Build a shortlist in 10 decisions
A structured framework for location selection without guesswork. Work through 10 interconnected decisions to narrow from national scope to specific shortlist.
A structured framework for location selection without guesswork. Work through 10 interconnected decisions to narrow from national scope to specific shortlist.
Click each decision to explore criteria and outputs
Question: What type of operations will you establish?
Output: Primary function drives subsequent location criteria
Question: What talent profiles and volumes do you need?
Output: Talent availability narrows regional options
Question: Which markets must you access efficiently?
Output: Trade corridor requirements identified
Question: What physical infrastructure is critical?
Output: Physical constraints mapped
Question: Do you need proximity to specific clusters or partners?
Output: Ecosystem density requirements defined
Question: Are there sector-specific regulatory considerations?
Output: Regulatory complexity by province assessed
Question: What are your primary cost sensitivities?
Output: Cost parameters set for comparison
Question: Which incentive programs align with your profile?
Output: Relevant programs by province identified
Question: What's your target timeline for operational readiness?
Output: Timeline-feasible locations prioritized
Question: What operational risks are acceptable vs. dealbreakers?
Output: Risk-adjusted shortlist finalized
Key indicators for location comparison
| Signal | Category | What It Indicates | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-secondary attainment rate | Talent | Baseline education level for knowledge workers | Statistics Canada |
| STEM graduate output | Talent | Technical talent pipeline strength | Provincial education data |
| Container throughput | Logistics | Port capacity and trade volume | Port authorities |
| Highway corridor access | Logistics | Surface transport connectivity to US/markets | Transport Canada |
| Cluster employment density | Sector | Concentration of sector-specific jobs | Labour force surveys |
| R&D expenditure per capita | Sector | Innovation ecosystem intensity | OECD/Statistics Canada |
| Business incorporation timeline | Compliance | Administrative efficiency indicator | Provincial registries |
| Sector licensing requirements | Compliance | Regulatory complexity by province | Regulatory bodies |
Avoid these frequent mistakes
Cities with strong tourism brands may lack the specific talent pools, infrastructure, or sector ecosystems your operations require. Evaluate locations based on operational criteria, not marketing appeal or personal familiarity.
Canada operates as a federation with significant provincial jurisdiction over business regulations, labor standards, and industry-specific licensing. Assumptions based on federal-level research can miss critical provincial requirements that impact timeline and cost.
Lower operating costs often correlate with constrained talent availability, weaker infrastructure, or limited ecosystem access. Optimize for total value, not minimum cost. The cheapest location frequently becomes the most expensive due to hidden operational friction.
Permitting, facility readiness, and hiring timelines vary significantly by location and sector. Build realistic timelines with 20-30% buffer. Aggressive schedules that don't account for provincial approval processes consistently slip.
Structured spreadsheet for comparing locations across all 10 decision criteria. No registration required.
Excel format • Updated Q1 2026