OINP

Family Reunification Program

Reunite in Ontario with the Entrepreneur Success Initiative

The ESI is a one-of-a-kind initiative that parents of international students can use 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...

A student in Ontario looking to reunite with your family?

You selected A student in Ontario looking to reunite with your family?

Tell your parents about a great opportunity to start or buy a business in Ontario – so they can join you while you study and beyond.

You tell your parents how amazing life is in Ontario – now tell them there is a way for them to join you here.

The OINP:ESI is a way for your parents to join you in your place of study by buying or starting a business in Ontario.

Overview
Benefits
Services
Statistics
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.

The OINP-ESI is a great option for international entrepreneurs who are thinking about immigrating to Canada – and it is an excellent option to consider for family reunification.

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.

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.

OINP: ESI is a way for you and your parents to reunite while you study. It supports the entire family unit to build a new life in Ontario, enabling your long-term stability in Canada. TBDC will help your parents explore business opportunities that will let your family stay together in Ontario.

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

Add to that – It is an innovative pathway to family reunification.

How OINP-ESI benefits international students and parents

OINP-ESI matches their business idea with locally available business opportunities in any suitable city across Ontario.
They can start a new or buy an established business outside of the Greater Toronto Area with the OINP-ESI.

TBDC Services for ESI participants

Through the ESI, TBDC provides tailored services to help international entrepreneurs identify business opportunities in Ontario and apply to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Entrepreneur Stream – including facilitating access to legal services to support the process.

TBDC is Ontario’s oldest business incubator and has helped thousands of entrepreneurs build businesses and careers.
ESI participants have access to dedicated TBDC application pre-assessment intake staff – a service that is not available in any other jurisdiction.

Under the ESI, potential immigrant entrepreneurs will get active assistance to identify and secure business and investment opportunities, and to draft and complete a high-quality application.

We offer a one-window, concierge-type service that includes a single point of contact for inquiries, matchmaking, referrals to business advisory vendors, mentor networking, and licensing support.

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 an identified economic opportunity – and then help them apply to the OINP Entrepreneur Stream.

Ontario is the Canadian province with the highest number of international students (192,906).
Many parents of international students from several countries like UAE, India, Philippines, Singapore among others look for viable options for immigration and entrepreneurship, with the goal of family reunification and long-term stability in Canada
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – Entrepreneur Success Initiative (ESI) is supported by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. It is an excellent option for international entrepreneurs looking to build a new life in Ontario, Canada.

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!

Why Ontario

Ontario has one of the most stable and secure economies in the world and is Canada’s economic powerhouse.

Ontario has a large, industrialised economy with a rapidly-growing technology base and a diverse range of key traditional industries.

It is the economic engine of Canada.

Ontario is where the new economy has emerged in force. It’s where financial services are broadening into fintech and revolutionising the way we invest, where artificial intelligence is ushering in the era of possibilities and where stem cell research is leading to a world where we cure and even prevent deadly diseases.

TBDC

TBDC can help you go further – faster than you ever thought possible.

TBDC (the Toronto Business Development Centre) is the administrator of the OINP Entrepreneur Success Initiative and provides tailored services to help entrepreneurs identify business opportunities in Ontario and apply to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Entrepreneur Stream.

We know our stuff. TBDC is Ontario’s oldest incubator and has built a reputation for helping businesses innovate and grow through access to best-in-class mentorship, investment, and resources, and we are experts in economic immigration.

Launched in 1990 by the City of Toronto and the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, TBDC’s mission has always been to support business venture formation, job creation, and economic growth.

TBDC’s success is built on innovation, community building, and expert training – and recruiting a team of talented, passionate, and committed volunteer mentors. To date, TBDC has helped over 9,000 domestic and international entrepreneurial businesses establish in Toronto and Ontario. TBDC motivates entrepreneurial-minded individuals from diverse communities to develop their business plans and to effectively start up their companies through a variety of tailored programs and initiatives. We have over 30 years of success helping entrepreneurs build a better tomorrow. Read some of their stories here: https://tbdc.com/category/startup-story/

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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