British Columbia PNP launches the Regional Pilot Program for Entrepreneurs

The BC PNP Entrepreneur Regional Pilot has launched, including a complete list of more than 30 registered and approved communities along with the detailed eligibility criteria.

The new BC PNP Entrepreneur Regional Pilot is launched by the immigration authorities in British Columbia in order to attract new businesses that create jobs and spread investment around the province so more British Columbians can benefit from shared prosperity. The program also aims to address the impact of an aging workforce and promoting regional settlements among newcomers and British Columbians alike.

The BC PNP Entrepreneur Regional Pilot targets entrepreneurs who are willing to start a business and settle in regional BC communities by directing applicants to the eligible communities.

The BC PNP Entrepreneur Regional Pilot opened on 14^th March will initially be delivered for two years. At this time period, the capacity and impact of the program will be continuously monitored, ensuring continued integrity both for the BC PNP and communities.

Applicant’s eligibility criteria for BC PNP Entrepreneur Pilot:

The BC PNP Entrepreneur Regional Pilot is intended for entrepreneurs who are starting a new business or willing to purchase an existing business. Meeting certain criteria will enable them to register/apply under the BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration category.

Entrepreneurs wishing to grow a business in a regional BC community (under populations of 75,000) have to meet the following eligibility criteria:

• conduct an exploratory community visit;
• invest a minimum of $100,000 CAD in an eligible business;
• provide proof of proficiency in English or French equal to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 4.
• demonstrate a personal net worth of at least $300,000 CAD;
• have 3+ years of experience as an active business owner-manager or 4+ years as a senior manager within the last five years;
• have a minimum of 51% ownership in the business; and
• create at least one new job in the local community.

During their exploratory visit, international entrepreneurs must present their business proposals to the community’s designated contact person. That designated person will prepare a referral form for the applicant’s BC PNP registration.

Applicants must learn about the enrolled communities and their priority industry subsectors to obtain a referral. The number of referrals issued by any community can be limited by the BC PNP. Further details are available in the BC PNP Entrepreneur Regional Pilot program guide.

Community’s eligibility criteria for BC PNP Entrepreneur Pilot:

The communities eligible for the BC PNP Entrepreneur Regional Pilot must have a population of less than 75,000 and should be located at a distance of 30 km from a municipality of more than 75,000. Moreover, the community must demonstrate their capacity to support foreign entrepreneurs through an established network of settlement and business support agencies.

Immigration and pilot-specific training will be available to community representatives, and this step must be completed before confirming the enrollment. Approved communities are granted right to host exploratory visits and issue referrals to the potential applicants.

BC PNP Entrepreneur Regional Pilot communities:

The following communities are registered in the BC PNP Entrepreneur Regional Pilot. Each enrolled community identifies priority economic development industries and will select or refer prospective applicants to the BC PNP. Please note that each community may have its own unique requirement for processing the exploratory visits or issuing referrals to foreign entrepreneurs.

Cariboo

• Mackenzie
• Prince George
• Quesnel
• Williams Lake

Kootenay

• Castlegar
• Kimberley
• Nelson
• Regional District of Central Kootenay (Area J)
• Rossland
• Trail

Mainland/Southwest

• Gibsons
• Sechelt
• Squamish
• Four regions in the Sunshine Coast Regional District
  • Egmont and Pender Harbour (Area A)
  • Halfmoon Bay (Area B)
  • Roberts Creek (Area D)
  • Elphinstone (Area E)
  • West Howe Sound (Area F)

Nechako

• Burns Lake

North Coast

• Terrace

Northeast

• Tumbler Ridge

Thompson-Okanagan

• Barriere
• Merritt
• Vernon

Vancouver Island/Coast

• Comox
• Three regions in the Comox Valley Regional District
  • Baynes Sound – Denman/Hornby Island (Area A)
  • Lazo North (Area B)
  • Puntledge – Black Creek (Area C)
• Courtenay
• Port Alberni
• Powell River