BDC Capital — Venture Capital
Last Update: July 22, 2025
Canada
Venture Capital financing for Canadian entrepreneurs
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : June 15, 2022
Financing Type
Loans and Capital investments
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Health care and social assistance
Funds Providers
Program status
Open
Overview
Get financing and advice from venture capital investors to help you build and grow your business in Canada and internationally.
Financing terms and conditions
This venture capital program is designed to support the development and growth of Canadian technology companies through strategic equity investments. The finance structure involves diverse funds targeted at various sectors and stages of business development.
- Equity investments tailored to the needs of technology entrepreneurs to facilitate business growth and innovation.
- Access to multiple targeted funds including Seed Venture Fund, Sustainability Venture Fund, Climate Tech Fund, and more.
- Provision for co-investments through specific Growth Venture Co-Investment Fund among others.
- Focused investments in underserved sectors, offering more opportunities for high-risk ventures.
- Diversified portfolio strategy ensuring extensive support across different industry sectors.
Activities funded
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 120,000
Develop a mentorship program for underrepresented entrepreneurs in the tech sector
$ 90,000
Create an inclusive workspace for artists
$ 150,000
Establish a venture capital fund to invest in minority-owned tech startups
$ 60,000
Launch training sessions on unconscious bias and workplace diversity for Montreal-based companies
$ 140,000
Launch a startup incubator focused on women-led businesses
$ 72,000
Implement a diversity-focused recruitment strategy for small businesses
Eligibility
Canada's largest and most active venture capital investor, BDC Capital, offers various funds to support Canadian technology innovators. To be eligible for BDC Capital grants, companies must meet certain criteria:
- Must be a Canadian technology company
- Must be in sectors underserved by traditional funding sources
- Must demonstrate potential for growth and innovation
Who is eligible?
Generally, venture capital support from organizations like BDC is aimed towards Canadian technology innovators, especially those in underserved sectors or requiring long-term investment to achieve significant growth milestones. Entrepreneurs developing solutions in areas such as sustainability, climate technology, healthcare, industrial innovation, and IT are typically encouraged to apply. The investment is focused on building world-class Canadian companies with strong growth potential and differentiation in their respective markets.Eligible expenses
There are eligible expenses for this grant, which include:
- Equity investment in Canadian technology innovators
- Expert advice and guidance for building world-class companies
- Access to a vast network to support growth and development
Selection criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for this grant include:
- Impact potential of the proposed project
- Strength of the business model
- Competitive landscape analysis
- Team expertise and track record
- Alignment with the fund's focus areas
How to apply
1
Visit the official BDC Capital website
2
Navigate to the "Resources" section
3
Look for the specific grant or funding program you are interested in
4
Review the eligibility criteria and application requirements
5
Follow the instructions provided to submit your application
Additional information
Here is additional relevant information for venture capital funding in the context:
- BDC Capital is Canada's largest and most active venture capital investor, emphasizing its extensive experience and longstanding presence in the technology sector.
- They are highly committed to investing in underserved sectors, illustrating a willingness to engage with higher-risk markets.
- BDC Capital boasts a broad network enabling them to provide unique opportunities and connections not commonly available to other investors.
- Numerous funds aim to target specific initiatives, such as women-led businesses, sustainability, and deep tech innovations.
- There is a clear focus on inclusivity and diversity, with designated resources and funds to support and empower diverse entrepreneurs and women in technology.
Apply to this program
Frequently Asked Questions about the BDC Capital — Venture Capital Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the BDC Capital — Venture Capital. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the BDC Capital — Venture Capital?
How much funding can be received?
What expenses are eligible under BDC Capital — Venture Capital?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the BDC Capital — Venture Capital a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the BDC Capital — Venture Capital?
Who is eligible for the BDC Capital — Venture Capital program?
Who can I contact for more information about the BDC Capital — Venture Capital?
Where is the BDC Capital — Venture Capital available?
Are startups eligible for the BDC Capital — Venture Capital program?
Are women eligible for the BDC Capital — Venture Capital program?
Apply to this program