British Columbia PNP announced the launch of a new pilot program in its immigration system. The program intends to attract foreign entrepreneurs to invest in the growth of the province’s economy.

The program is named Entrepreneur Immigration — Regional Pilot. The program is planned to launch next year in 2019.

Through this program, entrepreneurs can come to the smaller localities in BC, and grow a business there. This initiative is taken to boost the economy of the small communities. Enrolled communities must be situated 30 kilometres or more from a population centre of more than 75,000 people.

Candidates interested in applying must have the intention of settling in British Columbia. They also need to make an “exploratory visit” to BC and obtain a referral letter from the community where they wish to establish their business.

Other criteria include:

• Have a minimum business investment of $100,000 and individual net worth of $300,000,
• Have 3+ years of experience as an acting business owner/manager etc.