Why Global Entrepreneurs are Choosing Alberta
Located in western Canada, the province of Alberta is known for its growth. The province has a strong…
Located in western Canada, the province of Alberta is known for its growth. The province has a strong economy and numerous opportunities for businesses and startups alike. “The Alberta Advantage” is a slogan used by the Government of Alberta that nods to the economic, business, and lifestyle benefits that many enjoy in the province.
For global founders, Alberta is becoming one of Canada’s major hubs of entrepreneurship. Thanks to its immigration pathways, which welcome entrepreneurs and foreign graduates, it is an ideal launch pad for those entering Canada.
Beyond the Canada SUV: Alberta’s Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Pathway
Apr 23, 2026 – Thursday 10:00AM
We’ll dive into Alberta’s Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: who it’s for, how it works, and where it creates real opportunities for building a business and a life in Canada.
Hosted by Shawn Olson – VP Business Development
Why Alberta?
The benefits of living in Alberta are plentiful. The province has beautiful outdoor landscapes, including the Rocky Mountains, and numerous communities where you can find your home. Alberta also has excellent healthcare and a vibrant cultural scene. While it isn’t home to the largest cities in Canada, Alberta offers competitive real estate prices, tax advantages, a strong economy, a younger workforce, and a lower cost of living. The province also has the highest median household income in Canada.
Alberta is one of ten provinces in Canada and borders British Columbia to the west, Saskatchewan to the east, the Northwest Territories to the north, and Montana to the south. Its capital city, Edmonton, along with Calgary to the south, are Alberta’s two urban centers.
From an outdoor perspective, Alberta is home to five national parks and over 470 provincially protected areas managed by Alberta Parks. It’s home to the Rocky Mountains, numerous lakes, forests, and unique landscapes.
The Major Appeal for Foreign Entrepreneurs
From a business standpoint, many global tech and energy companies are increasingly looking to the province as a place to conduct business, creating vibrant innovation hubs in recent years. While best known for its oil industry, Alberta also has strong energy, agriculture, tech, and AI sectors, with recent news of large data centers being built in the province.
Alongside these sectors, Alberta has ecosystems in place to provide mentorship and co-working spaces for founders and entrepreneurs. An example of this is the Alberta Innovation Corridor Partnership, which connects cities and businesses between Edmonton and Calgary and helps startups access markets and talent that stretch along this corridor.
Businesses in the province benefit from lower corporate taxes than in other Canadian provinces, and there are initiatives in place to support new startups.
Immigration Options for Founders and Entrepreneurs
One immigration pathway in Alberta is the Alberta Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream (FGES). It offers a unique opportunity for talented foreign graduates with entrepreneurial ambitions to establish and operate a business in Alberta. Designed for individuals who hold a post-secondary degree from outside Canada and possess a strong business plan, this program provides a clear pathway to permanent residency through entrepreneurship.
The Alberta FGES helps entrepreneurs turn their education, skills, and ideas into thriving ventures. Foreign graduates interested in applying to the program must work with a designated agency (such as Empowered Startups) to obtain a letter of recommendation if they meet the eligibility requirements.
Empowered Startups worked directly with the Alberta Government to design the FGES program and is one of only three designated agencies permitted to assess the viability of prospective candidates.
Entrepreneurs Pathway into Canada
Alberta’s startup ecosystem is supportive, innovative, and growing, making it an ideal place to set up a new business in Canada. From tax advantages to lower real estate costs, the province provides opportunities that many other provinces do not.
If you’re looking to come to Alberta on the Alberta FGES, you can learn more on our website or join our free webinar on April 23: “Beyond the Canada SUV: Alberta’s Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Pathway”.
