by Scott on November 28, 2012
Ideas Inc. and BHP Billiton have teamed up to create the Empower Business Program for Saskatchewan First Nations and Métis entrepreneurs. The program will help entrepreneurs get the resources and training they need to start and grow their businesses.
The program is taking applications from December 1, 2012 to January 31, 3013. Interested entrepreneurs should visit the Ideas Inc. website or send an email to empower @ saskatoonideas.com. If you are thinking of starting a business and you qualify for the program, this would be an excellent way for you to get help in getting your business of the ground.
by Scott on November 21, 2012
The BC PNP has two options through the business immigration stream – the Fast Track nomination option and the regular process. As of November 15, 2012, the government is suspending the Fast Track option as it reviews the effectiveness of the program.
Under the Fast Track option, business applicants who had obtained a PNP-supported work permit and had arrived in BC could request immediate nomination for permanent residence if they posted a $125,000 bond with the Province. The bond would be refunded once the applicant met his or her obligations under the program.
Under the regular process, there is no performance bond and applicants are only nominated once they have established a business.
Since 2007, 26 Fast Track nominees have completed their performance agreements compared with 261 business applicants who have gone through the regular process.
Although BC is suspending the Fast Track option while the review is being conducted, this will have no impact on the regular process in the business immigration stream. This change will have an impact on some immigrants, but for the vast majority of immigrants under the business stream of the BC PNP, BC remains open for business.
