Alberta’s Rural Entrepreneur Stream offers entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to establish businesses in communities with populations under 100,000 people. More than 60 communities currently participate in the Stream, and the number is constantly increasing. The AAIP Rural Entrepreneur Stream is a structured application process aimed at foreign entrepreneurs who wish to establish or purchase a business in rural Alberta communities.
These rural areas provide a harmonious blend of natural beauty, affordability, and tranquillity. The slower pace of rural life fosters tight-knit communities and a peaceful environment, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of city living. At the same time, these communities are closely connecting with major hubs in Alberta and attract people from bigger communities in the province.
For entrepreneurs, Alberta’s rural lifestyle offers several advantages:
Population: Alberta is Canada’s 4th most populous province, with an estimated population of 4.9 million. The province has a population density of 6 people per square kilometre, and it witnessed the biggest population growth compared to other provinces of Canada in 2023-2024 at a rate of 4.3%. Notably, 14.2% of newcomers to Canada settle in Alberta. Historically, the largest visible minority groups in Alberta have been South Asian, Filipino, and Chinese communities.
Weather: Alberta has 4 distinct seasons, from hot summers to snowy winters and everything in between. Alberta enjoys the highest number of sunny days in Canada, with up to 18 hours of daylight in summer and over 312 days of sunshine each year. The average temperature from June to August is between 15 and 23 degrees Celsius, and from November to February, it is between -8 and -23 degrees Celsius. In fact, Calgary is considered to be the sunniest city in Canada, with 333 sunny days per year.
Housing: In December 2024, the average home price in Alberta was approximately $554,500 in Calgary, $370,500 in Edmonton and $348,282 in Lethbridge. Smaller communities typically range between $300,000 and $400,000, depending on the location.
Taxes: Alberta’s general corporate tax rate is 8%, one of the lowest in Canada. For individual income tax, the province employs a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 10% to 15% based on income brackets.
GDP per capita: Alberta leads Canadian provinces in GDP per capita, reflecting its high economic output per person, largely driven by its wealth of natural resources and robust mining, quarrying, and oil and gas industries. In 2023, Alberta’s GDP per capita reached $70,876 Canadian dollars.
If you wish to apply for the Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream, you need to meet several key criteria:
The following factors increase your chances of being invited to apply under the Alberta PNP Rural Entrepreneur Stream:
Applying for the Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream involves multiple steps and involves both the provincial and federal governments. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process. Obtaining a business application approval letter is crucial as it confirms approval from the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) for your proposed business, which is integral for applying for federal work permits and ultimately pursuing permanent residency in Alberta.
The initial stage in the application process involves thoroughly preparing and submitting your Expression of Interest to the Province. During this stage, you will complete the following activities:
Learn how to conduct business exploratory trips to Canada: “Essential Guide: How to Conduct a Business Exploratory Visit to Canada”
When you receive an Invitation to Submit a Business Application, you must submit your full application within 90 days.
This stage begins once you receive a formal Invitation to Submit a Business Application from Alberta immigration authorities and ends with you signing a formal Business Performance Agreement.
During this stage, you will complete the following steps:
If the Government of Alberta determines that you meet all the requirements for the Rural Entrepreneur Stream, they will email you a Business Performance Agreement for review and signature. This agreement serves as a legal contract between you and the Province of Alberta.
It’s important to note that your investment in a business in Alberta will only be counted after the Agreement is signed between you and Alberta. Therefore, you should invest in a business only after the Agreement is finalized.
Upon successful completion of these steps, you will be issued a Letter of Support from Alberta. This Letter will allow you to apply for your 2-year work permit. Depending on your country of nationality and/or the Canadian consulate you apply for, a work permit can take anywhere between 1 month and 4 months to be decided.
Once you have completed the necessary preparations and received your work permit, the next milestone involves arriving in Alberta and starting the execution of your Business Plan in the Province. During this time, you are expected to complete the following steps:
Read about the successful application of our Vietnamese client: “A Vietnamese Business Woman Finds Success in Alberta.“
After successfully operating your business in Alberta for at least 12 months and receiving the provincial nomination, the final step is submitting your permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This involves completing the necessary forms, providing supporting documentation, and paying the required fees.
