The Quebec Entrepreneur Program is designed for immigrant entrepreneurs who have the capability to establish a new business or acquire and manage an existing business in the province of Quebec. Successful applicants can immigrate to Quebec and obtain a certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ – Québec selection certificate). Upon receiving a CSQ, they can then apply for Canadian permanent residence.

Quebec Entrepreneur Program Requirements

The Quebec Entrepreneur Program operates through two distinct streams, each with specific eligibility requirements:

Stream 1: Supported Business

Eligibility Requirements:

• Settle in Quebec: Applicants must settle in Quebec to create and operate a business supported by a service offer from a business accelerator, business incubator, or a university entrepreneurship centre.
• Business Project: The business project can be undertaken alone or with others, up to three of whom can be foreign nationals applying to the same immigration program.

Definitions and Support Requirements:

• Business Accelerator: An organization in Quebec offering support services, particularly in seeking financing for entrepreneurs aiming to grow innovative businesses.
• Business Incubator: An organization in Quebec providing support services to entrepreneurs creating innovative businesses.
• University Entrepreneurship Centre: A university-level organization providing coaching services to entrepreneurs.

Service Offer Requirements:

• Proposed Support Plan: List and description of services offered to the candidate.
• Operating Plan: Detailed budget of the service offer and the schedule of activities.
• Expertise: Demonstration of the organization’s skills and achievements related to the entrepreneur’s project.

Application Requirements:

• Business Plan: Candidates must present their application in the form of a business plan.
• Required Forms: Complete all required forms as listed on the website of the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion du Québec (MIDI).

Stream 2: Independent Business

Eligibility Requirements:

• Settle in Quebec: Applicants must settle in Quebec to create a new business or acquire an existing business and manage its operations.
• Financial Deposits: Two financial deposits are required:
  1. Security Deposit: CAD $200,000 to be refunded when the business plan is carried out successfully.
  2. Startup Deposit: CAD $300,000 for businesses in Montreal and CAD $200,000 for businesses outside Montreal.

Net Worth and Ownership Requirements:

• Net Assets: Have net assets of at least CAD $900,000 legally obtained, including those of a spouse or common-law partner if applicable.
• Ownership:
  • For new businesses, applicants must own and control at least 25% of the equity capital.
  • For existing businesses, applicants must own and control at least 51% of the equity capital.

Business Restrictions:

• Excluded Activities: The business cannot be involved in payday loans, cheque cashing, pawnbroking, real estate development, real estate or insurance brokerage, production/distribution/sales of pornographic or sexually explicit products or services.
• Existing Business Operation: An acquired business must have been in operation for the five years preceding the application.

Additional Factors Considered:

• Age
• Language proficiency
• Education
• Financial self-sufficiency
• Visits to Quebec
• Family in Quebec
• Training background

Application Requirements:

• Business Plan: Present the application in the form of a business plan.
• Required Forms: Include all forms and documents listed on the MIDI website.