Immigrant Entrepreneurs Set to Shape Canada’s Economic Future

Immigrant entrepreneurship is poised to become a defining feature of Canada’s economy over the next decade. By 2034, immigrants are expected to represent more than 40 percent of all entrepreneurs in Canada, up from approximately 34 percent in 2024, according to projections based on national data and demographic trends.

This shift is being driven by several forces. Canada’s population is aging, increasing the need for new business creation to sustain economic growth. At the same time, immigration continues to be the country’s primary source of population and workforce growth. Many newcomers arrive with higher levels of education, international experience, and a strong interest in entrepreneurship, often viewing business ownership as a pathway to economic mobility and integration.

Already, immigrant entrepreneurs play an outsized role in launching new businesses, creating jobs, and introducing innovation across sectors ranging from technology and manufacturing to retail and professional services. As their share of the entrepreneurial population continues to rise, their impact on productivity, competitiveness, and regional development will grow with it.

These projections make one thing clear: immigrant entrepreneurship is no longer a niche phenomenon. It is becoming a central pillar of Canada’s future economic structure. How effectively governments, investors, and institutions understand and support this trend today will help determine how competitive and resilient Canada’s economy becomes tomorrow.