Canada's Start-up Visa Program
Canada’s Start-up Visa Program offers Canadian Permanent Residence to immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build a business in Canada. The program targets companies that are innovative, can create jobs for Canadians, and can compete on a global scale. If you have an innovative business, you may be able to immigrate to Canada.
Are you eligible for the Start-up Visa Program?
To be eligible for the Start-up Visa Program, you must:
- Have a qualifying business
- Get a Letter of Support from a designated organization
- Meet the language requirements
- Bring enough money to settle
Learn more about requirements and how to apply to Canada’s Start-up Visa Program.
What is Innovation Factory’s role?
Innovation Factory is a business accelerator supporting Ontario’s Brant, Halton, Hamilton and Norfolk regions. We provide innovative companies with expert advice, mentorship, training, workshops, and connections to resources, funding, and partners. Our services help companies like yours to bring disruptive technologies to market, leverage intellectual property, increase revenue, attract investment, and create jobs.
Innovation Factory is recognized as a designated organization that is approved to support start-ups through the Start-up Visa Program. We review submitted proposals and assess whether your business has the potential to succeed. If we choose to support your business, we will issue a Letter of Support.
Runway by Innovation Factory
The Runway Accelerator is a six-month comprehensive program that aims to assess, select, and support start-ups as they work through the Start-up Visa Program. Companies accepted into this program receive customized services and resources that help them set their business up for success in Canada, along with a Letter of Support.
These services and resources include, but are not limited to:
- Access to expert advisors for coaching and mentoring
- Designated Innovation Advisor to assist in navigating our resources
- Virtual webinars and workshops
- Partner introductions and networking opportunities
- Up to six months of office space in Hamilton, Ontario
How does the Runway accelerator work?
To be accepted into the Runway Accelerator, your business must meet the eligibility requirements established by the Start-up Visa Program. We encourage all interested businesses to review these requirements prior to applying to the Runway Accelerator program. Your business must also meet our own program eligibility requirements.
Please note that applying for the Runway Accelerator does not initiate your application for Canada’s Start-up Visa Program. You must apply to Canada’s Start-up Visa Program separately.
We understand you have a lot to consider. Connect with us to find out how Runway by Innovation Factory can support your business.
