What is the STARTup
Visa Program?

Our STARTup Visa Program is one of the few rural business incubators in Canada backed by the federal government.

We help entrepreneurs from other countries grow their businesses in Canada. This helps create jobs and economic prosperity for everyone.

Skilled knowledge that is

Trustworthy through an

Approachable environment with

Reliable mentors.

Self-Paced Incubation Program

After completing the accelerator, entrepreneurs move into a self-paced incubation program. We remain by your side, providing resources and guidance until IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) processes and finalizes your application.

While waiting for IRCC to evaluate your business—whether from your home country or after arriving in Canada on a work permit—you will participate in our incubation program, designed to prepare you for startup success.

A dedicated advisor will work closely with you, providing tailored guidance. You’ll gain access to many of the same resources as Innovation Cluster’s regional members, like our full ecosystem of mentors, Experts in Residence, and partners.

Program Requirements

If you want to immigrate to Canada with your startup, you must:

• have a business that is innovative
• a letter of support from us
• meet the language requirements
• bring enough money to settle in Canada

Click HERE for full requirement details.

Our Program Requirements

Peterborough
and the Kawarthas

Located 90 minutes northeast of Toronto and closely situated to the U.S. border, Peterborough and the Kawarthas is a region surrounded by nature, farmland, and more than 250 freshwater lakes and rivers.

Not only is the region beautiful, but it also has vibrant downtowns, prosperous businesses, and hardworking entrepreneurs who are encouraged by the community. Consequently, many businesses choose this region to start up, expand, or develop.

As part of our Startup Visa (SUV) program, you gain access to our exclusive Expert in Residence (EXiR) Program. This program connects you with industry-leading experts across a variety of fields, offering one-on-one mentorship tailored to your business needs.

Our EXiRs provide valuable insights, guidance, and support to help you overcome challenges and scale your business successfully.

Cost

Please contact the Innovation Cluster for further information on the program fees.

You can discuss with the Innovation Cluster staff any individual costs associated with the residency and different options within the incubation program.