How to Set Up Your New Business in Alberta
starting a business in Alberta Checklist
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) offers an Occupation In-Demand stream known as the “Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills.” This stream is designed for skilled foreign workers who have received a job offer in one of the in-demand occupations in Ontario, such as construction, agriculture, trucking, or personal support work. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to become permanent residents of the province.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Alberta provides ample support through the provincial government and Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which collaboratively offers numerous immigration visa pathways tailored for business immigrants aiming to settle in Alberta.
From the Foreign Graduate Start-up Visa Stream to the Rural Entrepreneur Stream, a range of accessible immigration visa options are available. In this guide, we will delve into the process of starting a business in Alberta, Canada, enabling you to seize the abundant business opportunities the province has to offer.
Calling all foreign business graduates eager to establish their venture in Alberta! You’re in luck, as you can now learn how to kick start your business in this dynamic province using a variety of business immigration visa pathways!
Discovering the Best Approaches to Launch Your Business in Alberta
Embarking on the journey of starting your own business in Alberta promises an exhilarating yet challenging experience. With its diverse economy, entrepreneurial culture, and exceptional quality of life, Alberta offers a conducive environment for aspiring entrepreneurs to thrive and succeed.
In this article, we will delve into the various avenues available for you to kickstart your business in Alberta.
Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
The Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (GES) program presents a fantastic opportunity for graduates from eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions to establish their businesses in Alberta. Aimed at enabling talented international graduates possessing the necessary skills and expertise to flourish in the province’s business landscape, the GES opens the doors to their relocation to Alberta.
How to Apply Applying for the Graduate Entrepreneur Stream involves meeting the following criteria:
| Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Education | Have completed a degree or diploma from an eligible Alberta Advanced Education post-secondary institution within the last two years |
| Work permit | Have a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) issued by the IRCC still valid when submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) |
| Language | Have at least a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadiens (NCLC) level of 7 for all language competencies |
| Business Establishment | Own at least 34% of the business |
Once candidates fulfil the eligibility requirements for their chosen program, they are required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). Upon selection of their EOI, applicants can proceed with submitting a comprehensive application. Successful candidates under this program will be granted a 2-year work permit, permitting them to run their businesses in Alberta. The application process for all AAIP streams, except the Start-up Visa program, follows these steps.
Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
The Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (FGES) program presents an opportunity for foreign entrepreneurs to establish their businesses in Alberta. Designed to cater to eligible foreign international graduates equipped with the necessary skills and experience to thrive in Alberta’s business landscape, the FGES offers a pathway to kickstart and operate successful ventures in the province.
How to Apply To apply for the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
| Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Education | Completed a degree with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a post-secondary institution outside of Canada |
| Work Experience | Have at least six months of full-time work experience actively managing or owning the business or equivalent (the equivalent can be work experience with a business incubator or accelerator) |
| Language | Minimum CLB or NCLC level of 5 for all language competencies |
| Business Establishment | Own at least 34% of the business; if the business is situated in an urban area or at least 51% ownership if the business is in a regional area outside of Edmonton or Calgary |
Start-Up Visa Program
The Start-Up Visa program offers a pathway for entrepreneurs to establish their businesses in Canada. This initiative was designed to attract aspiring foreign entrepreneurs who possess the necessary skills and experience to successfully launch and run businesses within the country.
How to Apply To be eligible for the Start-Up Visa program, applicants must meet the following criteria
- 1. Obtain a letter of support from a designated organization.
- 2. Have a minimum of 200,000 CAD in eligible business investment.
- 3. Successfully pass security and medical clearances.
- 4. Score at least 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) language proficiency tests.
Upon meeting the eligibility requirements, applicants must apply to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If their application is approved, they will be granted a 2-year work permit to establish and operate their business in Canada.
Top Business Opportunities in Alberta
For entrepreneurs seeking inspiration, Alberta offers a plethora of promising industries and opportunities to start a business.
Construction Services: Building Opportunities in Alberta
The demand for construction services remains constant in Alberta, a province experiencing continuous expansion. From residential to commercial projects, the need for construction services is ever-present. If you possess a background in architecture, engineering, or construction experience, starting a construction company can be a lucrative venture. The total value of the construction industry in Alberta stands at 31.6 billion CAD. Construction workers in Alberta can expect an average base annual wage of 39,000 CAD.
Funeral Home: Compassionate Business Opportunity
The funeral industry proves to be recession-proof, offering a stable business opportunity. Funeral homes provide a vital service to the community and are often family legacies passed down through generations. If you possess empathy and compassion for others during their time of need, starting a funeral home can be a fulfilling venture. The overall value of the funeral services industry in Canada is 2.2 billion CAD. Workers in the funeral services industry in Alberta earn an average annual base salary of 52,650 CAD.
Daycare Center: Caring for Alberta's Growing Population
With Alberta’s growing population, the demand for daycare services is on the rise. Parents consistently seek safe and reliable daycare options for their children. If you have experience working with children or a background in education, starting a daycare center can be a profitable opportunity. Daycare workers in Canada earn an average annual base salary of 34,125 CAD. The value of the daycare/Early Childhood Education industry in Canada amounts to 1.14 billion CAD.
