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Published: June 6, 2025
Manitoba Business Immigration: Entrepreneur & Rural Entrepreneur Stream
Manitoba welcomes experienced business owners and investors ready to build successful ventures and create local jobs—especially outside of Winnipeg. Through its Business Investor Stream (BIS), Manitoba offers two immigration pathways for foreign entrepreneurs: the Entrepreneur Pathway and the Rural Entrepreneur Stream.
Overview of the Business Investor Stream (BIS)
Manitoba’s BIS allows the province to nominate individuals with the experience, net worth, and intent to establish or purchase a business in Manitoba. It’s an attractive route for business-savvy immigrants seeking a more affordable, community-driven life in the heart of Canada.
Two Key Pathways:
- Entrepreneur Pathway – For individuals looking to invest in businesses in Winnipeg or other urban areas.
- Rural Entrepreneur Stream – For those ready to invest in communities outside the Manitoba Capital Region (i.e., not in Winnipeg).
Key Requirements at a Glance
| Criteria | Entrepreneur Pathway | Rural Entrepreneur Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Net Worth | Minimum CAD $500,000 | Minimum CAD $500,000 |
| Investment | Minimum CAD $250,000 (Winnipeg) | Minimum CAD $150,000 (Rural) |
| Business Experience | 3+ years as owner or senior manager | 3+ years as owner or senior manager |
| Exploratory Visit | Recommended | Required |
| Minimum Ownership | 33.3% | 33.3% |
| Language Requirement | CLB 5 in English or French | CLB 5 in English or French |
| Business Operation Duration | At least 6 months | At least 12 months |
| Deposit Required? | No | No |
| Minimum Education | Completion of high school (secondary education) | Completion of high school (secondary education) |
Rural Entrepreneur Stream – Step-by-Step Application Process for Manitoba
| Step | Description | Estimated Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Exploratory Visit | Conduct a self-funded visit to rural Manitoba to explore potential business opportunities, meet with local stakeholders, and assess your fit within the community. Strongly recommended but not mandatory. Must occur within 12 months prior to EOI submission. | 1–2 weeks |
| Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) | Create and submit an online profile through the Manitoba PNP portal. No supporting documents required at this stage. | 1–2 days |
| Receive Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) | If your EOI ranks among the top candidates, Manitoba will issue a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA). | 1–6 months |
| Submit Full Application | Submit a comprehensive application including business plan, visit report, financial and identification documents. CAD $2,500 fee. Deadline: within 120 days of LAA. | Within 120 days of LAA |
| Attend Interview with MPNP Officers | Attend an interview with MPNP officers to evaluate your proposal and qualifications. | 1–2 months after full application |
| Sign Business Performance Agreement (BPA) | Sign a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) outlining investment amount, business type, operational plan, and settlement location. | Within 1 month of the interview |
| Apply for a Work Permit | Receive a Work Permit Support Letter and apply for a temporary work permit through IRCC. | 1–4 months, based on IRCC processing times and country of application |
| Operate Your Business in Manitoba | Relocate to Manitoba and operate your business as outlined in the BPA. Submit progress reports every 6 months. | Submit business activity updates to MPNP every 6 months |
| Apply for Provincial Nomination for Permanent Residence | After fulfilling BPA conditions, apply to MPNP for nomination. If approved, apply for permanent residence to IRCC. | 1–2 months after meeting BPA requirements |
Business Opportunities Across Manitoba
Rural Manitoba: Diverse, Affordable, and Welcoming
Rural regions in Manitoba offer a wide range of business opportunities in sectors such as:
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Processing
- Light Manufacturing
- Retail and E-commerce
- Health and Wellness Services
- Tourism and Hospitality
Why Consider Rural Manitoba?
- Affordable Cost of Living: Rural home prices typically range from $200,000–$350,000
- Community Support: Small towns often have strong local networks and supportive economic development offices
- Business Incentives: Lower startup costs, access to local grants, and moderate provincial taxes
- Natural Beauty: Explore serene lakes, expansive parks, and iconic wildlife—like polar bears in Churchill
Winnipeg: Manitoba’s Economic and Cultural Hub
As the capital and largest city, Winnipeg offers a more urban business landscape ideal for entrepreneurs targeting larger markets.
Key Industries in Winnipeg:
- Information Technology and Digital Services
- Construction and Skilled Trades
- Professional Services (Legal, Accounting, Consulting)
- Food Services and Ethnic Cuisine
- Transportation and Logistics
Why Consider Winnipeg?
- Larger Market Access: Over 800,000 residents and growing demand for services
- Skilled Workforce: Access to talent through local universities and colleges
- Infrastructure: Well-connected via road, rail, and air, ideal for distribution businesses
- Cultural Diversity: Multicultural communities offer rich consumer insights and local partnerships
Frequently Asked Questions – Manitoba Business Immigration
Accordion SamNo. Manitoba’s Entrepreneur Pathway and Rural Entrepreneur Stream do not require a refundable deposit. Instead of asking applicants to place funds in trust, the province uses a Business Performance Agreement (BPA) to ensure that you follow through on your commitments. As long as you meet the agreed terms—such as investment amount, business operation timeline, and job creation—you’ll remain eligible for nomination.
ple Description
Yes. Your spouse or common-law partner can be listed as a co-owner of the business. However, the principal applicant must hold at least 33.3% ownership and play an active and ongoing role in managing the business. This includes oversight of day-to-day operations and strategic decision-making. Passive investment is not sufficient under this program.
That depends on where you choose to establish your business. Manitoba’s program is designed to ensure that entrepreneurs are embedded in the communities where their businesses operate.
If your business is located in Winnipeg, then you are expected to reside in the city.
If your business is located in a rural community, you are expected to live in that rural area to fully participate in the region’s economic development.
Applicants must be prepared to settle in the same community as their business—this is not optional and is part of the province’s commitment to meaningful local engagement.
The Business Performance Agreement (BPA) is a binding commitment between you and the province. It outlines key obligations, including your investment level, business activity, operational timelines, and residency.
If you fail to meet the terms of your BPA, you may not receive a provincial nomination—a required step for applying for permanent residence. Simply put: no nomination, no PR. That’s why it’s critical to approach this process with a solid business plan, professional guidance, and a realistic understanding of your obligations.
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