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Source verified May 28, 2026
BDC Advisory Services
Business consulting and financing support
Latest source updateLast Update: May 1, 2026Latest change: BDC Advisory Services has been reworked into LIFT, with new AI and productivity paths, revised eligibility, updated funding conditions, and a new application flow.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: May 1, 2026
Latest change: BDC Advisory Services has been reworked into LIFT, with new AI and productivity paths, revised eligibility, updated funding conditions, and a new application flow.
BDC Consulting updated to LIFT
BDC Advisory Services has been substantially updated and renamed LIFT — Lead with Innovation and Focus on Technology. The program now centers on two distinct offerings: digital transformation and AI, and productivity with advanced equipment, each with new audience, sector, eligibility, funding, and plan requirements. The application experience also changed, with a new online start request and revised contact options. The previous Growth Driver framing and Data to AI offer were replaced by the new LIFT structure, indicating a major scope and process refresh rather than a minor edit.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
BDC consulting services help Canadian businesses improve performance through advisory support and tailored solutions. Offerings include strategy, finance, technology, sustainability, leadership, operations, risk and compliance, plus specialized options such as LIFT, Trade Resilience and Growth Driver Program.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Attract or retain talent
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Strategy.
- Growth, marketing and sales.
- Finance.
- Technology.
- Sustainability.
- Operations.
- Leadership and people.
- Risk and compliance.
- LIFT digital transformation and AI, or productivity with automation.
- Trade Resilience assessment and Trade Resilience plan.
- Growth Driver Program.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian businesses.
- For LIFT, Canadian businesses with annual revenue of at least $1M or at least $5M, depending on the solution.
- For Trade Resilience, Canadian businesses with annual sales of $2M or more, positive cash flow, and profitability.
Eligible expenses
This grant supports a range of advisory services aimed at enhancing business growth and resilience across Canada. Eligible projects focus on various areas critical to business success including strategy, management, and operational improvements.
- Providing leadership and management training to unlock business potential.
- Developing solid business strategies for future growth.
- Implementing sales and marketing activities to increase sales.
- Enhancing financial management practices to improve cash flow.
- Improving operational efficiency and production processes.
- Developing sound human resource management processes to attract and retain talent.
- Building a successful e-commerce presence through coaching.
- Guiding businesses through digital technology adoption.
- Assisting businesses in achieving certifications like ISO 9001 and GMP.
Eligible geographic areas
The BDC Advisory Services are designed to support businesses across Canada through a widespread network of consultants. This nationwide initiative aims to assist companies in various Canadian regions with tailored expertise and support.
- Enterprises operating anywhere within Canada.
Selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria include:
- Business viability and sustainability
- Demonstrated capacity to implement recommendations
- Alignment with program objectives
- Potential for growth and impact
How to apply
- Start your request online or fill out a contact form.
- Talk with an advisor or representative.
- Access financing, or receive your assessment, plan, or consulting solution.
Processing and Agreement
- After the contact form is submitted, BDC will contact the applicant to discuss the project and gather further details.
- BDC may begin an assessment or plan after the discussion.
- For LIFT, applicants start their request online, talk with an advisor, then access financing.
- For Trade Resilience, applicants fill out a contact form, talk to a representative, then receive the Trade Resilience solution.
Additional information
- BDC offers consulting support in English and French.
- For LIFT, preferential pricing is available on financing and advisory solutions.
- For Trade Resilience, preferential pricing is available on advisory services.
Frequently Asked Questions about the BDC Advisory Services Program
What is the BDC Advisory Services?
BDC consulting services help Canadian businesses improve performance through advisory support and tailored solutions. Offerings include strategy, finance, technology, sustainability, leadership, operations, risk and compliance, plus specialized options such as LIFT, Trade Resilience and Growth Driver Program.
Who is eligible for the BDC Advisory Services program?
To be eligible for the BDC Advisory Services program, you must:
The business must be located in Canada.
The business must be seeking advisory support for growth and transformation.
What expenses are eligible under BDC Advisory Services?
Strategy.
Growth, marketing and sales.
Finance.
Technology.
Sustainability.
Operations.
Leadership and people.
Risk and compliance.
LIFT digital transformation and AI, or productivity with automation.
Trade Resilience assessment and Trade Resilience plan.
Growth Driver Program.
Who can I contact for more information about the BDC Advisory Services?
You can contact Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).
Where is the BDC Advisory Services available?
The BDC Advisory Services program is available across Canada.
Is the BDC Advisory Services a grant, loan, or tax credit?
BDC Advisory Services is a Expert Advice
Who are the financial supporters of the BDC Advisory Services?
BDC Advisory Services is funded by Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)