In an increasingly globalized world, the economic success of a city, a region or an entire country depends increasingly on it’s ability to attract the best and brightest from around the world. With that in mind, three very passionate entrepreneurs – Boris Wertz, Danny Robinson and Maura Rodgers launched the Startup Visa Initiative in 2010 to garner support from other influential Canadians and encourage the government to create an alternate Startup Visa to attract talented immigrant entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs and investors across Canada were quick to jump on board to support the initiative and the Startup Visa team expanded to include Eric Brooke, Chris Arsenault, Mark McLeod, David Crow and Mike Edwards.
On April 1st, 2013 ~ the Canadian Government opened their doors to entrepreneurs from around the world with their office launch of a first-of-its-kind Startup Visa.
We are proud that our entire community of entrepreneurs, investors and government stepped up to make this program a reality. We look forward to welcoming the world’s best to Canada.
For more information about the program, visit Canada Immigration & Citizenship’s Website.
This section obviously needs to be updated as the visa has been launched. What will now be the objective of this website?
Also, have any visas yet been granted, and to where? Is there a way to follow the progress of the program?
Thanks Sarah!
The objective of the website is to help inform and educate entrepreneurs from around the world about starting and growing a business in Canada. We will be profiling investors, taking a look at various startup communities and answering questions to help immigrant entrepreneurs through this process.
As for visas granted, I am not sure of any yet but I hope to get an update soon. This is the best place that I know of right now to follow the progress (or via twitter.com/startupvisaca). We will highlight various stories and updates each week.