How much funding can be received?

The Innovate Niagara's Start-Up Visa Program provides a gateway for tech industry start-ups to establish themselves in Canada, with support including mentorship, training, and the issuance of a Letter of Support, which is essential for the visa application. The program requires a minimum of $150,000 in revenue over the past two years, and the total minimum cost for two founders is $60,000 CAD.

grant_single_labels|projects

The Start-Up Visa Program at Innovate Niagara provides opportunities for innovative tech companies to expand into the Canadian market. The program supports businesses in growth stages by offering essential services and resources.

Access to expert guidance, mentorship, and workshops to refine business models.
Opportunities to secure funding and create strategic partnerships.
Support in maximizing intellectual property and attracting investment.
Facilitation of job creation through business growth in Canada.
Provision of a Letter of Support to bolster Start-Up Visa applications.
Post-landing assistance including settlement services and business integration.
Pre-arrival training covering business practices and living in Canada.

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Eligibility for the Start-Up Visa Program requires meeting several specific criteria related to the business's profile and financials.

Your business must align with the eligibility criteria set by the Canadian Government.
Your product or service must be in the tech industry.
You must secure a Letter of Support from Innovate Niagara or another designated organization.
You must demonstrate proficiency in English or French.
Your business should be in the growth stage with a minimum of $CAD 150,000 in revenue over the past two years.
You must show that you have enough funds to support yourself and your dependents after arriving in Canada.
You must own the intellectual property for your product.

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This program is intended for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to bring their innovative start-up businesses to Canada, specifically to the Niagara region. The eligible applicants are individuals or teams who have a tech-focused business in the growth stage, possessing intellectual property for their product, and have generated at least $150,000 CAD in revenue over the past two years. Additionally, they must demonstrate proficiency in English or French and have sufficient funds to support themselves and any dependents.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant supports businesses aiming to establish or grow in Canada's Niagara Region. The program is specifically designed for innovative companies benefiting from support services in Ontario's Niagara area.

Businesses setting up or expanding within Ontario's Niagara Region.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Start-Up Visa Program at Innovate Niagara focus on assessing the potential of the business to succeed in the Canadian market.

Presentation quality and clarity during first and second interviews.
Demonstration of innovative technology or service in the tech industry.
Growth potential and scalability of the business model.
Capability and expertise of the founding team.
Alignment with Innovate Niagara's goals and Canadian market needs.
Soundness of financial projections and revenue model.
Overall potential to attract investment and create jobs in Canada.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for the Start-Up Visa Program at Innovate Niagara:

Step 1: Screening Interview
Complete an initial screening interview to check immigration eligibility.
Meet with a start-up visa specialist and a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).
Step 2: First Interview
Present your start-up idea to Innovate Niagara.
Conduct the first interview and present your pitch.
Step 3: Second Interview
Provide a detailed presentation and demonstration of your business.
Conduct a more in-depth presentation during the second interview.
Step 4: Weekly Webinars
Participate in weekly webinars via Zoom.
Engage in Q&A sessions to learn about the Start-Up Visa ecosystem.
Step 5: In-Principle Approval & Due Diligence
Complete due diligence processes.
Receive a letter of approval indicating acceptance into the program.
Step 6: Commitment Certificate & Letter of Support
Confirm your acceptance into the Start-Up Visa Program.
Issuance of a Commitment Certificate and a Letter of Support.
Step 7: Permanent Residency & Work Permit
Apply for permanent residency and/or a work permit.
Work with Adapt Immigration Inc. to submit the application.
Step 8: Progress Reporting
Document and report the progress of your start-up regularly.
Conduct monthly check-ins and provide official reports.
Step 9: Post-Landing Support
Receive assistance with settlement and business integration in Canada.
Access settlement services and help with setting up your business.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for the Start-Up Visa Program at Innovate Niagara:

The total minimum cost for two founders is CAD $60,000, with an additional CAD $5,000 charged for each additional founder, up to a maximum of five founders.
Immigration consulting fees with Adapt Immigration Inc. are not included in the minimum cost and will be extra.
Applicants will receive pre-arrival online training covering Canadian business practices and settling in Niagara before their arrival.
After arriving on a temporary work visa, participants will have access to desk space at Innovate Niagara, market intelligence, coaching, and concierge services for 12 months.
The program offers multiple support stages including pre-training, cohort field trips, and post-landing business integration services.
Key deadlines for 2024 include application deadlines by September 30th and October 15th for Cohorts 1 and 2, respectively, and acceptance notifications by November 15th.

