The self-employed program in Canada is for individuals who intend and are able to become self-employed in Canada. The program allows people to immigrate permanently to Canada as a self-employed person.

Definition of Self-employed: (From CIC website)

Self-employed person means a foreign national who has relevant experience and has the intention and ability to be self-employed in Canada and to make a significant contribution to specified economic activities in Canada.

Eligibility (as per Canada.ca)

To immigrate as a self-employed person, you must:

• have relevant experience
• be willing and able to be self-employed in Canada
• meet the program’s selection criteria and
• meet medical, security and other conditions

Relevant experience

Your experience is relevant if you have:

• taken part in cultural activities or athletics at a world-class level or
• been a self-employed person in cultural activities or athletics

Definitions

Relevant experience for a self-employed person means at least two years of experience.

It must be during the period starting 5 years before the day you apply and ending on the day, we make a decision on your application.

Note: New applications under the farm management stream of the self-employed program will no longer be accepted.

Reference: 

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/self-employed.html