Your employer needs to obtain an approved LMIA in order for you to qualify to apply for a work permit. Yes - in order for the LMIA to be approved, your employer will have to be willing to pay you at least the average wage. They will also have to advertise the job for at least a month to prove no Canadians to be found for the role. Your employer will also have to pay a $1K fee.
I don't believe there is a rule that says they need to have a minimum number of employees - but I could be wrong.
More information about LMIAs can be found here:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/employers/lmo-basics.asp
There is no work around to the LMIA process. Note that it make take 4-6 months to go through the process of obtaining an approved LMIA.