April 10, 2013

Mario D. Bellissimo featured in London, England’s The Telegraph Newspaper!

A new start up visa is being offered to foreign entrepreneurs who can secure investors, and will be allowed to stay in Canada as long as they would like regardless of whether or not their business idea will succeed. Requirements to apply to the visa are a proficiency in either English or French as well as a year of post-secondary education. Applicants will be required to secure a minimum investment of $200,000 from a venture capitalist fund, or $75,000 from an angel investor group on a list of designated Canadian investors.

Mario D. Bellissimo is quoted in London, England’s The Telegraph newspaper commenting that the idea of the visa was stylized “very much like the Dragons’ Den of immigration” — the government was hoping for “the next big thing, like Facebook or Apple” and ideally wanted “young people with fresh ideas.”

The selection criteria varies, however importance lies within the potential return on the investment when it comes to support from angel investors. Michelle Scarborough comments that Canada offers experienced investors interested in supporting potential entrepreneurial ventures. The program will run for 5 years on a trial period while 2,750 start up visas will be issued per year.

Click here to read Mario D. Bellissimo featured in London, England’s The Telegraph!