Manitoba Entrepreneur Pathway

Licensed RCIC guidance on the Manitoba Entrepreneur Pathway in 2026: current status, thresholds, and the staged work-permit-first process.

Written and reviewed by Usman Khalil, RCIC (R709592), a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Last reviewed: June 2026.

The Manitoba Entrepreneur Pathway, part of the Business Investor Stream, is for experienced owners and senior managers who want to establish or buy a business in Manitoba. This page explains the current status, the thresholds, and the staged process, reviewed by a licensed RCIC.

Current status: Manitoba still accepts and reviews expressions of interest, but the province has stated that expression of interest draws are not currently being conducted, and it is running an interim paper based process. This is not a permanent closure, but the pathway is not actively drawing candidates right now.

1. What the Manitoba Entrepreneur Pathway is

The Manitoba Entrepreneur Pathway, part of the Business Investor Stream, is for experienced owners and senior managers who want to establish or buy a business in Manitoba and eventually be considered for a provincial nomination. The current status matters before anything else. Manitoba still accepts and reviews expressions of interest, but the province has stated that expression of interest draws are not currently being conducted, and it is running an interim paper based process while it updates its systems.

2. Eligibility at a glance

The eligibility factors remain defined. The province looks for a minimum personal net worth of $500,000, verified by a designated accounting firm, and a minimum investment of $250,000 for a business in the Winnipeg metropolitan area, or $150,000 outside it, with at least one job created or maintained. Applicants generally need three years of full-time business experience in the last five years as an active owner with at least a one-third stake or as a senior manager, language ability of at least CLB 5, and Manitoba education equivalency. An exploratory visit is recommended rather than mandatory.

3. The staged process: work permit first

The process is staged and begins with a temporary work permit, not permanent residence. After an expression of interest leads to an application and that application is approved, you sign a business performance agreement before Manitoba issues the letter that supports your work permit. You then move to Manitoba, report in person within the required window, submit progress reports, and operate the business for the required period before a final report. If you meet the terms, you may be nominated and then apply federally for permanent residence.

4. Source of funds and net worth verification

Because draws are not currently being conducted, the practical advice for most people is to prepare rather than rush. A clean source of funds, a verified net worth, and a strong business concept are exactly what you will need when the process is fully active again, and they take time to assemble properly. Our CPA side supports the source of funds and the net worth verification Manitoba requires.

5. How MAK helps

We help you confirm whether your profile fits the current criteria and get the financial and business documentation ready, so you are positioned when draws resume.

Frequently Asked Questions