Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa

Q: How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is 2024-11-30T00:00:00Z.

Q: Is the Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa?

Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa is funded by Innovate Niagara

Q: Who is eligible for the Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa program?

To be eligible for the Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa program, you must: • The business must be in the tech industry. • The business should be in the growth stage with a minimum of $CAD 150,000 in revenue over the past two years. • The applicant must own the intellectual property for their product.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa?

You can contact Innovate Niagara or by phone at (905) 685-3460.

Q: Where is the Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa available?

The Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa program is available the province of ON.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Niagara, ON

Establish your start-up in Canada with Innovate Niagara's support

At a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Open Date : November 15, 2024
Closing date : November 30, 2024

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Information and cultural industries

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

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.

Activities funded

The Start-Up Visa Program facilitated by Innovate Niagara is tailored to support innovative tech start-ups seeking to establish themselves in Canada. This program is geared towards companies that aim to scale their business while leveraging Canadian market opportunities.

Participation in weekly educational webinars on the Start-Up Visa ecosystem.
Development of a business for technology-based products or services.
Engagement in mentorship and training programs provided by Innovate Niagara.
Creation of progress reports and monthly updates to document business development.
Application for permanent residency and work permit as part of business integration in Canada.

Eligibility

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.

Who is eligible?

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.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is targeted at supporting innovative companies specifically within Ontario's Niagara region. Innovate Niagara offers dedicated resources to businesses establishing themselves in this geographic area.

Companies located in the Niagara region of Ontario, Canada.

Selection 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.

How to apply

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).

First Interview

Present your start-up idea to Innovate Niagara.
Conduct the first interview and present your pitch.

Second Interview

Provide a detailed presentation and demonstration of your business.
Conduct a more in-depth presentation during the second interview.

Weekly Webinars

Participate in weekly webinars via Zoom.
Engage in Q&A sessions to learn about the Start-Up Visa ecosystem.

In-Principle Approval & Due Diligence

Complete due diligence processes.
Receive a letter of approval indicating acceptance into the program.

Commitment Certificate & Letter of Support

Confirm your acceptance into the Start-Up Visa Program.
Issuance of a Commitment Certificate and a Letter of Support.

Permanent Residency & Work Permit

Apply for permanent residency and/or a work permit.
Work with Adapt Immigration Inc. to submit the application.

Progress Reporting

Document and report the progress of your start-up regularly.
Conduct monthly check-ins and provide official reports.

Post-Landing Support

Receive assistance with settlement and business integration in Canada.
Access settlement services and help with setting up your business.

Additional information

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.

Contacts

(905) 685-3460

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.