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BDC Financing — Start-up - Canada
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BDC Financing — Start-up

Loan to grow a business
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Government of Canada
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 250,000
Timeline
  • Open continuously
Location
Canada

Overview

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.

/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Develop an online presence
  • Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 250,000 $
Timeline
  • Open continuously

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Canada
Legal structures
  • For-profit business
  • Sole proprietorship
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.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Canadian-based small businesses
  • Start-ups operating for at least 12 months with generated revenues
  • Tech companies
  • Inclusive entrepreneurship ventures

Eligible expenses

  • Purchase of assets for business start-up.
  • Payment of start-up fees.
  • Buying a franchise.
  • Marketing expenses.
  • Development of a website.
  • Engagement of advisory services.
  • Working capital replenishment due to start-up costs.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Canada

Additional information

  • Financing can be adapted to align with your cash flow cycle for greater flexibility.
  • Principal payments may be postponed for up to 12 months at the start of the loan.
  • Business plans and overall potential are considered in the assessment process.
  • Specific solutions are available for Indigenous entrepreneurs and newcomers to Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions about the BDC Financing — Start-up Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the BDC Financing — Start-up. 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 — Start-up?

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.

How much funding can be received?

BDC Financing — Start-up Funds up to $250,000 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: Canadian-based business In operation for at least 12 consecutive months and generating revenues Good credit history

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).

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

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