Serious Business Owners.
Serious Opportunity.
British Columbia's Entrepreneur Base Stream is for experienced business owners and senior managers ready to establish or acquire a business in BC.
If you have capital, proven management experience, and a solid business plan, this is one of Canada's most established pathways to PR through entrepreneurship.
What is the BC Entrepreneur Stream?
The OG Provincial entrepreneur program
BC's Entrepreneur Immigration Stream is one of Canada's longest-running and most competitive provincial business immigration programs.
It's points-based, selective, and designed for people who've already proven they can run businesses successfully.
Here's what BC wants:
Experienced entrepreneurs or senior executives who will establish or buy businesses that:
Create jobs for Canadians
Contribute to BC's economy
Actively involve the owner in day-to-day management
Operate in eligible business sectors
Eligibility Checklist
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Minimum $600,000 CAD personal net worth
Must be legally obtained and fully verifiable
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Minimum 3 years as active business owner-manager (owning 33%+ equity), OR
Minimum 4 years as senior manager in the past 10 years
Must demonstrate strategic decision-making authority
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Minimum $200,000 investment in your BC business
Higher investment if acquiring existing business
Must invest within municipalities eligible under Base Stream (excludes Regional Pilot communities)
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Create at least 1 new full-time job for Canadian citizen or PR holder
More jobs = higher competitiveness in selection
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CLB 4 minimum (approximately IELTS 4.0)
Higher scores improve competitiveness
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Must be physically present in BC and actively managing daily operations
Part-time or passive involvement doesn't qualify
Why British Columbia?
Pacific Gateway
Strategic access to Asia-Pacific markets. Vancouver is Canada's gateway to international trade, particularly with Asia.
Business Infrastructure
Sophisticated business services, legal/accounting expertise, banking relationships, and supply chain access for most industries.
Mature Tech Ecosystem
Vancouver and Victoria are established tech hubs with deep talent pools, active VC scene, and proven exit track record.
Quality of Life
Consistently ranked among the world's most livable cities. mild climate, mountains, ocean, outdoor recreation, and multicultural communities.
Business Requirements
Eligible Sectors (Most Common)
Professional Services
Technology & Software
Retail (with restrictions)
Food Services & Hospitality
Health Services
Manufacturing
Tourism
Ineligible Businesses
Home-based businesses
Bed and breakfasts
Real estate brokerage or development
Insurance brokerage
Payday loan businesses
Independent consultancies where owner is sole employee
Key Criteria:
Business must be viable and generate sufficient income to support owner
Must demonstrate market demand and competitive advantage
Should contribute to BC's economic priorities
Must create meaningful employment for residents
How CI Ventures Supports You
Scoring high requires more than just meeting minimums. You need to prove your business will succeed and contribute to their economy.
Market Research & Validation
Pressure-test your concept for the Canadian market. Customer research, competitive analysis, regulatory requirements.
Business Plan Development
Build a comprehensive plan that meets provincial criteria and shows real viability. Financials, operations, hiring roadmap.
Financial Modeling
3-5 year projections with cash flow, P&L, break-even analysis, and sensitivity scenarios that satisfy application requirements.
Application Support
Documentation, package assembly, performance agreement preparation, and submission support from people who know the process.
Post-Approval Operations
Help setting up on the ground. incorporation, banking, hiring, compliance. we don't disappear after approval.
Performance Monitoring
Track your progress against performance agreements. Course corrections, reporting support, milestone documentation.
FAQs
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Yes. Many applicants acquire established businesses. You must still meet investment minimums and create at least one new job.
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No. BC accepts a wide range of business types as long as they're viable, create jobs, and contribute economically.
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No, you must be physically present in BC and actively involved in daily operations. Remote management doesn't qualify.
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Work on improving it before submitting, or consider other provinces with lower competition (Alberta FGES, Nova Scotia).
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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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BC doesn't publish specific rates, but well-prepared applications with strong business plans and clean documentation have high success rates.
Ready to make BC your
business home?
The BC Entrepreneur Stream is competitive but proven. If you have the experience, capital, and commitment, we'll help you build an application that stands out.
BC wants serious entrepreneurs who will contribute for the long term. If that's you, let's build your pathway.
Provinces We Support
British Columbia
Entrepreneur Base Stream
For: Recent graduates with business ideas
Investment: $100K+ (varies by region)
Special: Endorsement from designated incubator
Alberta
Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
For: Experienced business owners and managers
Investment: $200K minimum
Special: Points-based competitive selection
Nova Scotia
Entrepreneur Stream
For: Proven entrepreneurs ready to relocate
Investment: $150K minimum
Special: Lower costs outside Halifax