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(905) 685-3460

Apply to this program

Launch Your Start-Up in Canada with Innovate Niagara's Support

The Start-Up Visa Program facilitated by Innovate Niagara is a golden opportunity for tech-based start-ups aiming to expand into the Canadian market. This program provides essential resources, mentorship, and a pathway to permanent residency in Canada.

Dive Deep into the Start-Up Visa Opportunity with Innovate Niagara

Innovate Niagara is at the forefront of fostering innovation and entrepreneurial growth in the Niagara region, supporting tech-oriented start-ups through the revered Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program. This initiative not only facilitates entry into the Canadian ecosystem but is structured to breed success by aligning businesses with strategic resources, insights, and networks vital for thriving in a new market. With a focus on technology ventures, the program is open to entrepreneurs who possess groundbreaking ideas, backed by ownership of their intellectual property and a proven track record of revenue generation.At its core, Innovate Niagara operates as a designated organization under the Canadian Start-Up Visa Program. The organization holds the authority to issue a crucial "Letter of Support," which is a testament to a start-up's potential and forms an integral part of the visa application. This endorsement is more than just a bureaucratic hurdle; it's an acknowledgment of a venture's potential for innovation and growth within Canada.The program delineates a straightforward yet thorough process, beginning with an initial screening to assess immigration viability and business potential. This preliminary step ensures that only the most promising applications advance, aligning with Canada's strategic interest in nurturing groundbreaking tech innovations that contribute to economic growth and job creation.Following the initial assessment, the application process intensifies with a series of interviews conducted by Innovate Niagara's seasoned specialists. During these stages, start-ups present detailed pitches and demonstrate their technological solutions, ensuring that their offerings are robust and ready for market integration.Crucially, the support from Innovate Niagara extends beyond the visa process. Start-ups are immersed in a comprehensive pre-arrival training program that sets the stage for seamless integration into Canadian life and business culture. This training offers market insights, living guidance, and tailored coaching, cultivating a well-rounded approach to entering the North American market.Once founders arrive in Canada, Innovate Niagara offers dedicated workspace, additional immersion training, and ongoing one-on-one mentorship to ensure that the business can hit the ground running. This kind of support structure is designed to ensure that start-ups not only adapt to their new environment but flourish within it, contributing to the local economy and creating job opportunities.Understanding the financial commitment is also crucial for potential applicants. Innovate Niagara outlines clear cost structures, ensuring transparency and allowing start-ups to adequately prepare for this investment in their North American endeavors. Additional costs for consulting and incremental charges for multiple founders are detailed, providing a comprehensive forecast of the financial layout required for participation.Innovate Niagara's partnership with Adapt Immigration Inc. underscores the commitment to a seamless transition into the Canadian market. Adapt Immigration provides expert advice on the intricacies of Canadian immigration processes, including work permits and permanent residency applications, ensuring that start-ups can focus on their core business ambitions without unnecessary bureaucratic distractions.In summary, the Start-Up Visa Program at Innovate Niagara offers tech entrepreneurs a distinctive pathway to establish their business within Canada. By leveraging Innovate Niagara’s comprehensive support, from the inception of the application process through post-landing business integration, start-ups are well-equipped to thrive in the competitive Canadian tech landscape. This initiative not only helps businesses plant roots in Canada but also enriches the local ecosystem with innovative solutions, driving economic growth and technological progress.