Maple News reports that British Columbia has issued new invitations through its Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) to foreign entrepreneurs ready to start or take over businesses in the province. The latest draws, conducted on May 28, targeted candidates under the Entrepreneur Immigration streams — part of the province’s broader efforts to stimulate economic growth and innovation across both urban centers and regional communities.
A total of 14 invitations to apply (ITAs) were issued across two sub-streams of the Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) categories. Under the EI Regional Pilot stream, fewer than five invitations went out, with the required minimum score set at 123. Meanwhile, the more established EI Base stream issued nine invitations, with a cut-off score of 115.
The EI Regional Pilot stream typically attracts entrepreneurs interested in launching businesses in smaller communities across British Columbia. These draws usually occur once a month and are based on community referrals. The aim is to address regional economic needs and revitalize local economies, especially in areas facing population or labor shortages.
For the EI Base stream, which allows candidates to establish or acquire businesses across a broader range of locations in the province, targeted invitations are driven by several criteria. These include the applicant’s overall registration score, the size and location of the intended community, whether they’re proposing a startup or purchasing an existing business, and whether the business aligns with British Columbia’s priority economic sectors.
While entrepreneur draws have remained active throughout 2025, other streams such as the skills-based immigration pathways under BC PNP have seen much less activity. Notably, only one skills-based draw has been held so far this year, highlighting a shifting emphasis towards entrepreneurial and community-driven immigration strategies.
British Columbia’s continued focus on entrepreneurial immigration demonstrates the province’s strategic approach to balancing population growth with targeted economic development—particularly in underserved areas. As Maple News has previously reported, the BC PNP remains one of Canada’s most dynamic provincial programs for newcomers with business ambitions.
Eligibility for ITAs in the entrepreneur streams remains competitive. Periodic draws may be limited to ensure efficient processing and to prioritize high-impact business proposals that align with British Columbia’s economic policy priorities.