Original article: https://www.livingabroadincanada.com/2011/01/27/should-canada-create-a-startup-visa-for-immigrant-entrepreneurs/
Summary: A group of Vancouver entrepreneurs, led by Danny Robinson, Maura Rodgers, and Boris Wertz, is advocating for a new “startup visa” for immigrant entrepreneurs in Canada. Their initiative, Startup Visa Canada, aims to attract top entrepreneurial talent worldwide to Canada. They argue that current government programs are too restrictive, requiring about $300,000 in personal fixed assets and having lengthy approval processes.
Their proposals include:
- Reducing the minimum asset provisions to a $150,000 Canadian investment.
- Allowing qualified immigrants to partner with local investors to speed up obtaining temporary work permits.
- Requiring immigrants to hold at least one-third equity in their companies, be active in management, and create at least three full-time jobs within two years.
A similar initiative is also being pursued in the United States by Senators John Kerry and Richard Lugar.
The article invites readers to share their thoughts on the proposed startup visa and experiences with Canada’s current entrepreneur programs. Additionally, it encourages support for the initiative by signing a petition.
