Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa
grant_single|update January 24, 2025
Niagara, ON
Establish your start-up in Canada with Innovate Niagara's support
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDate September 30, 2024
- grant_single|closingDate October 15, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
grant_single|grantors
- Innovate Niagara
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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 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.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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 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.
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.
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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.
grant_single_labels|contact
(905) 685-3460