Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program - Entrepreneur Stream

Operated by Leduc Capital Management Inc.

Nova Scotia is a Canadian province located in the Maritimes region of the country. It is renowned for its coastal beauty, delicious cuisine and its resident’s connection to the sea. Its capital Halifax is known as a major centre for culture, arts and a high standard of living.

The Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream is for experienced business owners or senior business managers who want to live in Nova Scotia. They must start a new business or buy an existing business and must actively participate in the day-to-day management of the business. After operating the business for a year, the entrepreneur may be nominated for permanent resident status. Application to the stream is by invitation only.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Age: Must be at least 21 years old
  • Net Worth: Must have a minimum of CAD $600,000 in Net Business and Personal Assets
  • Language requirements: CLB 5 in English or French
  • Education: You must have at least a high school education
  • Business Ownership/Management Experience: Must have a minimum of three years of business ownership experience (at least a third ownership), or more than five years in a senior business manager role in the last 10 years
  • Investment: Make a minimum capital investment of CAD $150,000 in Nova Scotia to establish or purchase your business
  • You must have a Business Establishment Plan
  • You must agree to live in Nova Scotia

Fees

  • Application Fee:  None
  • Other fees may apply including, but not limited to, language testing, educational credential assessments, documents translation, net worth verification ($3,500-5,500), and business plan assessment (requested by the Province)
 

Business Conditions

Your business must be:

  • Equity: own at least one third (33.33 percent) of the equity of the business
  • Provide active and on-going participation in the day to day management and direction of the business from the place of business in Nova Scotia
  • The business must be a for-profit entity , primary purpose of earning profits through the sale of goods and/or services
  • Pay income tax on taxable income earned as a result of a “permanent establishment” in Nova Scotia
  • Must have potential to create an economic benefit to Nova Scotia
  • Must also create at least one full time (or equivalent) employment opportunity for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident in Nova Scotia (non-relative workers)
 

Business Conditions

Purchasing a business conditions:

  • Have been in continuous operation by the same owner for the previous five years
  • Complete an exploratory visit to meet the current owner(s)
  • Provide evidence that reasonable efforts were taken to establish a fair market value for the business
  • Be actively in operation and not in receivership; and
  • Offer employment on similar terms and conditions to existing staff, including maintaining existing wages and mployment terms