WhiteHaven

OVERVIEW

Great ideas don’t just magically turn into great companies. Successful entrepreneurs seek out sound business advice and a robust network of supporters to help them achieve their dreams. Moreover, they know they don’t simply need money to succeed, they need smart money: investors who understand the marketplace, who share the entrepreneur’s passion to make a difference, who can identify the potential of a great idea and above all, help unlock its commercial success.

This is who we are at WhiteHaven Ventures, and innovation is our catalyst.

We believe that what successful entrepreneurs have in common is a commitment to the systematic practice of innovation: the use of creative thinking to develop new strategies that spark significant growth and revolutionize the traditional business model. We are right there with you!

CANADA’S START-UP VISA PROGRAM

WhiteHaven Ventures believes in entrepreneurship but, beyond that, we believe in new ideas, methods, devices and technologies that will propel us forward. These can come from across the globe, which is exactly what Canada’s Start-up Visa Program is designed to do: attract entrepreneurs to Canada from anywhere in the world. And we’re onboard.

In 2022, WhiteHaven Ventures became one of 26 Venture Capital Funds in Canada, and only one of two registered investment management firms, to be named a designated organization for the Start-up Visa Program by the Canadian government. This program connects Canadian companies with immigrant entrepreneurs who have the skills and potential to build innovative businesses in Canada.

With our support, immigrant entrepreneurs can apply for permanent residence in Canada and launch their start-up here. The program offers eligible business owners the chance at a fresh start in a new country as well as funding from the designated organizations.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for the Start-up Visa Program, a foreign entrepreneur must meet the following requirements*:

Have a qualifying business, with a maximum of 5 applicants (as a group) that must each have 10% or more of the voting rights in the business.
Get a letter of support from WhiteHaven Ventures or any other designated organization.
Meet the minimum level of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either English or French in all of these four areas: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Have the minimum sufficient funds to support their initial stay in Canada.

As a designated organization, WhiteHaven Ventures can support eligible immigrant entrepreneurs by investing in their business. The minimum investment or support required by a designated venture capital organization such as ours is CAD $200,000.00.

*To view all the eligibility requirements, please visit the IRCC Canada website.

BENEFITS OF THE START-UP VISA PROGRAM

Canada is open for business to the world’s start-ups! As immigrant entrepreneurs and innovators, you will receive a variety of social benefits through this program:

A Canadian permanent resident visa, that does not depend on the success of your startup.
A temporary work permit to get to Canada and start building your business while your application for permanent residence is being processed.
No direct investment and no minimum net-worth requirement.
A dynamic business environment in a progressive economy.
Shorter wait times to obtain a permanent resident visa than through a traditional application.
Social security benefits related to education, healthcare, employment, family and child benefits.
A great quality of life in one of the most immigrant-friendly countries in the world.

APPLY WITH THE SUPPORT OF WHITEHAVEN VENTURES

If you meet the eligibility criteria and would like to apply the Start-up Visa program, please complete the SUV application form below. The WhiteHaven Ventures team reviews applications on an on-going basis, and will contact the start-ups of interest directly.

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