What are the advantages Canada has to offer?
For a French-speaking European, the language is an advantage, particularly with French being mandatory in Quebec. Canada is a bilingual country where French is represented in its institutions.
The proximity to the world's largest market, the United States. Once you’ve gained experience, you can aim for expansion southward.
The Anglo-Saxon pragmatism: everything moves much faster. The focus is on solutions. As an entrepreneur, you appreciate when things get done quickly: fast access to contacts, the ability to create a company in 48 hours with no social capital.
A more advantageous tax system for businesses. The cost of labor and flexibility in employment.
The low cost of energy.
Which sectors are interesting to pursue?
There is a lack of succession planning in all sectors. Canada welcomes significant immigration to support its growth—500,000 migrants each year. This means it is a country that continues to build itself. There is demand in all sectors, particularly:
New technologies (AI, creation, and development).
Agri-food.
Green and renewable energy.
What are the differences between Canada and Europe regarding business acquisition?
A significant difference is the business culture and approach. You need to act quickly when finding an opportunity. Be ready. If a business interests you, you must secure it quickly with a letter of intent and include suspensive conditions to address later. The price can be adjusted based on these conditions.
In Europe, a lot of study and analysis is done before making an offer, and the price varies little. In Canada, evaluations are more declarative. It is therefore essential to be supported and surrounded by the right people (lawyers, accountants).
How to proceed concretely to acquire a business in Canada?
The key questions to ask yourself include:
What sector of activity am I looking for?
What type of business?
Which region am I targeting?
What is my budget?
What liquidity is available (excluding financing)?
What are my motivations as an entrepreneur?
What legal structure and tax framework should I consider?
The process involves:
Targeting and framing the desired business.
Once the business is found, engaging with the seller.
Further steps:
Business evaluation.
Drafting letters of intent.
Conducting due diligence.
Transferring assets or shares.
Preparing a transition plan.
Where to find the right opportunity?
Opportunities can be found through business opportunity websites and commercial brokers. However, good deals are often in the hands of banks, lawyers, or accountants. Alternatively, through networks (off-market opportunities).
What are other business models for entrepreneurship in Canada?
You can choose to keep your business in Europe and create a subsidiary in Canada to find new growth drivers. Interestingly, it is possible to establish a structure in Quebec as a non-resident.
There is the joint venture model, which helps accelerate market entry.
Franchising is another well-developed and popular business model in Canada.

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