BIZAlberta · Business
Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
BIZ
Open Open via business EOI. Webpages clarified 2026-08-12 with no eligibility change. A separate Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream exists for graduates from outside Canada.
For international graduates of Alberta publicly funded post-secondary institutions who hold a valid PGWP and want to start or buy a business in Alberta. There is no minimum net worth or investment, but a language level of CLB 7 and 34% ownership are required.
Who it suits
- Alberta graduates (2+ years full-time, degree or diploma) on a valid PGWP
- Graduates with a business idea and a physical Alberta business location
Requirements
- EducationAt least two years of full-time study leading to a degree or diploma from an Alberta Advanced Education publicly funded institution. ↗ alberta.ca
- PermitPGWP valid at the time the EOI is submitted. ↗ alberta.ca
- LanguageCLB/NCLC 7 in each ability; test under 2 years old at EOI. ↗ alberta.ca
- OwnershipNew or purchased Alberta business with at least 34% ownership; partners must be citizens or PRs; physical place of business in Alberta at all times; an existing business must have operated at least one year before the EOI. ↗ alberta.ca
- Settlement fundsNo mandatory net worth or minimum investment is stated. ↗ alberta.ca
How candidates are selected
Business EOI, then invitation to submit a business application. Age 21-49, 6+ months business experience, spouse ties and Alberta relatives are non-mandatory factors.
Location requirement: Must be an Alberta publicly funded institution graduate; business in Alberta.
Processing: AAIP says entrepreneur timelines vary by file; no fixed time is published.
Related pathways
Official sources
- alberta.caProgram pageChecked 2026-10-01
- alberta.caEligibilityChecked 2026-10-01
- alberta.caForeign Graduate Entrepreneur StreamChecked 2026-10-01
- alberta.caAllocationChecked 2026-10-01
Program rules change often. This page summarizes the official pages listed above; the official page always takes precedence.