ATTENTION We accept new applications on a rolling basis, with the next cohort kicking off in Fall 2021. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we have adapted the IMPACT Startup Visa Program into a seamless digital learning experience. You will now be able to progress your Canadian visa application and complete the program from the safety and comfort of your home, regardless of your location in the world. Explore below to learn more, register for an information session, and submit your application. We look forward to reviewing it!

IMPACT Startup Visa Accelerator

For purpose-driven entrepreneurs seeking to anchor their business in Canada.

Move to Canada, scale your business, and maximize your impact through the country’s only impact-first startup visa program.

Spring’s IMPACT Startup Visa (ISV) Accelerator Program is a comprehensive 4-month program that combines traditional business acceleration with processes, support, and connections to help you solidify Canada as the home base for your business.

Our team at Spring comes from diverse backgrounds and we know immigration and moving countries can be a challenge, especially if you’re taking your business with you. Let us help you make it easier so you can create an even bigger impact as an entrepreneur working to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals!

Based in Vancouver and operating under the banner of Canada’s Start-Up Visa (SUV) — a program that supports entrepreneurs seeking to immigrate to Canada to accelerate innovation and job creation in the country — our Impact Startup Visa Program combines the training, mentorship, opportunities, and connections you need to help unlock growth and crystallize your company’s impact on people and the planet.

The program focuses on five key objectives:

Providing you with pre-program support on setting up the right foundation for your business in Canada
Introducing you to the Canadian entrepreneurship ecosystem and to our consumer and business cultures
Delivering training and mentorship that cover all aspects of doing business, with a focus on Canada
Helping you maximize your impact on the world through better impact definition and measurement
Teaching you the process and providing the tools you need to successfully raise capital to fuel your efforts

Learn More

Attend an Information Session

We hold regular information sessions where you can tune in live to learn more about the IMPACT Startup Visa Program. If you’re interested in receiving an update when we schedule our next session, register below.

Are you an impact entrepreneur in the Food & Beverage industry?

We’ll be running a food innovation themed IMPACT Startup Visa Accelerator Program, specifically supporting immigrant entrepreneurs in the F&B industry looking to move to Canada and scale their businesses to access the North American market.

Why Immigrate to Canada?

The environment you choose to grow your business in matters towards achieving growth and success. In 2019, Canada was recognized by the Thomson Reuters Foundation as the best country for social entrepreneurs among the world’s 45 largest economies. With the infrastructure to help support impact businesses, Canada has seen an uptick in success for purpose-driven entrepreneurs.

Why Consider Vancouver?

Though you can live and work anywhere in Canada with a Start-U visa, Spring Activator is based in Vancouver and we love it! As the Canadian leader for impact entrepreneurship, Vancouver has a lot to offer for founders and their families.

#1 ranked startup ecosystem in Canada
#15 ranked startup ecosystem in the world
Consistently ranked in the top 10 best and most liveable places in the world
Canada’s most temperate climate
One of the most multicultural cities in Canada

Why Choose Spring as Your Designated Organization?

A certified B-Corporation, Spring is a global incubator and accelerator that empowers entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial ecosystems to build better businesses and change the world through innovation. Through our global advisory services, we have helped more than 80 different incubators, accelerators, foundations, and governments on 5 continents enhance their capacity to maximize impact both in their local communities and globally. With our impact programs, we have helped more than 700 entrepreneurs create 350 companies and raise more than $24M in funding.

"The Spring Startup Visa Program is a stellar incubator for entrepreneurs who want to solve global challenges."

“The program was an opportunity for us to meet other mission-driven entrepreneurs, investors and leaders. The speakers, facilitators and mentors we had access to were a great resource. It was also a great introduction and integration into the startup community in Vancouver! Overall, the experience opened up many doors and opportunities for us.”

Raya Bidhsahri – Founder & CEO, Awecademy

Is Our Impact Startup Visa Program the Right Fit?

Your company is purpose-driven, for-profit, and focused on having a positive impact on people and/or the planet
You want to maximize your market opportunity and impact as a for-profit entity
You can demonstrate that your vision will be best served by moving permanently to Canada
You’re able to clearly articulate the problem you solve and how your unique world-changing approach brings compelling value to the market
You can demonstrate measurable customer validation and progress
You can show that you have the financial capital to support the effort (see the criteria for Canadian permanent residence and work permit applications)
You qualify to apply for Canada’s Start-up Visa (SUV) program (find more information in our Program Pack, downloadable at the top of this page)

What's the Application Process?

Step 1: Assess your eligibility for the Start-Up Visa Program (includes having a qualifying business, meeting the language requirements, and bringing enough money to settle — see the full requirements here)

Step 2: Prepare your application for the Impact Startup Visa Accelerator Program (download and review application questions here)

Step 3: Apply for the Impact Startup Visa Accelerator Program (use this form)

Step 4: Go through initial screening, two rounds of interviews, and a due diligence process with Spring (please note that the process can take up to two months)

Step 5: Once accepted, selected participants receive a Letter of Support from Spring as their Designated Organization for Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program

Step 6: Submit your Letter of Support and the application package to the Start-Up Visa Program (we advise applying minimally 4-6 months in advance of your preferred start date to allow sufficient time for the application process and for the submission of all documentation)

If you’re interested in applying for our Fall 2021 intake, we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible to ensure sufficient time for the application process.

When's the Next Intake?

The next cohort begins in Fall 2021.

We accept applications on a rolling basis. Those received immediately prior to an upcoming intake will be considered for the following cohort.

Cohorts begin generally in the Spring and Fall, and one intake is limited to 15 companies.

Ready to Apply?
We're looking forward to receiving your application!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the ISV program cost?

The total cost of the ISV program is CAD $30,000 + GST for the first applicant. If the primary applicant wants to bring in team members as applicants, additional costs are as follows:

$8,000 + GST for each additional member, includes PR application support and optional accelerator attendance

What is the required time commitment for the program?

The program runs for a period of 4 months during which you’ll be expected to attend virtual training sessions 2 days per week.

Can I participate if I have yet to establish my business?

We do accept companies that are pre-launched but recognize that admission is competitive. Come prepared with a strong application that justifies your background and experience in the business that you intend to establish.

I'm an immigration lawyer looking for more details for my clients. Where can I go to learn more?

We often work with immigration lawyers who have clients that qualify for the Impact Startup Visa Program. For a more comprehensive understanding of our process, you can download an information pack here.