Immigrant Entrepreneur Program

Small business information, resources and workshops for newcomers

Whether you want to explore small business ideas or become self-employed, we’re here to guide your entrepreneurial journey in Canada. Our free Immigrant Entrepreneur Program, funded by TD Bank, is a self-employment training program, networking and support system, and business incubation platform rolled into one. We are ready to help you take your idea to startup to launch in the following three phases.

1. One-to-One Support

Get personalized, ongoing support from our self-employment specialists. We help newcomers explore business ideas, do market research and competitor analysis, write a business plan, register their business, understand financial loan options, learn about marketing, sales and operational plans, and much more.

2. Business Plan Writing Circle

In our eight-week Business Plan Writing Circle, you will be able to :

Explore business ideas, and define your products or services
Identify your target customers, do market research and competitor analysis
Learn the basics of a business plan and develop marketing, sales, operational and financial plans, including cash flow projections
Learn about business structures and the business registration process
Meet other immigrant entrepreneurs
Receive a Certificate of Completion after completing the eight sessions

Held on Saturdays, 10 am –1 pm, there are the eight weekly Business Plan Writing Circle themes:

Week 1	Explore your business idea using the Business Model Canvas
Week 2	Define your products or services
Week 3	Define your target customers and what you are offering them
Week 4	Learn about market research, focus groups and competitor analysis
Week 5	Understand the basics of a business plan
Week 6	Start a marketing and sales plan
Week 7	Develop operational and financial plans, including cash flow projections
Week 8	Learn about business structures and the business registration process

3. Business Startup Bootcamp

Once you’re ready to put your business planning into action, you can take part in our Business Startup Bootcamp. Held on Saturdays, 10 am –1 pm via Zoom, June 26 to August 28, 2021, you will be able to:

Present your business pitch “Dragons’ Den” style to a panel of experts
Start creating business operation processes, such as product development, branding, marketing, sales, customer service, production, logistics and accounting procedures
Start selling at local marketplaces or online, with our ongoing support

Eligibility

Preference is given to permanent residents and naturalized citizens. Language support in English, Mandarin, Arabic and Korean.

Register

To learn more and register for the Immigrant Entrepreneur Program and Business Plan Writing Circle, call 604-547-1662 or email selfemployment@dcrs.ca.

See our Immigrant Entrepreneur Program Flyer

Program made possible with generous support from TD Community Banking