Lower costs. Ocean views.

Real opportunity.

Nova Scotia's Entrepreneur Stream offers one of Canada's most accessible provincial pathways for business owners ready to establish operations on Canada's East Coast.

If you value quality of life, lower business costs, and community-focused growth, Nova Scotia could be your move.

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What is the Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream?

Atlantic Canada’s business gateway

The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream (NSNP) is designed for experienced business owners and managers who want to start or buy a business in Nova Scotia.

Lower barriers to entry than BC or Ontario programs. Lower investment minimums. Lower cost of living and business operations.

But make no mistake - NS wants serious commitment. You need to show up, operate the business actively, and contribute to the local economy.

What NS offers in return:

  • Permanent Residency pathway

  • Access to Atlantic Canada's growing economy

  • Quality of life that's hard to beat

  • Strong community support for new businesses

  • Strategic gateway to US markets

Eligibility Checklist

    • Minimum 21 years old

    • No maximum age limit

    • $600,000 CAD minimum for Halifax Regional Municipality

    • $400,000 CAD minimum outside Halifax

    • Must be legally obtained and verifiable

    • Minimum 3 years as active business owner with management responsibilities, OR

    • Minimum 5 years as senior manager in the past 10 years

    • Must demonstrate hands-on operational experience

    • Halifax Regional Municipality: $300,000 minimum

    • Outside Halifax: $150,000 minimum

    • Investment must be made in your NS business

    • CLB 5 minimum in English or French

    • Approximately IELTS 5.0

    • Demonstrate ability to conduct business in Canada

    • Create at least 1 full-time job for Canadian citizen or permanent resident

    • Job must be maintained throughout performance period

    • Must reside in Nova Scotia and actively manage daily business operations

    • This is not a passive investment program

Why Nova Scotia?

Lowest Entry Barrier

$150K minimum investment outside Halifax - the most accessible provincial program in Canada. Lower net worth requirements than BC or Alberta.

Atlantic Advantage

Strategic location on Canada’s East Coast. Close time zones with Europe. Growing economy with government commitment to attract entrepreneurs.

Business-Friendly Costs

Lower commercial rents, competitive wages, and affordable operating costs. Your capital goes further here than Toronto or Vancouver.

Quality of Life

Ocean coastline, historic cities, tight-knit communities. Affordable real estate. High standard of living. Top-rated education and healthcare.

Business Requirements

Eligible Sectors

  • Professional services

  • Technology and software

  • Manufacturing

  • Food services and hospitality

  • Retail (with viability demonstrated)

  • Healthcare and wellness

  • Tourism and recreation

  • Agriculture and aquaculture

Ineligible Sectors

  • Home-based businesses (exceptions for professional services)

  • Franchises (limited acceptance)

  • Passive real estate investment

  • Speculation or brokerage without operational component

How CI Ventures Supports You

NSNP is competitive. Your business plan needs to demonstrate real viability, community contribution, and commitment.

Market Validation & Research

Analyze Nova Scotia market conditions, customer demand, competitive landscape, and location-specific opportunities.

Business Plan Development

Create comprehensive plans addressing NSNP criteria - economic contribution, job creation, viability, and owner involvement.

Financial Modeling

Build detailed 3-5 year projections with realistic Nova Scotia cost assumptions, revenue models, and sensitivity analysis.

EOI Optimization

Position your profile competitively with clear articulation of business concept, experience, and community contribution.

Performance Agreement Planning

Develop achievable milestone roadmap covering investment deployment, hiring, revenue targets, and operational benchmarks.

Documentation & Assembly

Prepare all required materials, supporting evidence, and compliance documents for submission.

Post-Approval Setup

Support with relocation, incorporation, business setup, hiring, banking, and ongoing performance monitoring.

FAQs

  • Yes, many successful NSNP applicants acquire established businesses. Must still meet investment and job creation requirements.

  • Moderately competitive. Strong business plans with clear economic contribution and experienced applicants have good success rates.

  • If your business is inherently seasonal (tourism, agriculture), yes. You must demonstrate year-round residency and economic viability.

  • Once you have PR, you have mobility rights across Canada. Many entrepreneurs maintain NS operations while expanding elsewhere.

  • You have a timeline to meet hiring requirements (typically within 12-18 months). Immediate hiring isn't required but strengthens your case.

  • Your spouse can apply for an open work permit. They can work anywhere while you operate your business.

Ready to build your future on Canada’s East Coast?

Nova Scotia offers one of Canada's most accessible pathways for entrepreneurs. If you have the experience, capital, and commitment, we'll help you navigate NSNP successfully.

Nova Scotia wants entrepreneurs who will contribute for the long term. Lower barriers, strong communities, and real opportunity.

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