Empowering Immigrants to Canada Through Entrepreneurship

Our Programs

Start, Scale or Aquire

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Our Mission

Our Goal, Vision & Commitment

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Our Events

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Conscious investment in immigrant founders is essential for fueling Canada's economic growth

Immigrant entrepreneurs play a critical role in Canada’s economic development, job creation and prosperity. Today, immigrant entrepreneurs:

Create one 1 out of 4 new businesses

Are twice as likely to establish a new business than the Canadian-born population

Create more net jobs per business than businesses owned by the Canadian-born population

Our goal at IEC is to engage, connect, and empower Canadian immigrants through comprehensive education, dedicated advocacy, and a commitment to building opportunities for acquiring, starting, and scaling ventures. We are the driving force behind a movement that propels immigrant entrepreneurs to the forefront of Canada's entrepreneurial ecosystems and beyond.

Our Mission

Our vision is to build a world that recognizes the immense value and contribution immigrant entrepreneurs bring to society. We envision a Canada where immigrant entrepreneurs thrive, drive innovation, create jobs, and enrich local communities. By fostering a nation that embraces diversity, cultivates inclusion, and sets the global standard for immigrant entrepreneurship, we aspire to shape a brighter future for all.

Our Vision

IEC offers various programs to support entrepreneurs, including the annual IEC Conference, the IEC Incubator for early-stage startups, the IEC Accelerator for advanced startups, and the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Program for immigrant entrepreneurs.

Our Programs

Upcoming Events

Mixer & Service Marketplace Event
Tue, Jan 28
Ottawa
Jan 28, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Ottawa, 7 Bayview Station Rd, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2C5, Canada
Jan 28, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Ottawa, 7 Bayview Station Rd, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2C5, Canada
Join us at the All-Genders Mixer Event - Service Marketplace to connect with immigrant entrepreneurs and discover essential services from fellow immigrant-owned businesses
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Retail Incubator Graduation & Celebration
Thu, Jan 30
Ottawa
Jan 30, 2025, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Ottawa, located at south end of building, 2650 Queensview Dr Unit 170, Ottawa, ON K2B 8H6, Canada
Jan 30, 2025, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Ottawa, located at south end of building, 2650 Queensview Dr Unit 170, Ottawa, ON K2B 8H6, Canada
Join us for an exciting celebration as we honor the graduation of our inaugural Retail Incubator cohort!
RSVP

Women's Series: Potluck
Tue, Feb 25
Ottawa
Feb 25, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Ottawa, 7 Bayview Station Rd, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2C5, Canada
Feb 25, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Ottawa, 7 Bayview Station Rd, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2C5, Canada
Join us for a cozy potluck where immigrant women and non-binary entrepreneurs connect, share stories, and celebrate cultural diversity through food!
Buy Tickets

Recognizing the significant economic potential immigrants possess, it is crucial for us to take additional measures to ensure that immigrant entrepreneurs receive genuine recognition, have their voices heard, and receive intentional programming and investment.

Karla Briones

CEO of Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada

Invest Ottawa

Bayview Yards

StartUp Canada

Women Fund

Our Partners

About Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada

Founded in March 2023, Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada (IEC) is Canada’s first national center of excellence dedicated to empowering and accelerating the impact and success of immigrant entrepreneurs in Canada.

At IEC, we foster a strong and inclusive ecosystem that champions diversity, innovation, and economic growth. We strive to build a world that recognizes the immense value and contribution that immigrant entrepreneurs bring to society, where they thrive, drive innovation, create jobs, and enrich Canadian communities, while fostering a nation that embraces diversity, cultivates inclusion, and sets the global standard for immigrant entrepreneurship.

Working together with regional economic development agencies, community organizations, private and public sector, we bring business incubation, acceleration and succession programs designed with the specific needs of immigrant entrepreneurs in mind.