PNP - Provincial Nominee Program
The Entrepreneur Immigration stream of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is a path to immigrate to Canada and settle in B.C. for experienced entrepreneurs who can support innovation and economic growth in the province. The program selects entrepreneurs ready to invest in our economy and create jobs, as well as helps employers attract and retain skilled foreign workers who have the skills and experience to contribute to B.C.’s economy.
The City of Kimberley is one of 50 communities throughout BC that is participating in this program. See below to discover why Kimberley is a good place to be starting new business!
Please review the program guides available at WelcomeBC / Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot Program to confirm your eligibility in the PNP Program. Once you've confirmed you are eligible to apply, we'd love to hear from you!
Please email pnp@kimberleychamber.com to submit your business concepts.
Why Kimberley?
Kimberley is an ideal place for new tourism and recreation businesses to thrive in a welcoming and sustainable environment. Kimberley is also interested in attracting entrepreneurs who wish to invest in the priority sectors identified below.
The city has a close-knit business community with several associations and a progressive local government. The planning department works closely with Mayor and Council to streamline the development and variance process. The city offers business planning advice through one-on-one consultations with key staff and decision-makers.
Kimberley offers the perfect mix of business and pleasure. Residents can ski, hike or bike all day then hop on one of multiple daily flights to Calgary or Vancouver from the nearby international airport. Kimberley’s school system includes two public elementary schools, one public middle school, one public high school, one French immersion school, and two independent schools. The city offers a wide variety of amenities, including a health centre, an aquatic centre, a pedestrian-only mall, and a conference centre. It also features an active arts scene, golfing, skiing, an 800-hectare nature park, trails, rivers, and lakes.
The City of Kimberley’s population has been growing at a steady rate for many years. Kimberley will continue to support this growth by cultivating community as a base for knowledge workers and their families to prioritize the things that matter most – focusing on business, lifestyle, and family, without compromise.
Priority Sectors:
- Outdoor Recreation - Gear design, engineering and manufacture: NAICS Code 7139 - Other amusement and recreation industries
Kimberley wishes to attract start-ups, expansion, or relocation of outdoor recreation companies. The Kootenay region has more than 40 existing boutique businesses that form a cluster of outdoor gear makers and product designers. This cluster supports new entries (large and small) whose products are designed for use in our environment.
- Education and Education Services: NAICS Code 6116 - Other schools and instruction, NAICS Code 6117 - Educational support services
Our target industry is diversified education services that will leverage the existence of the Purcell Collegiate (https://purcellcollegiate.ca/), supporting Education as an Industry in Kimberley. Sample business opportunities include services to Purcell such as: food, linen and maintenance services; daycare; various retail opportunities that cater to student disposable spending; retail products that support the various clubs and specialty learning at the school; transportation; etc.
- Tourism: NAICS Code 7139 - Other amusement and recreation industries
Kimberley is one of fourteen designated Resort Municipalities in the Province of BC. This means that tourism is our primary economic driver. Ever expanding tourism products and services are needed to keep our destination attractive, interesting and growing. Accommodation types such as hotels; restaurants and other food services; new tourism products or services such as zip-lines (and other pay-to-use amenities); other retail that caters to residents and visitors alike.
- CleanTech: NAICS Code 3399 - Other miscellaneous manufacturing
Cleantech embraces a diverse range of products, services, and processes across industry verticals that are designed to provide superior performance at lower costs, greatly reduce or eliminate negative ecological impact, and improve the productive and responsible use of natural resources. Agri-tech
Examples include: Agri-tech, Advanced manufacturing; Energy; Transportation; Waste management; Water.
Kimberley Population: 8,115 (2022 BC Stats)
How do I apply?
We look forward to working with you to determine your eligibility in the program and if Kimberley is a good fit for you!
Please email pnp@kimberleychamber.com to express your interest in the program.
Ensure you have confirmed your eligibility for the PNP Program by reviewing the information in the appropriate program guide on the WelcomeBC Entrepreneur Immigration page.