Launch Your Startup in Canada
Turn your dreams of building a startup in Canada from ethereal possibility to the precision of a well-planned canvas. Think of Canada’s Startup Visa (SUV) Program as your gateway—a carefully etched line leading to the rich tapestry of Canada's burgeoning startup ecosystem.
We're your curators in this venture, offering a palette of expert guidance, legal assistance, and mentorship. Together, we'll ensure your journey is as streamlined as minimalist geometries, while your business idea retains the expansive wonder of surrealist landscapes.
Government of Canada
Designated Entity for Prioritized Processing
We have worked closely with our partner designated entity, Canadian International Angel Investors, and the Government of Canada to facilitate the successful journey to Canada for hundreds of entrepreneurs and startups.
With financing and ongoing support from preparing your application for submission, throughout application processing, and after you land in Canada - it is no wonder that hundreds of startups have chosen CI Ventures for their journey to a new landscape.
Learn more about Canada’s Start-Up Visa program and our priority processing here.
What is Canada’s
Start-Up Visa (SUV) program?
Canada's Start-Up Visa Program is an immigration pathway designed to attract innovative entrepreneurs from around the world to establish their startups in Canada. The program aims to facilitate the growth of Canada's economy by attracting talent that can drive competitiveness in a global market. Unlike traditional immigration pathways, this program specifically targets entrepreneurs who have the skills and potential to build businesses that are:
Innovative
Can create jobs for Canadians
Can compete on a global scale
To be eligible, applicants generally need to:
Have a qualifying business
Get a letter of support from a designated organization (venture capital funds, angel investor groups, or business incubators)
Meet language requirements (English or French)
Bring sufficient settlement funds to establish their life in Canada
Once approved, the entrepreneurs (along with their family members) are granted permanent residence in Canada with the condition that they actively and on an ongoing basis, manage their business in Canada. It's a forward-thinking program meant to make Canada a global hub for high-growth companies and entrepreneurial talent.
Why Canada?
Canada offers several advantages that make it an attractive location for entrepreneurs to launch their startups. Here are some key reasons:
Strong Ecosystem for Startups
Canada has a rapidly growing startup ecosystem, complete with a wide range of incubators, accelerators, and venture capital firms willing to invest in promising businesses. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver are becoming known as tech hubs, offering networking opportunities and community support.
Talent Pool
Canada's educational institutions are among the best in the world, producing a highly-skilled workforce.
Quality of Life
Canada ranks highly on various global indices for quality of life, including healthcare, education, and safety. A high standard of living can make it easier to attract and retain talent.
R&D Incentives
Canada offers generous research and development tax credits, which can be particularly beneficial for tech startups and other companies that require heavy upfront investment in R&D.
Trade Agreements
Being part of NAFTA and other trade agreements provides Canadian businesses with preferential access to important markets.
Multiculturalism
Canada's multicultural society is not just an ethical or aesthetic benefit—it's also good for business. A diverse society can help entrepreneurs think globally and appeal to international markets.
Lower Business Costs
Compared to cities like San Francisco and New York, Canadian cities often have lower operating costs, including real estate and salaries, making it a cost-effective place to launch a startup.
Government Support
There are various government grants, loans, and other financial resources available to startups, particularly in sectors that Canada is keen to develop, like clean technology, agriculture, and natural resources.
For these reasons and more, Canada is considered an excellent choice for entrepreneurs looking to start a new venture.
Who Can Apply?
Canada’s Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that:
are innovative
can create jobs for Canadians
can compete on a global scale
To be eligible for the Start-Up Visa you must have a qualifying business and meet the language and financial requirements to settle in Canada.