Have either a minimum 3 years of experience as an active business owner/manager or a minimum of 4 years of experience as a senior manager within the past 10 years.
Rural Entrepreneur Stream
Start or Buy a Business. Build Your Future in Westlock, Alberta.
The Rural Entrepreneur Stream (RES) is a pathway for international entrepreneurs to launch or acquire a business in rural Alberta and gain permanent residency. Westlock is a proud participant in this program — offering a unique opportunity to grow your business in a well-connected, supportive, and affordable community.
Located just 85 km from Edmonton, Westlock is one of the first RES-approved communities north of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region, giving you direct access to a population of over 1.6 million while operating in a low-cost rural environment.
Why Westlock?
Strategic Location: Highway 44 and CN Rail access, with direct links to the Edmonton region and northern Alberta.
Urban Access: Serve one of Alberta’s largest markets while benefiting from small-town affordability and simplicity.
Available Space: Affordable commercial property for purchase or lease.
Skilled Workforce: Access to local and regional labour across multiple sectors.
Supportive Environment: Town staff ready to help with planning, permits, and business integration.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) – RES, you must meet these minimum criteria:
*NOTE: The most updated requirements by the province can be found on their website: https://www.alberta.ca/aaip-rural-entrepreneur-stream-eligibility.
The Process: 7 Steps to Westlock
1. Submit a Pre-Screen Form
Introduce yourself and your business idea. We’ll assess your eligibility and schedule an exploratory visit.
Start the Pre-Screen Form Here.
2. Exploratory Visit
Meet with Town staff virtually or in person. Get to know our community, local economy, and available properties.
3. Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit your EOI to AAIP with a business concept and our Community Support Letter (if approved).
4. Business Application
If selected, submit a full business plan, third-party net worth assessment, and pay application fees.
5. Sign Business Performance Agreement
Commit to meeting investment, job creation, and operation benchmarks.
6. Start Your Business in Westlock
Apply for a work permit, relocate, and launch your business.
7. Apply for Permanent Residency
Once targets are met, AAIP will nominate you. You can then apply for permanent residence with IRCC.
What We Expect in Your Business Plan
We want to see:
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- A real understanding of Westlock’s market and community needs
- Clear operational and financial planning
- Startup and monthly cost breakdowns
- Job creation estimates
- Competitor analysis and value proposition
- Preferred location(s) and real estate agent (if applicable)
- A real understanding of Westlock’s market and community needs
Ineligible Businesses
To maintain quality and fit for our community, the following are not eligible:
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- Passive investments or property rental
- Used goods sales, payday lending, pawn shops
- Adult entertainment or cannabis-related businesses
- Home-based businesses without a commercial component
- Passive investments or property rental
Contact Us
Town of Westlock
Planning & Development
10003–106 Street,
Westlock, AB T7P 2K3
Phone: 780‑349‑4444
Email us: planning@westlock.ca