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BDC Financing — Buying a Business Loan
Loan to buy an existing business
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
Get an asset-based loan to acquire an existing business or the business of a competitor or supplier.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Complete an acquisition or business transfer
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Retail trade
- Information and cultural industries
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Newcomers to Canada
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Acquisition of an existing business, including purchasing shares or assets.
- Business expansion through mergers or buying competitors.
- Management or family succession buyouts.
- Refinancing of vendor financing arrangements (vendor take-back).
- Acquisition of intangible assets such as intellectual property, goodwill, or client lists.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Businesses seeking to acquire fixed assets (such as land, buildings, or equipment)
- Companies pursuing purchase or transfer of existing businesses
- Entrepreneurs involved in family succession or management buyouts
- Businesses aiming to acquire intangible assets (intellectual property, goodwill, client lists)
- Asset-light companies requiring non-conventional financing solutions
Eligible expenses
- Acquisition of fixed assets such as land, buildings, or equipment.
- Purchase of shares of an existing business.
- Buyout expenses related to family succession or management buyout (MBO).
- Refinancing costs for vendor take-back financing.
- Acquisition of intangible assets, including intellectual property, goodwill, and client lists.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Additional information
- Payments can be structured to align with your business’s cash flow.
- BDC specialists provide personalized support throughout the acquisition process.
- Additional solutions are available for Indigenous entrepreneurs and newcomers to Canada.
- Financing options exist for asset-light companies or those needing non-conventional packages without ownership dilution.
Frequently Asked Questions about the BDC Financing — Buying a Business Loan Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the BDC Financing — Buying a Business Loan. 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 Financing — Buying a Business Loan?
Get an asset-based loan to acquire an existing business or the business of a competitor or supplier.
Who is eligible for the BDC Financing — Buying a Business Loan program?
To be eligible for the BDC Financing — Buying a Business Loan program, you must:
The business must have been generating revenues for 12-24 months.
The applicant must be seeking financing to buy or transfer a for-profit business.
What expenses are eligible under BDC Financing — Buying a Business Loan?
Acquisition of an existing business, including purchasing shares or assets.
Business expansion through mergers or buying competitors.
Management or family succession buyouts.
Refinancing of vendor financing arrangements (vendor take-back).
Acquisition of intangible assets such as intellectual property, goodwill, or client lists.
Who can I contact for more information about the BDC Financing — Buying a Business Loan?
You can contact Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).
Where is the BDC Financing — Buying a Business Loan available?
The BDC Financing — Buying a Business Loan program is available across Canada.
Is the BDC Financing — Buying a Business Loan a grant, loan, or tax credit?
BDC Financing — Buying a Business Loan is a Loans and Capital investments
Who are the financial supporters of the BDC Financing — Buying a Business Loan?
BDC Financing — Buying a Business Loan is funded by Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), Government of Canada