Open
Source verified September 24, 2026
Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF)
Government-backed financing for small businesses
Offered by
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
Canada Small Business Financing offers government-backed financing for small businesses in Canada, with the federal government guaranteeing 85% of the loan through term loan and line of credit options. Eligible uses include real property, leasehold improvements, equipment, intangible assets, and working capital such as inventory, payroll, rent, and software development.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Conduct research and development activities
- Start a business
- Renovate or adapt facilities
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Activities funded
- Starting business operations
- Expanding business operations
- Covering gaps in working capital flow
Documents Needed
- Business plan
- Balance sheet and income projections prepared by a certified CPA or CA
- The most recent financial statement of the latest fiscal year
- Proof of purchase for assets, including invoices, purchase agreements or sales contracts
- Signed attestation that the line of credit will only be used for working capital costs
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- New businesses
- Established businesses
- Franchise owners
Eligible expenses
- Real property and buildings
- Improving leased property
- Purchasing or improving new or used equipment
- Intangible assets
- Working capital costs, including inventory, software and website development, printed materials, professional fees, payroll, and rent
Selection criteria
- The financing percentage is determined by the lender based on its internal lending policies and the borrower’s risk.
- The financing must meet both the program criteria and the lender’s policy and criteria.
How to apply
- Contact your primary financial institution to begin the application process.
Additional information
- The program includes both a term loan and a line of credit option.
- Other program terms and conditions not listed may apply.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF) Program
What is the Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF)?
Canada Small Business Financing offers government-backed financing for small businesses in Canada, with the federal government guaranteeing 85% of the loan through term loan and line of credit options. Eligible uses include real property, leasehold improvements, equipment, intangible assets, and working capital such as inventory, payroll, rent, and software development.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF) program?
To be eligible for the Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF) program, you must:
Franchise owners must have a franchise agreement in place.
Purchases already made must have been incurred within 365 days before the loan approval date.
The line of credit requires a signed attestation that it will only be used for working capital costs.
What expenses are eligible under Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF)?
Starting business operations
Expanding business operations
Covering gaps in working capital flow
Who can I contact for more information about the Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF)?
You can contact Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) or by phone at 1-800-769-2520.
Where is the Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF) available?
The Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF) program is available across Canada.
Is the Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF) is a Loans and Capital investments