Quebec Entrepreneur Program
The Quebec Entrepreneur Program is tailored for immigrant managers aspiring to establish a new venture or take over and manage an existing business within the province of Quebec. Successful candidates are granted the opportunity to immigrate to Quebec and pursue their entrepreneurial endeavors.
Candidates are required to oversee the business’s activities under one of the following project categories:
- Innovative Company
- Business Startup
- Business Takeover
Stream 1:
To qualify, candidates must be Quebec residents and establish a business endorsed by a service provided by a business accelerator, business incubator, or university entrepreneurship center. These entities offer vital support services for entrepreneurs, particularly in securing funding for innovative business projects.
- Business Accelerator: Quebec-based organizations offering support services, with a focus on securing funding for projects centered on innovative business development.
Business Incubator: Organizations in Quebec providing support services for entrepreneurs aiming to establish innovative businesses.
- University Entrepreneurship Center: Centers operated by Quebec university institutions offering coaching services for entrepreneurs.
Candidates must submit a comprehensive business plan and fulfill all specified eligibility criteria listed on the website of the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion du Québec (MIDI).
Stream 2:
Candidates residing in Quebec seeking to establish a new enterprise or acquire an existing one are eligible for this program. Approved candidates must submit two financial payments as part of their application process:
- Security Deposit: A refundable security deposit of CAD $200,000 to ensure business establishment, returned upon successful plan implementation.
- Startup Fund: CAD $300,000 for enterprises in Montreal, and CAD $200,000 for those outside Montreal.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including:
- Possession of at least CAD 900,000 in legitimate net assets, including jointly held assets with a spouse or common-law partner.
- Submission of a comprehensive business plan.
- For starting a new business, candidates must maintain ownership and control over at least 25% of the equity capital, while acquiring an existing business requires ownership and control over at least 51% of the equity capital.
Prohibited Activities:
Business activities such as payday loans, cheque cashing, pawnbroking, real estate development, real estate or insurance brokerage, or production/distribution/sales of pornographic or sexually explicit materials or services are prohibited.
Operational Business:
In cases of business acquisition, the business must have been operational within the five years preceding the application.
