If you’re a businessperson looking for the perfect place to set up shop, you’re in luck! Canada has some of the best provinces to do business in.
But before you decide, let’s take a moment to consider the pros and cons of each.
And don’t worry, this won’t be a boring lecture; we’ll keep it fun with a few jokes along the way!
So, which province should you choose?
Let’s find out the top 7 best provinces to do business in Canada!
1). Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories, located directly above Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia, is sparsely populated, with a reported population of 44,451.
Despite its small population, it is rich in resources and offers unparalleled natural beauty, making it a desirable destination for business and investment.
Yellowknife, the capital city of the Northwest Territories, is home to various industries such as mining (the territory is the world’s third largest producer of diamonds), manufacturing, transportation, communications, tourism (it offers one of the few places to observe the aurora borealis) and education, among others.
The Northwest Territories Business Stream of their Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) encourages immigration to the area for prospective entrepreneurs.
To qualify for the program, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as having a personal net worth of at least $500,000 if they intend to start a business in Yellowknife.
You must commit to investing at least $300,000 (inside Yellowknife) or $150,000 (outside Yellowknife) in buying or starting a business.
This monetary requirement is the lowest compared to other PNP Investor Visa categories.
The Canadian Language Benchmark of level five is also lower than most provinces.
This category does not require you to create jobs specifically for permanent residents or citizens of Canada, unlike most provinces which mandate at least 1 or 2.
2). Alberta
Alberta is an ideal spot for young entrepreneurs to launch their businesses.
With Canada’s lowest corporate tax rate and no provincial sales tax, it is easy to start a business in the province.
Alberta boasts one of Canada’s strongest economies, with a population of 4.28 million and 154,495 small businesses registered.
With a GDP per capita of C$78,154, it is the major supplier of oil sands, a leader in agriculture technology and a popular tourist destination.
Healthcare is universal and employee insurance plan costs are minimal.
With all these features, it is no surprise that Alberta is the best place to start a business.
Hiring a top-tier long distance moving company in Alberta can help make the transition to the province seamless.
3). British Columbia
British Columbia is quickly becoming a significant tech hub in North America.
Much like Toronto in Ontario, the capital of BC, Vancouver has a great talent pool of developers, programmers, software and creative engineers.
This city has the added benefit of being in the same time zone as major cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland and San Francisco, providing strong business connections with the US.
Vancouver, with its stunning location on the Pacific Ocean, offers an appealing home for businesses.
Here, you can find loyal and talented employees at lower salaries than what is available in Toronto.
The Government of British Columbia also provides more grants to help you develop your business.
Two business investor visa streams are currently available in British Columbia, including one designed to stimulate investment and growth in the province’s rural areas.
The ‘Regional Pilot Program’ is a great choice for setting up a business in Canada.
It has straightforward eligibility criteria: you must invest a minimum of $100,000, have a net worth of $300,000 and create at least one job.
If you desire to establish your business in an urban area, the requirements are slightly more challenging.
You must have a personal net worth of at least $600,000 and dedicate a minimum of $200,000 to your venture.
Fortunately, there is no language test to pass, making the process easier.
4). Quebec
With a population of over 8 million, Quebec is a major player in the Canadian economy.
Boasting an open market economy, the second-largest service-oriented economy in Canada, Quebec is fast becoming a startup hub for businesses of all kinds.
The GDP per capita stands at C$43,349, and the unemployment rate has dropped significantly in recent years, making the province an attractive option for young entrepreneurs.
Quebec is also home to thriving aerospace, biotechnology, information, communication, and pharmaceutical industries.
It exports 70% of its goods to the U.S. French is the official language of business and other spheres, making Quebec a great choice for business startups.
5). Manitoba
In the central Prairies, Manitoba is Canada’s fifth-largest province and a great place to live and work.
With a GDP per capita of around C$51,484, entrepreneurs can benefit from a low cost of living and a wide variety of support services.
From training and networking opportunities to a strong community of like-minded individuals, Manitoba has everything you need to get your business up and running.
Manitoba should be on your radar if you’re considering starting a business in Canada!
6). Saskatchewan
Starting a business in Canada can be great, especially in Saskatchewan.
The province is one of the few with a high percentage of young skilled workers, making it an ideal location for a new venture.
What’s more, it has the lowest provincial tax rate in the country, making it even more attractive.
Furthermore, Saskatchewan offers three routes for business owners: starting, buying or investing.
While two are specifically for farm owners and operators, the third is open for all entrepreneurs.
Moreover, the province boasts an abundance of resources that can contribute to the success of businesses in forestry, mining, agriculture and energy.
Overall, Saskatchewan is an incredibly appealing place to start a business. Its large young skilled workforce, low taxes, and plentiful resources make it an ideal choice for any aspiring entrepreneur.
For business owners looking to start in Saskatchewan, the net worth the requirement is lower than the Northwest Territories – $500,000 in the province except for the Young Farmer Stream, where it’s only $300,000.
Those in Regina or Saskatoon must commit $200,000, while those outside of metropolitan areas need to invest only $100,000.
Plus, there is no language requirement to get an entrepreneur visa in Saskatchewan, making the process easier and more hassle-free.
7). Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia has the lowest business tax rate in Canada, with a rate of just three percent.
It is situated on the east coast and boasts stunning scenery and friendly people – perfect for entrepreneurs who want to relax and recharge in the province’s beautiful natural landscapes.
Businesses are supported by organizations such as the Halifax Partnership, which provide advice and resources to entrepreneurs.
With its low tax rate, stunning scenery, and supportive organizations, Nova Scotia is an ideal place to do business in Canada.
Relocating to the province with C$40,172 of GDP per capita is made easier with the help of long-distance movers in Halifax.
Unsurprisingly, many startups are based in Halifax due to its supportive environment.
Related: