OINP

Overview of the initative

The ESI is a one-of-a-kind initiative for prospective international entrepreneurs looking to build a new life in Canada.

The OINP Entrepreneur Success Initiative is offered by TBDC to help prospective immigrant entrepreneurs identify business opportunities in Ontario. Through the ESI, TBDC also helps connect Ontario business owners who are looking to sell their companies to experienced international entrepreneurs.

TBDC’s OINP Entrepreneur Success Initiative helps immigrant entrepreneurs navigate the immigration application process and apply to the OINP Entrepreneur Stream – including complimentary legal services to support the process.

Are you...

International Entrepreneur

Looking to start a new or buy an existing business in Ontario?

Domestic Business Owner

Are you interested in selling your business in Ontario?

You selected International Entrepreneur

Overview
Services
Benefits
Eligibility
Process

What it means to you

The OINP Entrepreneur Stream is a pathway for experienced international entrepreneurs to move for more in Ontario by starting a new business or buying an existing one.

This means you can come to Ontario as a temporary resident and if, after 20 months, you meet program requirements, you can be nominated for permanent residence in Canada.

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program is the province of Ontario’s economic immigration program to attract the skills and experience Ontario needs. In partnership with the Government of Canada through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), it is a pathway to permanent residence in Canada.

Toronto Business Development Centre will support ESI participants by actively matching them with suitable opportunities to create a new business or purchase an existing one in communities that have identified economic opportunities, and then help them apply to the OINP Entrepreneur Stream.

For prospective immigrant entrepreneurs, TBDC benefits include:

One-on-one consultations with a TBDC Advisor
Complimentary legal services to support the process
Identification of business creation and purchase opportunities outside the Greater Toronto Area
Matching with relevant business opportunities
Assistance in the development and registration of an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the OINP Entrepreneur Stream
Help to develop and submit a high-quality application to the OINP Entrepreneur Stream
Applications will be processed on a priority basis

Let's understand how you can get the ESI advantage.

Entrepreneurs seeking to take advantage of the ESI must meet the eligibility requirements of the OINP Entrepreneur Stream. These include:

Minimum personal investment of $200,000 CAD to establish and operate your business in Ontario
Verifiable personal net worth of at least $400,000 CAD
At least 24 months of qualifying business experience in the last 60 months
Commitment to create a new business or purchase an existing business in Ontario outside of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
Active involvement, on an ongoing basis, in the management of the business
Capital investment is to make a profit, not to derive interest, dividends, or capital gains
The creation of at least one permanent full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

Three simple steps for international entrepreneurs to participate in the ESI

If you are ready to make the move to Ontario, you can start right now.

STEP 1

Complete the ESI contact form

STEP 2

Book a 15-minute exploratory call with a TBDC Advisor

STEP 3

Begin your move for more!

You selected Domestic Business Owner

Services
Eligibility
Process

Let's understand how you can get the ESI advantage.

If you are an Ontario business owner and want to sell your business, TBDC can help by:

Assessing if the business is eligible to be purchased by an OINP ESI participant
Sharing information with international entrepreneurs who are interested in purchasing a business in Ontario
Matching pre-qualified international entrepreneurs who are interested in purchasing a business with business owners
Facilitating an introduction between the business owner and the entrepreneur

Not all businesses are eligible under the Entrepreneur Stream. Find out if yours qualifies.

Entrepreneurs seeking to take advantage of the ESI must meet the eligibility requirements of the OINP Entrepreneur Stream. These include:

Automated car wash business
Holding companies
Laundromats
Pawnbrokers
Payday loan and related businesses
Scrap metal recycling
Tire recycling
A business involved in producing, distributing, or selling pornography or sexually explicit products or services, or providing sexually oriented services
Businesses which have been previously owned or operated by a current or former OINP Entrepreneur Stream nominee or a nominee under the former investor component of the Opportunities Ontario program

Three simple steps for Ontario-based business owners to participate in the ESI

If you want to connect with qualified international entrepreneurs looking to purchase a business, you can get started right now.STEP 1

Send an email inquiry to info@futureisontario.com

STEP 2

Complete a Business Owner Intake Form and find out if the business is eligible to participate in OINP-ESI

STEP 3

Book a call with a TBDC Advisor

Frequently asked questions

Have questions? We’re here to help.

What is the OINP Entrepreneur Success Initiative?

The Entrepreneur Success Initiative is a two-year initiative supported by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and is administered by Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC).

The Entrepreneur Success Initiative is for entrepreneurs who are interested in immigrating to Canada by establishing a new business or buying and growing an existing business outside of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Through the Entrepreneur Success Initiative, TBDC provides qualified entrepreneurs with the following services:

– Support to identify business opportunities in Ontario that align with interests and experience (for example: opportunities to create a new business or to purchase an existing business).

– Assistance to apply to the OINP Entrepreneur Stream, including facilitating access to complimentary legal services to support the process.

Complete applications submitted to the Entrepreneur Stream under the Initiative will be processed on a priority basis.

Which communities are included in the Greater Toronto

What is the difference between the OINP and the Entrepreneur Stream?

I am an entrepreneur outside of Canada. How can I qualify for the Entrepreneur Success Initiative?

What is TBDC’s involvement in the Entrepreneur Success Initiative?

I am an international entrepreneur. How can I learn about business creation and succession opportunities outside of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)?

I am a business owner in Ontario, and I am interested in selling my business. Who can I contact to learn more about the Entrepreneur Success Initiative?

I am a representative of a community in Ontario. How can I learn more about how to share information about my community?

What is the Entrepreneur Stream application process, and how can the Entrepreneur Success Initiative help?

Are the Entrepreneur Stream application requirements different for entrepreneurs who participate in the Entrepreneur Success Initiative?

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