Snow Removal: Winter Business Opportunity
Given Alberta’s harsh winters, snow removal services are always in high demand. If you own a truck or snowblower and don’t mind clearing sidewalks and driveways in the early hours, starting a snow removal business can be a great way to earn extra income during the winter season. The market value of the snow removal industry in Canada reaches 6.2 billion CAD. Snow removal workers in Alberta can earn an average annual base salary of 58,500 CAD. It’s essential to consider the seasonality of this business based on your location in Alberta, as opportunities may fluctuate during certain periods of the year.
Cleaning Services: Meeting the Demand in a Busy Province
Cleaning services are consistently in demand, particularly in a bustling province like Alberta. From residential to commercial properties, there is an ongoing need for cleaning services. The cleaning services industry in Alberta is valued at 1.2 billion CAD. Starting a cleaning business can be profitable if you are detail-oriented and willing to put in the effort. Common cleaning services in Alberta include dry cleaning, commercial cleaning, window cleaning, laundry services, and sanitation. Workers in the cleaning services industry in Alberta earn an average base annual salary of 29,640 CAD.
Delivery Business: Capitalizing on the E-Commerce Trend
The rise of online shopping has led to increasing demand for delivery services. Whether it’s food delivery, package delivery, or other types of deliveries, there are ample opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to start a delivery business. The delivery business in Alberta is valued at 3.72 billion CAD. If you have a reliable vehicle and a good sense of direction, starting a delivery business can be a promising venture. Common types of delivery businesses in Canada include courier services, moving businesses, food delivery, flower delivery services, and furniture delivery and assembly businesses. Delivery workers in Alberta earn an average base annual salary of 37,050 CAD.
Dairy Farming: Tapping into Alberta's Agriculture Potential
Alberta’s thriving agriculture industry presents a great opportunity for dairy farming enthusiasts. With a growing demand for locally sourced dairy products, starting a dairy farm can be a profitable venture for those passionate about farming. Dairy farming in Alberta is valued at 14.4 billion CAD. Workers in the dairy farming industry in Alberta earn an average base annual salary of 35,100 CAD. For aspiring dairy farmers looking to immigrate to Canada, the Agri-food Immigration Pilot provides a suitable pathway.
Garbage Disposal
Waste management stands as a fundamental approach to tackling pollution, and garbage disposal service businesses play a crucial role in any community, including Alberta. Starting such a business can be a profitable venture if you possess a truck and don’t shy away from getting your hands dirty. The waste management industry’s value in Alberta amounts to 1.8 billion CAD. Those working in this sector can expect an average base salary of 58,500 CAD, according to Canada Job Bank.
Garbage Disposal
Waste management stands as a fundamental approach to tackling pollution, and garbage disposal service businesses play a crucial role in any community, including Alberta. Starting such a business can be a profitable venture if you possess a truck and don’t shy away from getting your hands dirty. The waste management industry’s value in Alberta amounts to 1.8 billion CAD. Those working in this sector can expect an average base salary of 58,500 CAD, according to Canada Job Bank.
Pet Daycare: Catering to Alberta's Pet Owners
The pet daycare industry is on the rise, and Alberta’s pet owners are continually seeking safe and reliable daycare options for their beloved companions. If you have a passion for animals and experience in pet care, starting a pet daycare business can be a rewarding endeavor. The pet daycare industry in Alberta is valued at 1.08 billion CAD. Workers in this field earn an average annual salary of 33,150 CAD.
Lawn Care: Green Opportunities for Extra Income
With the demand for lawn care and landscaping services perennially high, especially during the summer months, starting a lawn care business can be an excellent way to earn additional income. If you have experience in landscaping or possess a green thumb, this industry offers promising opportunities. The lawn care industry’s market value in Alberta amounts to 23.1 billion CAD. Workers in this sector can earn an average annual salary of 36,075 CAD.
List Of PNP In Canada
- Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)
- Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
- Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
- New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
- Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP)
- Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
- Quebec Skilled Workers Program (QSWP)
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
- Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
Entrepreneurship in Alberta: A Pathway to Canadian Permanent Residency
Starting a business in Alberta can serve as a viable route toward obtaining permanent residency in Canada. The Foreign Graduate Start-Up Visa Stream program specifically caters to foreign graduates, enabling them to establish their businesses in Canada and ultimately attain permanent resident status.
The prospect of starting a business in Alberta is not only rewarding but also holds the potential for substantial profits. By carefully selecting the right business opportunity, leveraging government incentives and benefits, and tapping into Alberta’s educated labor pool and consumer market, entrepreneurs can position themselves for a successful venture. Armed with the necessary knowledge and resources, launching a business in Alberta can be a seamless and gratifying journey.
Important Links
- 7 Common Reasons for Canadian Visa Application Rejection
- Demand For Skilled Professionals In Canada
- Apply for Canada PR Visa from India
- Migrate to Canada from India
- How to immigrate to Canada as an Engineer?
- How to Immigrate to Canada Without a Job Offer?
- Job Opportunities in Canada
- Average Salary in Canada
- High Salary Jobs in Canada
- Demand for Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada
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