Business Ownership Among Immigrants in Atlantic Canada

Year of Publication: 2026

Author: Atlantic Region Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (ARAISA)

Publication Source: Atlantic Immigration Spotlight on Data

Category: ,

DOI: https://araisa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Spotlight-on-Data-08-Business-ownership-EN.pdf

Immigrants are more likely than non-immigrants to be business owners. As of 2021, 15.4% of immigrants in Atlantic Canada were business owners in comparison to 11.6% of non-immigrants. Service providers can support immigrant entrepreneurs and business owners through mentorship programs, leadership training, and training in business management. Since most immigrant business owners do not arrive in Canada through business pathways, service providers should broadly promote these programs and services among clients and by engaging with local businesses and community organizations. Moreover, by integrating diversity training into their business programs, service providers can increase workforce inclusion for all Canadians.