Empowering Immigrant Entrepreneurs to Build Canada's Future
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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
Upcoming Events
Immigrant Entrepreneurs Mix'N Mingle Fall MeetUpMon, Sep 29Ottawa
Immigrant Women Entrepreneurs MeetUp – Cornwall and SDGThu, Oct 09Cornwall
IEC x Startup Canada Tour – Mississauga StopTue, Oct 21Mississauga
Recognizing the immense economic potential of immigrants, it is essential that we take proactive steps to ensure immigrant entrepreneurs receive the recognition they deserve, have their voices amplified, and benefit from targeted programming and investment.
Karla Briones
CEO of Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada
Invest Ottawa
Bayview Yards
StartUp Canada
Our Partners
About Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada
Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada (IEC) is a non-profit that empowers immigrant and newcomer entrepreneurs through culturally relevant education, community-driven programming, and systems-level advocacy. Founded in 2023, IEC supports the launch, growth, and acquisition of immigrant-led businesses as a pathway to inclusive economic development.
We collaborate with economic development agencies, private and public partners, and grassroots community organizations to design programming tailored to the real-world needs of immigrant entrepreneurs. In under two years, we've supported over 2,200 immigrant entrepreneurs and helped launch dozens of ventures through our Retail Incubator Program, monthly community activation meetups, and mentorship initiatives—creating trusted spaces for connection, learning, and economic opportunity.
As demand grows from communities across Canada, IEC continues to serve as a catalyst for inclusive economic development, working toward a future where immigrant entrepreneurs thrive and shape Canada's economic landscape.
Dedicated to empowering immigrant and newcomer entrepreneurs through culturally relevant education, hands-on programs, and advocacy that drives inclusive economic development across Canada.
