Resources
This page contains the current visas available for immigrant entrepreneurs as well as the programs specifically focussed on assisting immigrant entrepreneurs
Visas for Migrants & Refugees
Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188)
This visa (and particular streams) allows you to manage and own your own business and conduct entrepreneurial activity in Australia.
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Business Innovation stream - 5 years, with an extension stream available
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Entrepreneur stream - up to 5 years.
Eligibility requirements and conditions apply, and vary between streams. Please refer to the link for further detailed information:
Business Talent (Permanent) visa (subclass 132)
Migrants with a proven business background are eligible to apply for a permanent visa in Australia under the following two streams.
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Venture Capital Entrepreneur stream - have at least $1mill AUD in funding from an Australian VC firm.
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Significant Business History stream - multiple criteria apply, refer to the link for conditions.
Please refer to the link for further detailed information:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/business-talent-permanent-132
Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
As an entrepreneur the Australian Government provides the means to hire migrant workers to strengthen your business. This is provided that the role you are hiring for is on the skilled occupation list (link below).
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Short or Medium stream - 2 or 4 years (respectively)
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Labour agreement stream - Maximum of 4 years for contracts with the Australian Government
Skilled occupation list:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list
Please refer to the link for further detailed information:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-skill-shortage-482
Programs for Migrants & Refugees
Catalysr
An award-winning startup accelerator in Australia. They run intensive entrepreneurship programs for high-performing migrant and refugee entrepreneurs that want to find success in Australia by building their own startup or social enterprise.
More information can be found in the link below:
https://catalysr.com.au/accelerate
Ignite
Ignite® Small Business Start-ups is a certified social enterprise of Settlement Services International (SSI) that embraces Australia’s cultural diversity and supports small business creation for people from refugee and migrant backgrounds.
More information can be found in the link below:
https://www.ignite.ssi.org.au/programs/ignite/
The Skilled and Business Migration Program - VIC Gov
The State Government of Victoria’s initiative aims to attract and retain migrants that have skills which contribute to economic growth, operate in an advanced niche and have entrepreneurial talent that can create jobs.
More information can be found in the link below:
https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/about-us
Grants as part of this program can be found here:
https://business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs
Thrive Refugee Enterprise
Thrive offers asylum seekers and refugees in Australia that are motivated to become financially independent, with business ideas, entrepreneurial mentoring and financing for their businesses.
More information can be found in the link below:
https://thriverefugeeenterprise.org.au/
SisterWorks
SisterWorks training equips women with practical skills that allow them to adjust to their new life in Australia, while also providing them with the essential skills required to enhance their economic self-sufficiency, through employment or entrepreneurship opportunities.
More information can be found in the link below:
https://sisterworks.org.au/empowerment-hubs/
YGAP
YGAP is an international organisation that supports early-stage social impact ventures with locally-led solutions to local problems. We believe in the power of entrepreneurship as an effective way to make sustainable and equitable change in the world.
More information can be found in the link below:
Runway
Launch your idea by learning in a highly supported environment, applying techniques used by successful startups all over the world. Develop your first version of a product and/or service ready for market.
More information can be found in the link below: