Squamish is one among the 30 small BC communities that have been included in a new immigration pilot program for entrepreneurs.
The newly launched Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot aims to attract entrepreneurs from around the world to establish businesses in regional communities in the province.
The goal, the government said, is to spur economic growth in smaller centres throughout BC and encourage investments outside urban areas.
The Squamish pilot will only accept applications for business startups in the following sectors:
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Publishing Industries (Software Publishers)
Applications with business ideas outside these three sectors will not be considered, district said.
The District will review up to a maximum of 10 applications per month in the order that they are received.
The B.C. PNP is the only direct economic immigration tool to attract experienced entrepreneurs and high-demand foreign workers.
Those who invest in smaller communities such as Squamish will find an easier immigration pathway to the country.
Those who are selected will be granted a temporary work permit followed by a permanent residency once the business meets all the requirements such as creation of at least one new job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
The pilot program will be delivered for a two-year period.
Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology. “This pilot will attract new businesses that create jobs and spread investment around the province so more British Columbians can benefit from shared prosperity.”