Once your application is submitted, you will await the final decision, which, if approved, grants you and your family permanent resident status in Canada, marking the culmination of your journey through the Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream.
Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream involves several financial commitments beyond the minimum investment.
Specifically, you should set aside sufficient funds to cover the following costs (CAD):
Type of Document | Documents |
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Documents related to your business and finances: |
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Documents related to your ability to communicate in English or French: |
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Documents about you and your family: |
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Documents related to family living in Alberta (if applicable): |
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Documents related to your immigration status: |
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Documents for senior managers: |
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Documents for business owners: |
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Exploratory Visit Report (if buying an existing business): |
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Alberta offers a diverse range of business opportunities across several key sectors that are vital to the province’s economic growth. The following industries are particularly encouraged:
As a side note, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) includes economic immigration programs like the Rural Entrepreneur Stream and the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, which are designed to facilitate business opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to establish new ventures in Alberta. We have discussed other rural immigration programs (other than the Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream) in our article “Rural Canada for Entrepreneurs in 2025: Unlocking Opportunities with Rural Immigration Streams.”
Yes. The primary requirement is that the applicant must actively run and manage the first business. There are no restrictions on owning a second business elsewhere in Alberta, such as in Calgary or Edmonton.
Yes. Applicants can:
However, the applicant’s business partners must be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents
No. Securing loans, investors, or financial assistance does not negatively affect eligibility for the Rural Entrepreneur Stream. However, all funding sources must be declared in financial documents
Yes, Sobirovs is currently reviewing its website. You can provide feedback via a short survey at Sobirovs Law Firm. The survey is open until February 21, 2025
If you have additional questions, contact entrepreneur.supportservice@gov.ab.ca.
Navigating the Alberta PNP Rural Entrepreneur program successfully requires thorough market research, effective communication with the local business community, and a solid understanding of your business settlement strategy. Support is also available for foreign graduate entrepreneurs through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, which provides a pathway to permanent residency by launching or managing a business in the province.
Once you receive an Invitation to submit a Business Application, you have only 90 days to prepare and submit your comprehensive Application, which can be challenging and time-sensitive.
We can support you through this crucial phase by:
Rural Alberta communities play a significant role in the application process, offering unique opportunities for entrepreneurs and fostering local economic development.
Read a success story of our Chinese client: “Immigration From Beijing to Alberta: A Success Story of Perseverance and Vision“
In addition, we can support you at every stage of the Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream process:
Points Calculation and Eligibility Assessment: | We’ll help you accurately calculate your points and assess your eligibility, ensuring that you understand where you stand and what you need to improve for a successful application. |
Finding the Right Business Opportunity: | One of the most challenging aspects of this application is finding the right business opportunity. We work with trusted partners who specialize in identifying viable business options and facilitating introductions. Through our network, we can connect you with experts who will help you meet the program’s requirements and maximize your chances of success. |
Expression of Interest Submission: | We’ll help you prepare and submit a compelling EOI, including all the necessary details, to maximize your chances of being invited to submit a complete Business Application. |
Business Application and Document Preparation: | From completing your Business Establishment Plan to gathering the required financial and legal documents, we’ll ensure everything is accurate and submitted on time. |
Interview Preparation: | We provide mock interviews and coaching to help you confidently present your business plan and demonstrate your commitment during the AAIP interview. |
Work Permit Application: | Our licensed lawyers will prepare and submit the work permit application process, ensuring all forms are correctly filled out and submitted without delays. We can help with your family members’ immigration applications. |
Business Performance Agreement Compliance: | We’ll help you understand and meet all the requirements of your Business Performance Agreement, including financial investments, business progress reports, business operations, and compliance with local regulations. |
Permanent Residence Application: | When you’re ready to apply for permanent residence, we’ll help you gather the necessary documents, complete the application, and respond to any requests from IRCC. |
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