Podcasts

Slava Apel, CEO of Startup Visa Services, a cross-border advisory firm that helps businesses expand into Canada, joined the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast as a featured guest in a conversation hosted by Kripa Anand. Drawing on his experience in both business expansion and immigration strategy, Slava shared practical guidance for companies preparing to enter the Canadian market.

The episode focused on how entrepreneurs can build and grow successfully in Canada by taking advantage of the country’s business support systems. The discussion covered the benefits of launching a venture in Canada, the value of mentorship and government-backed programs, and the role professional advisors play in helping founders prepare for fundraising and long-term growth.

Throughout the conversation, Slava offered insights for international entrepreneurs looking to pursue global opportunities, establish a strong presence in Canada, and integrate effectively into the Canadian business ecosystem.

Slava Apel has been at the forefront of digital marketing since 1997, bringing decades of hands-on experience, strategic insight, and entrepreneurial leadership to the industry. Throughout his career, Slava has built and led a successful marketing company known for executing targeted direct marketing campaigns across multiple channels.

In this episode, Slava shares his entrepreneurial journey, the lessons he has learned along the way, and the strategies that helped shape his career in marketing and business growth. Tune in to our first episode to hear more about his story and experience.

In this podcast interview with IMI, Slava Apel, CEO of Startup Visa Services, discusses Canada’s Startup Visa program and the factors driving its rapid growth. He explains that application volume increased significantly due to greater awareness of the program, higher government processing quotas, and the expansion of Designated Organizations authorized to issue letters of support. Slava also highlights how the program has evolved from a lesser-known immigration pathway into a more competitive option for entrepreneurs seeking to build businesses in Canada.

A major focus of the conversation is the long processing time for permanent residence under the Startup Visa program and the practical route available for applicants who want to come to Canada sooner. Slava explains that entrepreneurs may be able to apply for a temporary work permit if they can show they need to enter Canada early to begin operating their business. This pathway can allow qualified applicants to arrive in Canada within one to two months while they continue waiting for permanent residence approval.

In this episode of The Mobility Standard podcast, Slava Apel, CEO of Startup Visa Services, explains Canada’s Startup Visa program and why it has become an attractive pathway for entrepreneurs seeking permanent residence in Canada. The conversation explores how the program differs from traditional investment immigration options, including the fact that it does not require a fixed minimum investment or the same type of performance conditions often found in provincial entrepreneur programs.

The podcast also covers the practical steps involved in the Startup Visa process, the role of designated organizations such as incubators and angel investor groups, and the types of applicants who may be suitable for the program. Slava discusses how entrepreneurs from different backgrounds can qualify if they have a strong and innovative business concept, while also addressing common questions about rejection rates, business success, source-of-funds requirements, and how immigration firms and advisors work within the program.