Open
BDC Financing — Start-up
Financing to launch and grow your business
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
$ 250,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
Get up to $250,000 in financing to help get your business off the ground and support start-up-related needs. Use the loan to purchase assets, pay start-up fees, buy a franchise, invest in marketing, create a website, or hire advisory services.
/100
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 : 250,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
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.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian-based small businesses
- Start-ups operating for at least 12 months with generated revenues
- Tech companies
- Inclusive entrepreneurship ventures
Who is not eligible
- Businesses operating in government, charity, syndicate, or religious activities.
- Businesses involved in violence, discrimination, or sexual exploitation.
- Businesses operating in countries proscribed by the Government of Canada.
- Applicants who have not reached the age of majority in their province or territory.
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
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by BDC after submission.
- BDC may call the applicant to discuss the project and required documents.
- If approved, BDC sends a loan offer based on financial needs and capabilities.
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
What is the BDC Financing — Start-up?
Get up to $250,000 in financing to help get your business off the ground and support start-up-related needs. Use the loan to purchase assets, pay start-up fees, buy a franchise, invest in marketing, create a website, or hire advisory services.
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