Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream
For experienced owners and senior managers who will run a Nova Scotia business day to day while living in the province.
Nova Scotia’s Entrepreneur stream is for experienced owners and senior managers who will establish a new business, or buy and grow an existing one, and manage it day to day while living in the province.
Its distinguishing feature is that the financial thresholds depend on where the business will be located. Outside the Halifax Regional Municipality, both the net worth and investment requirements drop substantially, and rural and smaller-town locations earn additional points on the selection grid.
One point worth understanding early: this is a base nomination, not aligned with Express Entry. It does not add 600 Comprehensive Ranking System points. The permanent residence application is made separately under the Provincial Nominee Class, and the full cycle typically spans two and a half to three and a half years.
Core requirements
| Requirement | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Net worth | CAD $600,000 in net business and personal assets for a business inside Halifax Regional Municipality, or CAD $400,000 outside it. Verified by a designated third party after invitation. |
| Investment | CAD $150,000 of your own funds inside HRM, or CAD $100,000 outside. Made after signing the Business Performance Agreement. |
| Ownership | At least one-third of the equity in the business. |
| Business experience | Three years of business ownership with at least 33.3% ownership, or more than five years in a senior management role within the last ten years. |
| Age | At least 21. No upper limit, though the grid awards fewer points at older ages. |
| Language | CLB 5 or higher in all four abilities. Higher levels earn additional points. |
| Job creation | For a new business, one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is not a family member. For a purchase, offer employment to existing staff on similar terms, including maintaining existing wages. |
How selection and the operating period work
Application is by invitation only. You submit a free Expression of Interest, which is scored on a matrix covering language, education, business experience, investment level, net worth, age, adaptability, and alignment with provincial priorities. The province can also issue targeted invitations supporting key sectors and business succession opportunities.
Successful applicants sign a Business Performance Agreement, come to Nova Scotia on a temporary work permit, and must operate the business for at least one continuous year before nomination. The Business Establishment Plan submitted with the application forms the basis of that agreement, and material changes after signing require approval.
Practical considerations
- The location decision drives $200,000 of net worth and $50,000 of investment, and earns grid points besides. It is worth modelling both options before settling.
- As of February 2026 the province consolidated its nominee program into four streams, and the Entrepreneur stream now incorporates the former International Graduate Entrepreneur pathway as sub-criteria for graduates of Nova Scotia institutions.
- Decisions are final and there is no appeal process, which raises the cost of a weak or premature file.
- Succession purchases carry an obligation to retain existing staff on similar wages and conditions, which needs to be priced into the acquisition model.
Not sure which program fits your situation?
Every program rewards a different profile. Net worth, experience, sector, and where you want to live all shape the right strategy. Book a consultation and we will assess your options across all of them.