Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa
Last Update: January 24, 2025
Niagara, ON
Establish your start-up in Canada with Innovate Niagara's support
Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa 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
Grant Providers
- Innovate Niagara
Status
Open
Overview of the Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa program
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.
Eligible projects & activities
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 criteria of the Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa program
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.
Eligibility criteria of the Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa program
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 to the Innovate Niagara — Start-up Visa program
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).
2
First Interview
- Present your start-up idea to Innovate Niagara.
- Conduct the first interview and present your pitch.
3
Second Interview
- Provide a detailed presentation and demonstration of your business.
- Conduct a more in-depth presentation during the second interview.
4
Weekly Webinars
- Participate in weekly webinars via Zoom.
- Engage in Q&A sessions to learn about the Start-Up Visa ecosystem.
5
In-Principle Approval & Due Diligence
- Complete due diligence processes.
- Receive a letter of approval indicating acceptance into the program.
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.
7
Permanent Residency & Work Permit
- Apply for permanent residency and/or a work permit.
- Work with Adapt Immigration Inc. to submit the application.
8
Progress Reporting
- Document and report the progress of your start-up regularly.
- Conduct monthly check-ins and provide official reports.
9
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.
Contact Innovate Niagara
(905) 685-3460