Closed
BDC Defence Platform
Support for Canadian defence-focused businesses
Last Update: June 6, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Canada
Overview
BDC’s Defence Platform offers up to $6 billion in support for Canadian businesses in the defence sector. It helps companies scale, diversify, and develop defence or dual-use technologies through financing, advisory services, and investments.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase production or service capacity
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
Location
- Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Scaling operations in the defence sector
- Diversifying into defence markets
- Developing defence or dual-use technologies
- Testing and scaling technologies through ecosystem partnerships
Documents Needed
- Company pitch deck hosted on a secure cloud file-sharing platform
- Company background and history
- Business description and value proposition
- List of at least three competitors
- Revenue and fundraising information
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian businesses in defence
- Companies with dual-use technologies
- Early-stage technology startups
- Businesses in sectors adjacent to defence
Who is not eligible
- Businesses without a defence focus or dual-use application
- Companies that do not meet the basic BDC requirements of operations and revenue
Eligible expenses
- Financing for growth and expansion
- Support for diversification into defence markets
- Investment in defence-focused or dual-use technologies
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed to determine whether there is a potential fit.
- Complete pitch decks are required for review.
- BDC may support companies through financing, advisory services, or investment if the fit is confirmed.
Additional information
- BDC combines financing, advisory services, and venture capital.
- The platform is part of BDC Capital’s defence sector solutions.
- BDC also connects businesses with ecosystem partners and events.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the BDC Defence Platform Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the BDC Defence Platform. 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 Defence Platform?
BDC’s Defence Platform offers up to $6 billion in support for Canadian businesses in the defence sector. It helps companies scale, diversify, and develop defence or dual-use technologies through financing, advisory services, and investments.
Who is eligible for the BDC Defence Platform program?
To be eligible for the BDC Defence Platform program, you must:
Canadian-based company
12–24 months of operations
Generating revenue
What expenses are eligible under BDC Defence Platform?
Scaling operations in the defence sector
Diversifying into defence markets
Developing defence or dual-use technologies
Testing and scaling technologies through ecosystem partnerships
Who can I contact for more information about the BDC Defence Platform?
You can contact Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) by email at none or by phone at 1-877-232-2269.
Where is the BDC Defence Platform available?
The BDC Defence Platform program is available the province of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon.
Is the BDC Defence Platform a grant, loan, or tax credit?
BDC Defence Platform is a Partnering and Collaboration
Who are the financial supporters of the BDC Defence Platform?
BDC Defence Platform is funded by Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)