INVEST IN CANADA

All three streams of the Quebec Entrepreneur Program have similar basic eligibility requirements, with varying stream-specific criteria.

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BASIC REQUIREMENTS

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• Education: Quebec secondary (high) school diploma or its equivalent.

• French Proficiency: spoken French level 7 of the Quebec language scale +.

• Financial Self-Sufficiency: funds for essential needs at least three months after obtaining permanent resident status, for the whole family.

• Ineligible Sectors: some business activities in specific sectors are prohibited, including payday loans, pornography, and property trading.

• Attestation of Learning of Democratic and Québec Values: required for all family members over 18 years old.

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STREAM-SPECIFIC CRITERIA

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STREAM 1 - INNOVATIVE START-UP PROFILE 

• Business Plan: the business plan must include all components outlined in the provided guide from the Quebec government.

• Business Partners: sole owner or with up to three co-applicants.

• Capital Contribution to the Business: initial capital contribution must be at least 10%.

• Support from a Specialized Organization: an innovation-focused organization commits to supporting your business project.

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STREAM 1 – NEW INNOVATIVE PROJECT WITHIN EXISTING COMPANY PROFILE

• Stay in Quebec: must have lived in Québec for at least two years with authorization to work in Québec.

• Business Plan: the business plan must include all components outlined in the provided guide from the Quebec government.

• Business Partners: sole owner or with up to three co-applicants.

• Capital Contribution to the Business: initial capital contribution must be at least 10%.

• Support from a Specialized Organization: an innovation-focused organization committed to supporting your business project.

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STREAM 2 - BUSINESS START-UP PROFILE

• Investment Amount: minimum CDN$300,000 in the Montréal Metropolitan Area, and at least CDN$150,000 if outside of MMA.

• Management Experience: at least 2 years of business management experience in the last 5 years.

• Net Worth: at least CAD $600,000.

• Business Plan: the business plan must include all components outlined in the provided guide from the Quebec government.

• Business Partners: sole owner or with up to three co-applicants.

• Québec Notice of Intention to Select:  if pre-selected, the applicant will receive a notice of intent to be selected from the Government of Québec, allowing them to apply for a Canadian work permit to start the business process in Québec. Accompanying family members can also apply for respective authorizations.

• Start-Up Time Frame: the applicant must start a business within two years of receiving the work permit. 

• Capital Contribution to the Business:  contribution to the business's original capital must be at least 25%, if, with partners, each must have at least a 25% equity stake.

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STREAM 2 - EXISTING START-UP OPERATIONAL COMPANY PROFILE

• Stay in Québec: must have been living in Québec for at least two years with authorization to work or study. Existing start-up company in Quebec implemented by the applicant must have been running for at least one year.

• Business Plan: the business plan must include all components outlined in the provided guide from the Quebec government.

• Net Worth: at least CAD $300,000.

• Business Partners: sole owner or with up to three co-applicants.

• Original Capital Contribution to the Business: contribution to the business's original capital must be at least 25%, if, with partners, each must have at least a 25% equity stake.

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STREAM 3 - NEW BUSINESS ACQUISITION PROFILE

• Net Worth: at least CAD $600,000 legally acquired, source of funds verification applicable.

• Investment Amount: minimum CDN$300,000 in the Montréal Metropolitan Area, and at least CDN$150,000 if outside MMA.

• Business Partners: should take over a business independently or with an accompanying spouse or common-law partner. While business partners are allowed, they cannot apply for permanent selection as entrepreneurs.

• Control of the Business:  applicants must acquire and maintain 100% control of the business, business partners are allowed, but they cannot be controlling shareholders.

• Support from a Specialized Organization: have the guidance of an organization specialized in business takeovers throughout the transfer process, providing support services such as training, mentoring, and business transfer brokerage.

• Succession Plan: a takeover plan outlining the business project based on le Plan de relève document guide must be included in the application.

• Takeover Bid: within two years of application submission, a takeover bid in line with the succession plan and service offer must be initiated. Planned expenditures for the acquisition must also be demonstrated.

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​STREAM 3 - ALREADY ACQUIRED BUSINESS PROFILE

This business cannot have been acquired by individuals selected under the Entrepreneur Program in the five years before the application, nor by a group where the controlling individual was selected under the Entrepreneur Program.

• Stay in Québec: must have been living in Québec for at least two years with authorization to work or study.

• Net Worth: CAD $300,000 legally acquired, source of funds verification applicable

• Business Partners: must have taken over a business without business partners or with an accompanying spouse or common-law partner. While business partners are allowed, they cannot apply for permanent selection as entrepreneurs.

• Control of the Business: applicants must have acquired and maintain 100% control of the business, business partners are allowed, but they cannot be controlling shareholders.

• Support from a Specialized Organization: must have received guidance from an organization specialized in business takeovers throughout the transfer process, providing support services such as training, mentoring, and business transfer brokerage.

• Succession Plan: a takeover plan outlining the business project based on le Plan de relève document guide must be included in the application.