The Start-up Visa: The Letter of Support is Just the Starting Point – What Comes Next?

The Start-up Visa is a popular program in Canada that provides opportunities for foreign innovators and entrepreneurs. This is a true gem of Canadian immigration that allows innovative, globally scalable business ideas to launch in one of the largest and most stable economies in the world!

Unlike other business immigration options, this program requires a letter of support from a designated organization. These organizations are government-approved venture capital firms, angel investors, and accelerators that provide hopeful start-ups with financing, business coaching, and other services.

Even though the approval of the letter of support is crucial for a start-up visa in Canada, it is just the beginning. There are many other steps that will need to be navigated. Joorney Business Plans Canada is not an immigration consultant, lawyer, or advisor. We are delighted to bring our special guest to deep dive into the program and explain the steps involved in the process. On this month’s webinar, we will welcome special guest Upasana Sharma from Investor Quotient Canada Inc. IQ Canada provides a suite of professional services to foreign innovators and investors looking to invest in or launch a business in Canada.

Join us as Upasana reviews the basics of the Start-up Visa program, dives into the steps beyond receiving the letter of support, and outlines the process for obtaining permanent residency.

Guest: Upasana Sharma is the CEO and the founder of Investor Quotient Canada Inc. With expertise in law, angel investing and business consulting, Upasana has successfully launched several global start-ups companies in the Canadian market.

Her litigation experience with some of the top Canadian law firms, including Lerners LLP, has given her an in-depth understanding of the Canadian legal system and regulatory requirements. Upasana's expertise in law and business combined with her highly accomplished advocacy, negotiations, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills allow her to proficiently handle all the business and legal aspects of the Start-up Visa program. An accomplished Canadian lawyer with an entrepreneurial spirit, Upasana helps start-ups and international businesses turn their vision of entering Canada into reality.

Host: Marianella Manzur has over 18 years of international experience in business development and consultation in strategy, management, business planning, business intelligence, marketing, and sales. Originally from Colombia, she has worked in an array of different industries in both Latin and North American markets. Marianella is a bilingual MBA graduate with postgraduate studies at Harvard Business School in strategy and sales as well as entrepreneurial essentials. Currently, as Executive Director of Joorney Canada and Head of Market Research of Joorney Global, she channels her broad and diverse business knowledge into helping hundreds of entrepreneurs, startups, and business immigrants achieve their goals every year.