Immigration
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Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot
Background
The Comox Valley Economic Development Society (CVEDS), is participating in the BC Provincial Nominee Program – Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot representing the Comox Valley communities of the Town of Comox, City of Courtenay, and Comox Valley Regional District Areas A, B, and C.
This program is designed for entrepreneurs from around the world who propose to establish and actively manage new businesses in communities outside urban areas.
Please note that the EI – Regional Pilot is for foreign entrepreneurs who are planning to start a business. Entrepreneurs wishing to purchase an existing business can register and apply under the EI – Base Category of the BC PNP.
STEP 1: REVIEW PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Please review the following program information and criteria prior to requesting an exploratory visit.
BC PNP PILOT CRITERIA
Please ensure you’ve reviewed the program criteria and meet at a minimum all the items below as noted in the BC PNP – Regional Pilot Program Guide;
- Must be a new business from the sectors noted below
- Minimum of $100,000 in eligible business investments
- Minimum personal net worth of $300,000
- Minimum of 51% ownership
- Minimum of 1 new job created
COMMUNITY PRIORITY SECTORS
Our regions Community Profiles are available online and note our Priority Sectors which your business plan must align to in order to be considered for the program. Applications that fall outside these sectors will not be considered.
311 – Food Manufacturing
541 – Professional, scientific, and technical services
721 – Accommodation Services
STEP 2: LEARN ABOUT OUR COMMUNITIES AND RESOURCES
LOCAL AREA INFORMATION
Review the following links to learn about region, amenities and resources.
Why Comox Valley? Overview of the area and amenities including education, healthcare, housing, local governments, major employers and transportation.
Discover Comox Valley Explore the area’s tourism, culture, arts and heritage amenities as well as view online resources to help plan your trip.
BUSINESS PLANNING TOOLS, RESOURCES AND RESEARCH
The CVEDS provides a variety of tools, resources and research to support you in the development of your business plan. Please see the following;
- Starting a Business
- Steps for Writing Your Business Plan – Small Business BC
- Statistics and Data
- Sector Research
STEP 3: FILL OUT THE EXPLORATORY VISIT APPLICATION FORM
After reviewing Steps 1 and 2 (program criteria and ensuring alignment to our regions priority sectors), please complete the following intake form in order to request an exploratory visit meeting with the CVEDS. If you are selected for an exploratory visit, you will be notified via email at the CVEDS discretion.
*COVID-19 Update: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and current travel restrictions, exploratory visits will not be conducted until further notice; however, you are still encouraged to complete an application form for review.