BDC Financing — Start-up
Canada
Loan to grow a business
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Loans and Capital investments
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
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Get up to $250,000 in loans to help get your business off the ground, finance operations and replenish working capital spent on start-up costs, if you've been in business for at least a year.
grant_single_labels|projects
This funding opportunity is available for companies based across Canada, as it targets Canadian businesses that meet specific operational and financial criteria. Therefore, the eligible geographical locations encompass all Canadian provinces and territories.
- Businesses located in any of the Canadian provinces.
- Companies operating within Canadian territories.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$90,000
Expand a local bakery's online presence and delivery service
$125,000
Create a comprehensive marketing strategy for a local non-profit art gallery
$210,000
Launch a new retail store specializing in eco-friendly products
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this financing is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's business and its operational history.
- The business must be a Canadian-based entity.
- The business must have been in operation for at least 12 consecutive months and generating revenues.
- There must be a demonstration of realistic market and sales potential.
- The business must have a good credit history.
- The owner must have reached the age of maturity in the province or territory of residence.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This financing solution is intended for Canadian businesses that meet specific operational and financial standards to support their growth and expansion efforts. Eligible businesses can benefit from working capital loans and other financing tools tailored to their needs.
- Canadian-based business in operation for at least 12 consecutive months.
- Businesses that have demonstrated revenue generation during this period.
- Should demonstrate realistic market potential and sales potential.
- Good credit history is required for eligibility.
- Business founder or owner must have reached the age of majority in their respective province or territory.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Some types of companies may not be eligible for this grant:
- Non-Canadian-based businesses
- Businesses not in operation for at least 12 consecutive months and generating revenues
- Companies unable to demonstrate realistic market and sales potential
- Businesses with a poor credit history
- Individuals who have not reached the age of maturity in their province or territory
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This financing supports Canadian businesses by providing flexibility in using funds to enhance growth and stability. Eligible projects and activities include acquiring necessary assets, starting marketing endeavors, and bolstering operational financial health.
- Get your company off the ground by purchasing assets, covering start-up fees, or buying a franchise.
- Build momentum through investments in marketing, creating a website, or obtaining advisory services.
- Complement your line of credit to replenish working capital depleted by start-up costs.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The financing covers expenses essential for starting and building the business.
- Purchase assets.
- Pay start-up fees.
- Buy a franchise.
- Invest in marketing.
- Develop a website.
- Cover advisory services.
- Replenish working capital depleted by start-up costs.
grant_single_labels|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
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Ensure that your business is based in Canada and has been in operation for at least 12 consecutive months.
- Verify that your business is generating revenue and has a good credit history.
- Step 2: Prepare Required Documentation
- Compile a thorough business plan outlining your company's market and sales potential.
- Prepare financial statements and/or projections if requested.
- Step 3: Complete the Application Form
- Access the application form through the appropriate online platform provided by BDC.
- Fill out all necessary details accurately based on your business information and plans.
- Step 4: Submit the Application
- Upload all required documents along with the completed application form.
- Submit your application through the BDC's online portal.
- Step 5: Await Confirmation and Next Steps
- Receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your application.
- Wait for further communication regarding the status of your application or any additional requirements.
Apply to this program
Empower Your Small Business with Flexible Financing
Unlock up to $250,000 in funding to transform your business with tailored financial solutions. This program provides various loans, allowing eligible Canadian businesses to purchase real estate, new equipment, finance tech improvements, and more, to foster growth and stability.
Detailed Insights into the Grant and Its Beneficial Features
Understanding the pivotal role of financing in the success of a business, this loan program offers financial instruments specifically designed to empower small and growing businesses across Canada. Whether your venture is at the early stages, or you need funding to scale up operations, these loans provide up to $250,000 to meet diverse business needs such as acquiring commercial real estate, purchasing new equipment, or increasing working capital. This flexibility ensures that businesses can tackle a variety of operational and developmental challenges without stretching their financial limits.
The loan's unique structure allows for a principal payment postponement for up to 12 months, offering companies the breathing space needed to manage cash flow effectively as they invest in new growth opportunities. This is particularly advantageous for businesses that require time to integrate newly acquired assets or enter new markets. By relieving immediate financial pressure, businesses can focus on strategic planning and execution, driving innovation and competitive advantage.
These financing solutions are tailored to align with the specific cash flow cycles of businesses, meaning payment terms can be adjusted to ensure that funds are available for day-to-day operations rather than being tied up in loan repayments. This approach not only supports financial stability but also offers an opportunity to leverage opportunities when they arise, without the encumbrance of tight repayment schedules that could hinder growth.
A major consideration for this loan is BDC's "beyond the numbers" approach. By evaluating the overall potential of your business plan and your personal experience, the program extends financing support beyond mere financial assessments. This allows for a more holistic understanding of your business capabilities, recognizing the importance of human capital and strategic vision in potential success.
To apply, businesses must have been operating for at least 12 months and show a history of revenue generation, despite any challenges that might have been faced in their early stages. This eligibility criterion ensures that the program supports ventures that have demonstrated market grounding and the potential for growth, rather than untested start-up ideas. The integrity of this criteria means that the program is a reliable source of funding for genuine business endeavors seeking to expand.
Part of the broader strategy of this loan program is to support inclusive entrepreneurship, providing pathways for new Canadians and Indigenous entrepreneurs through specially tailored financial products. In doing so, the program aims to enrich the Canadian economic landscape by ensuring a more diverse representation among business owners and leaders.
Overall, this loan program is not just a source of financial support. It is a strategic partner in growth, providing not only funding but also access to the tools and resources necessary for structuring businesses more effectively. Testimonials from business owners, like Jamie Hoobanoff, highlight how the program has not only enabled them to secure financing but also paved the way for sustainable growth by offering practical support and guidance.
