Open
Source verified August 7, 2026
BDC Financing — Start-up
Financing for Canadian businesses
Funding available
$ 150,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
Start-up Financing from BDC offers up to $150,000 to Canadian businesses in operation for at least 12 months and generating revenues to support business growth. It can help purchase assets, pay start-up fees, or buy a franchise.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop an online presence
- Start a business
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Newcomers to Canada
- Canadians
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Launching and growing a new business venture.
- Purchasing business assets or franchises.
- Investing in marketing strategies and establishing a company website.
- Accessing advisory and business development services.
- Replenishing working capital impacted by start-up expenses.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Businesses incorporated according to Canadian laws.
- Sole proprietorships whose owner is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Businesses where all shareholders have reached the age of majority in their province or territory of residence.
- Businesses in operation for at least 12 consecutive months and generating revenues.
Who is not eligible
- Government organizations, syndicates, charities and religious organizations.
- Businesses involved directly or indirectly in violence, discrimination based on race, ethnicity or origin, skin colour, religion, sex, age, physical or mental invalidity, or sexual exploitation.
- Businesses doing business in one of the countries proscribed by the Government of Canada.
- Businesses that are not operating an eligible Canadian company.
Eligible expenses
- Purchase assets and pay start-up fees.
- Buy a franchise.
- Invest in marketing.
- Create a website.
- Hire a consultant.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.
- Canadian-based business
- In operation for at least 12 consecutive months and generating revenues
- Demonstrate realistic market and sales potential
- Good credit history
- You’ve reached the age of maturity in the province or territory where you live
How to apply
- Submit a loan request online.
- Check your eligibility, tell us about your project and provide information about your business.
- Talk to a representative to discuss your project in depth, including the documents needed for the analysis.
Processing and Agreement
- We will call you to discuss your project in depth, including the documents needed for our analysis.
- If you’re approved, we’ll send you a loan offer based on your financial needs and capabilities.
Additional information
- As Canada’s bank for entrepreneurs, we complement the role of other banks.
- We’ve supported our clients through market downturns and other events beyond their control.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the BDC Financing — Start-up Program
What is the BDC Financing — Start-up?
Start-up Financing from BDC offers up to $150,000 to Canadian businesses in operation for at least 12 months and generating revenues to support business growth. It can help purchase assets, pay start-up fees, or buy a franchise.
How much funding can be received?
BDC Financing — Start-up Funds up to $150,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the BDC Financing — Start-up program?
To be eligible for the BDC Financing — Start-up program, you must:
The business must be based in Canada.
The business must be in operation for at least 12 consecutive months and generating revenues.
The business must have a good track record.
What expenses are eligible under BDC Financing — Start-up?
Launching and growing a new business venture.
Purchasing business assets or franchises.
Investing in marketing strategies and establishing a company website.
Accessing advisory and business development services.
Replenishing working capital impacted by start-up expenses.
Who can I contact for more information about the BDC Financing — Start-up?
You can contact Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) or by phone at 1-877-232-2269.
Where is the BDC Financing — Start-up available?
The BDC Financing — Start-up program is available across Canada.
Is the BDC Financing — Start-up a grant, loan, or tax credit?
BDC Financing — Start-up is a Loans and Capital investments