Due to the struggles in rural communities across B.C., such as high infertility rates, aging population, and younger professionals leaving for better opportunities, the B.C. Province has introduced a 2-year pilot Entrepreneur Immigration program aimed to bring in motivated entrepreneurs. Enrollment registration will commence sometime in January 2019.  

The Regional Pilot is a partnership between communities with a population of 75,000 and lower and the BC PNP, focused on attracting entrepreneurs world-wide who want to establish new businesses in the community.  Eligibility will be based on the following:

• conduct an exploratory community visit in B.C;
• have a minimum of $100,000 in eligible business investments;
• have a minimum personal net worth of $300,000;
• have 3+ years of experience as an active business owner-manager or 4+ years as a senior manager within the last 5 years;
• possess a minimum of 51% ownership;
• create a minimum of one new job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.

During the exploratory visit, candidates will present their business proposal to the community’s designated pilot representative, who will then submit a referral form to the BC PNP as part of the candidate’s registration.