate or insurance brokerage
- Production/distribution/sales of pornographic or sexually explicit products or services
Restricted Activities:
- Businesses cannot operate in the following industries:
- Payday loans
- Cheque cashing
- Pawnbroking
- Real estate development
- Real estate or insurance brokerage
- Production/distribution/sales of pornographic or sexually explicit products or services
Additional Considerations:
- Business history: Acquired businesses must have been operational for at least five years before your application.
- Other factors: Age, language proficiency, education, financial self-sufficiency, previous visits to Quebec, family ties in Quebec, and relevant training background may also be considered.
Application Process:
Submit your application through a detailed business plan, including all required forms and documents listed on the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion du Québec (MIDI) website.