Immigrant entrepreneurs succeed in Canada through research, not wishful thinking. Our smaller cities and complex geography require specialized marketing approaches, while accessing funding demands proven revenue, not just ambition.

October 28, 2025

By Robert Arthurs

DON'T BE FOOLED BY PERCEPTION. THE REALITY OF CANADIAN BUSINESS IS DIFFERENT.

Imagine selling everything to move your family to Canada, only to watch your business dreams collapse within a year.
This happens daily:

After 36+ years of helping global entrepreneurs and 14 years in government trade roles, I've seen the same pattern repeat with immigrant business owners. They arrive with big dreams but flawed assumptions about how business works here.

The truth? Canada welcomes entrepreneurs, but doesn't hand out success. You need to understand our distinct realities:

• Our cities aren't Delhi, Seoul, or Beijing. Vancouver may have 3 million people, but they're divided into six centers of roughly 500,000 people each, separated by water and bridges. Your specialized product or exceptional marketing must convince people to cross those barriers.

• There are no "free money" programs. Government grants require you to prove your business works first.
Most funding programs need $50,000-$100,000 in existing revenue and a solid
track record before they'll consider supporting you.

• Yes, you will pay taxes. Our healthcare system, infrastructure, and clean environment come at a cost. Those who think they can avoid paying their share quickly fail here.

• Finding the right advisors matters. The biggest mistake? Trusting only advisors from your ethnic background simply because they speak your language. Many new immigrants get exploited by countrymen who've been here just a few years, and all of a sudden, they are Canadian Business experts! They are experts in seeing you as an easy target and smelling the money in your pocket!

WHAT SUCCESSFUL IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEURS DO
RIGHT:

• Research local market demographics before launching
• Start with hyper-focused, neighborhood-based marketing
• Build relationships with Canadian-born advisors who understand the system
• Budget realistically for taxes and compliance costs
• Secure proper legal agreements with solid NDAs and contracts

“We are not the United States, even though we look like them, maybe talk a bit like them. Business in the United States has done similarly but also very differently in Canada. We operate under more of a UK English-based system, and so does our politics.”

WHAT FAILED BUSINESSES TYPICALLY MISS:

• Understanding our geographic challenges
• Researching regulatory and tax obligations
• Building proper financial reserves
• Creating localized marketing strategies
• Securing proper Canadian legal protection

Canada operates under the rule of law.
Contracts matter here. There are no payments under the table to government
officials. There is no paying to turn a blind eye to skirt the rules. You will
not find that here; if you do, you should report it. This may be contrary to
what you're used to. To get things done quickly here, we work within the rule
of law, which means things take a little bit longer. When hiring consultants or
partners, ensure you have proper agreements in place. If something goes
sideways, our legal system will protect your rights—but only if you've done things
properly.

My team helps immigrant entrepreneurs avoid these costly mistakes. We've guided hundreds through the system, helping them understand what works here versus what worked back home. Despite maybe dreaming of not paying taxes, you're going to pay taxes in Canada, you're going to contribute to our beautiful health care system, to our roads, to our rails, to our fresh air, to our beautiful water that we drink every day. That's where our tax dollars go, and you're going to be part of the system. If you think you're not going to pay taxes, then you're in the wrong country.

Your next step? Research before you invest.
Understand our market geography, tax system, and legal frameworks before
committing your life savings.

Business success in Canada is absolutely possible—if you know what you're really getting into.

Comment "checklist" and I'll send you my Immigrant Entrepreneur Survival Guide.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertarthurs/

Robert Arthurs is the founder of Robert Arthurs International, a global business mechanic with 23 years of experience fixing businesses and fueling international trade strategies for entrepreneurs across Canada and beyond.

TAGS: #Canadian Business #Immigrant Entrepreneur #Business Strategy #Market Research #Canadian Tax #Business Growth #Robert Arthurs International