How an Alberta Business Plan Paves the Way for an Entrepreneur Pathway to the Province

1. How an Alberta Business Plan Paves the Way for an Entrepreneur Pathway to the Province There are three primary entrepreneur pathways under Alberta’s provincial nominee program (PNP). Each province in Canada has their own PNP and Alberta’s is officially known as the Alberta Immigration Nominee Program (AINP). Under the AINP, there are various options for skilled workers and entrepreneurs who can provide economic benefit to the area. In order to successfully immigrate under an Albertan Entrepreneur Pathway, you will need an Alberta business plan. Entrepreneur Pathway Options Alberta currently offers three entrepreneur pathway option. The pathways in Alberta and much of the rest of Canada, are commonly referred to as streams. International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream – Launched in October 2020, this stream seeks to welcome recent international graduates of Alberta’s universities and colleges that wish to launch a business or start-up in the region and make Alberta home. Foreign Graduate Start-Up Visa Stream – This stream will launched January 2021. It aims to encourage international graduates from top U.S. universities and colleges to make their way to Alberta to start a business and settle in the province. Self-Employed Farmer Stream – Agriculture is an important sector for Alberta. As such, they

2. have this specific entrepreneur stream for farmers. It welcomes experienced farmers with adequate financial resources to purchase or establish a farm in the province. The Role of the Alberta Business Plan Common among all of the entrepreneur pathways is their ability to bring economic benefit to the area. This is not just the overarching goal for the AINP but, rather the premise of Canadian immigration in general and the PNP. Thus, the focus of the Alberta Business Plan needs to be benefit to the region. However, it’s one thing to write that the plan provides benefit. It must be supported. This is achieved through the main sections of the business plan such as the industry/market overview and financial projections. You must first show that you have a viable business concept. You can’t achieve this if you don’t understand the local business landscape. Further, if it seems your idea can work, they will want to know it will make enough money to be capable of creating and maintaining jobs and other economic benefits. The Alberta business plan is the expected format in which to make this case. The Alberta business plan is also the perfect place in the application process for the chosen entrepreneur pathway to connect the dots for immigration authorities in terms of personal qualifications. Throughout the process, you will provide a great deal of information about prior business or farm ownership and management experience and education. The Alberta business plan, however, is the perfect format to clearly articulate how the experience will directly apply to running the proposed business venture. If you are lacking in certain skills, the Alberta business plan is also where you will discuss other partners or advisors that will help you fill any experience gaps you may have so the business is well-rounded. This is true for any place where there are risks or weaknesses. They will be obvious to those reviewing your plan so it is best to proactively address them and discuss how they will be mitigated or overcome. Conclusion As you can see, there is more than one Entrepreneur Pathway into Alberta. At the heart of all the application processes will be the Alberta business plan. It is a pivotal component to the process. Don’t attempt to create this on your own. It is best to work with immigration professionals – such as registered consultants or lawyers – for your strategy and then have an expert create your business plan in alignment.