Recent graduate?
Launch your startup in Alberta.
The Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (FGES) is for international graduates who want to start innovative businesses in Alberta.
If you are a recent graduate, have entrepreneurial drive, and can secure incubator backing, this program offers a direct path to PR while building your company.
What is FGES?
Built for graduates who want to build
FGES is Alberta's pathway for recent international graduates to launch innovative, scalable businesses. Unlike traditional PNPs, you don't need years of business ownership or massive capital, but you do need:
A degree or diploma from the past 10 years;
A viable business concept with growth potential;
Endorsement from a designated Alberta incubator or accelerator;
The ability to invest $100K+ into your business
Eligibility Checklist
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Graduated from a recognized post-secondary institution outside of Canada within the past 10 years
Minimum 2-year degree or diploma
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Minimum 6 months of business ownership OR management experience
Can include experience gained during or after studies
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CLB 5 or higher in English or French
Approximately IELTS 5.0
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Minimum $100K investment in your Alberta business
Rural areas may have different thresholds
Must demonstrate source of funds
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Letter of support from an AAIP-designated incubator or accelerator
They evaluate your business model, team, and market potential
Why Alberta?
Growing Tech Ecosystem
Calgary and Edmonton are emerging tech hubs with growing startup communities, lower competition than Toronto/Vancouver, and strong support infrastructure.
Tax Advantages
Alberta has no provincial sales tax and competitive corporate tax rates. More of your revenue stays in your business.
Lower Cost of Operations
Office space, salaries, and living costs are significantly lower than Toronto or Vancouver. Your runway goes further.
Quality of Life
Mountains, national parks, and outdoor recreation within driving distance. affordable housing and high standard of living.
Business Requirements
Innovative & Scalable
Your business should have potential to scale beyond local markets. technology, software, cleantech, and knowledge-based sectors are priorities.
Economically Viable
Strong business model with clear path to profitability. must demonstrate market demand and competitive advantage.
Priority Sectors in Alberta
Technology & Software
Cleantech & Renewable Energy
Agricultural Technology
Health Technology
Advanced Manufacturing
AI & Machine Learning
Original Concept
Must be your own business idea, not a franchise or passive investment. you're building something new.
Job Creation Potential
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
How CI Ventures Supports You
Getting incubator endorsement isn't automatic. Designated incubators are selective. They want businesses that will succeed and reflect well on their program.
Business Concept Validation
Pressure-test your idea against Alberta market realities. customer research, competitive analysis, regulatory scan.
Business Model Design
Workshop your value proposition, revenue model, unit economics, and cost structure into a defensible, scalable plan.
Financial Modeling
Build 3-5 year projections with realistic assumptions, sensitivity analysis, and clear path to profitability.
Pitch Deck & Materials
Create compelling pitch materials that communicate your vision, traction, and market opportunity to incubators.
Incubator Application Support
Help prepare applications, practice pitches, and position your venture for endorsement.
Performance Roadmap
Develop detailed milestone plan covering investment deployment, hiring, revenue targets, and operational benchmarks.
Post-Approval Operations
Support with incorporation, business setup, hiring, compliance, and ongoing performance tracking.
FAQs
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No, your graduation must be within the past decade. Consider SUV, BC, or Nova Scotia entrepreneur streams instead.
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Not for the initial application, but you must be prepared to relocate and operate your business full-time in Alberta once approved.
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Yes, your spouse can apply for an open work permit once you receive your entrepreneur work permit.
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Minor pivots may be acceptable if you communicate with AAIP and your designated incubator. Major changes could jeopardize your nomination.
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Your work permit is tied to your business. You must be actively managing and working in your own company full-time.
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You're free to live and work anywhere in Canada, though maintaining your Alberta business demonstrates commitment.
Ready to build here?
FGES could be your path. Book a consultation and we’ll assess your eligibility, review your business proposal, and map out the endorsement strategy.
FGES is competitive, but if you’ve got the education, the idea, and the drive, Alberta wants you to build here.