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Source verified July 23, 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 helps Canadian businesses overcome challenges and reach growth milestones through advisory services, with financing available for the cost of BDC consulting. Services include support in strategy, technology and international expansion, alongside specialized offers 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 digital transformation and AI, businesses in all industries with at least $1M in annual revenue.
- For LIFT productivity and advanced equipment, businesses with at least $5M in annual revenue in Manufacturing, Transport and warehousing, Wholesale, Construction, Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, Architectural, engineering and related services, or Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sectors.
- For Trade Resilience, businesses based in Canada with annual sales of $2M or more, positive cash flow, and profitability.
- For Trade Resilience, businesses with at least 15% of sales derived from exports to the U.S., businesses whose revenues decreased or costs increased by at least 10% due to U.S. tariffs, or businesses that demonstrate a significant likelihood of being adversely affected by tariffs or the uncertainty they may create.
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.
How to apply
- Fill out the relevant consulting contact form and share information about your business and project.
- Speak with a BDC representative or expert to discuss your needs and provide any further details.
- Receive the proposed consulting solution, assessment, plan, or tailored proposal.
Processing and Agreement
- After the contact form is submitted, BDC will contact you to discuss your project and gather any further details.
- For Trade Resilience, BDC can then begin your assessment or plan for trade resilience.
- For International expansion, BDC will prepare a proposal including solutions, deliverables, budget, and timelines.
- For International expansion, there is no financial commitment until you sign off.
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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the BDC Advisory Services Program
What is the BDC Advisory Services?
BDC Consulting helps Canadian businesses overcome challenges and reach growth milestones through advisory services, with financing available for the cost of BDC consulting. Services include support in strategy, technology and international expansion, alongside specialized offers 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) or by phone at 1-877-232-2269.
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)