Two Hills Rural Entrepreneur Stream Initiative
The Alberta Rural Entrepreneur Stream enables seasoned business individuals to relocate to Alberta by establishing a new venture or acquiring an existing one within a rural community, such as the Town of Two Hills, designated by the province under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). This pathway grants successful candidates the opportunity to attain Canadian permanent residency.
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Who is a entrepreneur?
An entrepreneur is a person who sets up a business with the aim to make a profit. An entrepreneur is commonly seen as an innovator, a source of new ideas, goods, services, and business/or procedures.
Entrepreneurs play a key role in Alberta’s economy, using their skills and initiative to anticipate needs and create jobs for Albertans. Entrepreneurs who prove to be successful in taking on the risks of establishing a business are rewarded with profits and continued growth opportunities.
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Why Two Hills?
Two Hills actively participates in the Rural Entrepreneur Stream, offering a conducive environment for business ventures. Here's why entrepreneurs should consider this dynamic community.
Strategic Location:
Two Hills sits at the junction of Highways 36 and 45, only 136 km east of Edmonton, making it a strategic hub within Alberta’s transportation network. Highway 36 serves as a major high-load corridor linking the Alberta Oil Sands in the north to U.S. markets in the south, while Highway 45 connects east-west trade.
Population Dynamics: With a population of 1,416 (2021), Two Hills combines the charm of small-town living with opportunities for growth. The median age is 30.4, reflecting a relatively young population compared to many rural communities. About 67% of households are owner-occupied, showing strong community stability, while a notable 33% rental market offers flexibility for newcomers.This demographic mix provides a balance between long-term residents and new families, fostering both social cohesion and adaptability to future growth.
Agricultural Hub: Two Hills is deeply rooted in agriculture, forming the backbone of its economy. The surrounding region is known for rich soils and ideal farming conditions, producing a diverse range of crops including canola, wheat, oats, barley, rye, flax, hemp, cannabis, and field peas. Livestock and poultry production is also significant, with over $182 million in gross farm receipts and livestock valued at over $98 million (2021).This prosperity creates opportunities for investment in value-added agri-business, ag-tech innovation, and agri-processing facilities, positioning Two Hills as a thriving agricultural hub in Alberta.
Diverse Industrial Landscape: Two Hills is home to a balanced mix of industries that drive the local economy. Agriculture and oil & gas anchor the region, while manufacturing and steel fabrication support both sectors. Transportation, trades, and equipment operators form a strong labour base, complemented by health, education, and professional services. Industrial expansion is supported by well-serviced land, natural resources, and reliable utilities, making the town ready for new investment.
Retail Development: The community offers a wide range of retail and service businesses, including grocery stores, restaurants, auto services, hardware and building supplies, professional offices, and hospitality options. This variety ensures residents and surrounding areas have access to most consumer and industrial needs locally, while creating opportunities for new specialty retail and service ventures to grow alongside the town’s economy.
Self Assessment Tool
Review the Self-Assessment Tool to ensure you meet program eligibility requirements.
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RURAL ENTREPRENEUR STREAM APPLICATION PROCESS
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