Mandatory requirements for Ontario Entrepreneur Stream

(a) A viable Business is required which would provide material economic benefit to Ontario. The applicant and one business partner (if possible) shall both meet the eligibility requirements.

(b) At least 24 months of full-time business experience in the last 60 months is required.

(c) A minimum net worth of $800,000 CDN if business located within GTA, or $400,000 CDN if outside GTA. Minimum net worth of $400,000 CDN, regardless of location, if business is in the information and communications technology/digital communications sector.

(d) Minimum Personal investment of $600,000 CDN, if located within GTA, and $200,000 CDN, if outside GTA. Applicant must control at-least one-third of equity in the business. Minimum personal investment of $200,000 CDN, if business is in the information and communications technology/digital communications sector.

(e) The applicant must be actively involved in the business.

(f) The primary purpose of investment must be to make profit.

(g) If business located within GTA, at least two permanent full-time jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents to be created. If business outside GTA or in information and communications technology or digital communications sector, regardless of location, at least one permanent full-time job for Canadian citizens or permanent residents to be created.

(h) The above job must be created within first 20 months of establishing/acquiring business and must be filled for at least 10 months with median wage being paid for the position.

(i) If existing business is to be purchased, then, at least one business-related visit to Ontario within 12 months from the date of registering an Expression of Interest to be made; the purchased business must be in operation for at least 60 months prior to purchase; ownership shall be completely transferred; at least 10% of personal investment shall be used towards improving or expanding the business in Ontario; and all permanent full-time employees before the purchase of business must be retained.

General business requirements Ontario Entrepreneur Stream

In addition to meeting the minimum requirements listed above, you must also meet the general business requirements listed below:

(a) Profit making purpose shall be there from sale of goods or services.

(b) Business shall comply with all relevant federal, provincial or municipal legal, regulatory and licensing requirements.

(c) Business must be permanent.

(d) Place of business shall be in Ontario for all times.

 Ineligible types of businesses

Following businesses are ineligible:

• automated car wash business
• holding companies
• laundromats
• pawnbrokers
• pay day 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/operated by current or former OINP business stream nominees

If your proposed business will be located in the Greater Toronto Area, the following types are also ineligible.

• existing franchises in Ontario (new foreign franchises expanding into Ontario are permitted)
• gas stations
• bed and breakfasts