Supporting Immigrants the Canadian Way

The mayor of Dawson City, Wayne Potoroka, once said, “Canadians are born all over the world, it just sometimes takes them a bit of time to get here.” This saying illustrates how Canada positions itself, a mixed salad of nationalities coming together to live in harmony.

But regardless of how or how long it takes to get here every Canadian needs access to the tools that will help them survive.

Studies have shown that immigrants are both drawn to and do well in entrepreneurship.  When you consider how important entrepreneurs are to a healthy and thriving economy it makes sense to set up a system to help immigrants succeed as entrepreneurs.

The good news is there are systems and tools set up to help them thrive.

One of the major issues immigrants face when seeking entrepreneurship is a lack of established credit. Without a financial footprint in their new home they lack access to funding routes other entrepreneurs get to explore.

This, of course, can seem like a ridiculous hurdle, especially if you were established in your old country.

Deserve understands this and offers to look at credit in a different way. Applicants without established credit in their new country can still get the classic credit card and use that to establish a real credit rating.

We know by this point that so many immigrants come to our country with big dreams and end up stymied by red tape. It’s great to see financial providers doing what they can to help immigrants find their footing.

Another hurdle immigrants have to overcome is a lack of credentials in their new home. Without these new barriers are put in place as they can’t access the work world without them.

And, of course, obtaining these credentials require financing. This is a major hurdle facing people who have already undergone a drastic life change. The great fear, of course, is they won’t be able to access financing and will be shut out of their trade.

This is where systems like Windmill Microlending come in. This non-profit organization offers low-to-no-interest loans to immigrants and refugees in order to help them regain their footing and access the tools they need to actually work in their field.

The concept has proved successful enough to elicit an international copy. Louisville Forward was created from the Windmill model and aims to provide assistance to new small businesses.

We want new immigrants to succeed. Let’s hope these microloans give them the support they need to thrive.

Now if at this point you’re wondering why the government brings over skilled immigrants without offering anything to support their transition it should be noted that a system does exist.

Entrepreneurship Connections, a program run by ACCESS Employment, offers immigrants access to many of the tools they need to enter the Canadian entrepreneur field.

As well, new immigrants can access funding for the classes, etc., needed to get any international credentials recognized through the ACCESS Community Capital Fund.

This is good to see, as these aids will help new Canadians become great additions to the Canadian economy.

Canadians like to present the image that we are helpful and welcoming. For this reason we should definitely be on board with helping immigrants find their footing and become productive members of society.

Immigrant entrepreneurs can offer us amazing new perspectives and products—if we provide them with the support to follow their dreams.

Let’s come together to make sure the true north strong and free is doing its part to ensure our newest Canucks have the right tools to bring their ideas to light.