ONTARIO PREPARES TO RELAUNCH THE ENTREPRENEUR STREAM FOR 2025-2026
After a long pause, Ontario has revealed plans to bring back the Entrepreneur Stream with a completely different approach. Instead of the old commitment-to-invest model, the province is now targeting entrepreneurs with real management capacity and the ability to create jobs.
Key changes
- Priority for active businesses
Applicants must fall into one of two groups:
- those who have already established and are directly operating a business in Ontario
- those who have purchased an existing business and are continuing to run it (business succession)
This approach reduces the risk of “paper projects” and helps protect the province’s business ecosystem.
- Focus on economic impact
Applicants must prove they can generate revenue, create jobs, maintain operations, and present a clear growth strategy. Passive investors will have little chance under this model.
- Alignment with Ontario’s current market
Many small and medium-sized businesses in Ontario lack succession plans. This creates opportunities for international entrepreneurs to take over existing businesses instead of starting from scratch.
Risks to consider early
- The requirement to be actively operating a business before applying may exclude many potential applicants, especially those who have not yet visited Ontario for initial assessment or investment.
- Financial thresholds, job creation requirements, and monitoring mechanisms have not been released, so entrepreneurs must stay flexible and prepare for adjustments.
- Since the evaluation will include qualitative judgment, weak operational results may lead to quick refusals.
What entrepreneurs should do now
- Look for businesses that are open to succession and assess whether they are suitable to take over.
- Prove the business is genuinely active, with clear financial statements, real employees, and real contracts.
- Prepare a credible growth plan that shows the business can create jobs and deliver economic benefit to Ontario.
- Avoid buying a business solely to build an immigration application, because Ontario is now scrutinizing these transactions very closely.
If you are considering taking over or purchasing a business in Ontario, SICON can help you verify the business, assess the risks, and build a file that aligns with the new Entrepreneur Stream requirements.
Send us the business profile or project you are evaluating so we can determine its eligibility right away.
