How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 25% of admissible expenses, capped at $2000000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Pivot to Grow loan?

Pivot to Grow loan is funded by Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

What are Pivot to Grow loan's eligibility criterias?

At least 25% of sales from exports to the U.S. or significantly impacted by U.S. tariffs Annual sales of $2 million or more Business must demonstrate profitability and positive cash flow

Pivot to Grow loan

Last Update: May 29, 2025

Canada

Financing to support Canadian exporters impacted by U.S. tariffs

Pivot to Grow loan at a glance

Eligible Funding

From $350,000 to $2,000,000
Up to 25% of project cost

Timeline

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Loans and Capital investments

Eligible Industries

Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Transportation and warehousing

Grant Providers

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

Status

Open

Overview of the Pivot to Grow loan program

The Pivot to Grow loan offers up to $2 million in funding to help Canadian businesses offset the effects of U.S. tariffs on exports. Eligible activities include covering operational expenses, revising supply chains, and implementing resiliency plans for companies impacted by U.S. trade measures.

Financing terms and conditions

Loan amounts up to $2,000,000 available to eligible businesses.
Total loan commitment with BDC must be greater than $350,000.
Interest-only payments permitted for up to the first 12 months.
Repayment period of up to 72 months, including principal deferral period.
No penalties for early repayment.

Eligible projects & activities

Adapting business operations to counter the effects of U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports.
Implementing changes to supply chain models in response to new trade conditions.
Developing and executing a business resiliency plan to address tariff impacts.
Covering operational activities required to adjust to shifts in the trading landscape with the U.S.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 1,400,000

Relocating key manufacturing from the U.S. to Canadian facilities

$ 825,000

Modernizing export packaging to meet new U.S. customs requirements

$ 600,000

Expanding e-commerce operations to offset lower U.S. retail orders

$ 1,020,000

Diversifying supplier base for machinery exports to reduce tariff risks

$ 500,000

Implementing risk management and compliance software for U.S. sales

$ 1,900,000

Upgrading logistics and cold storage for perishable goods exports

Eligibility criteria of the Pivot to Grow loan program

At least 25% of sales must come from exports to the U.S. or the business must demonstrate a significant likelihood of being negatively affected by U.S. tariffs or related uncertainty.
Annual sales of $2 million or more.
The company must have positive cash flow.
The company must demonstrate profitability.
The business must show it was viable prior to the implementation of U.S. tariffs and demonstrate a direct or indirect negative material impact on operations and profitability due to U.S. tariffs.

Who is eligible?

Companies that export goods or services to the United States
Businesses experiencing negative impacts from U.S. tariffs or related uncertainty

Eligible expenses

Operational expenses incurred due to U.S. tariffs.
Additional costs resulting from the implementation or potential implementation of U.S. tariffs.
Expenses related to updating or revising the supply chain model.
Costs associated with implementing a resiliency plan to adapt to the new trading environment.

Eligible geographic areas

Businesses located in Canada.

Eligibility criteria of the Pivot to Grow loan program

Demonstrated direct or indirect negative material impact on operations and profitability due to U.S. tariffs.
Submission of a clear plan to adjust to the new trading environment.
Capacity to execute the proposed adjustment plan.
Loan submission must specify that funds will be used for operational purposes related to addressing impacts from tariffs.
Evidence that the business was viable prior to the implementation of tariffs.

How to apply to the Pivot to Grow loan program

Step 1: Submit Loan Request OnlineAccess the BDC online application portal.
Provide detailed information about your business, including how U.S. tariffs have impacted your operations.
Step 2: Consultation with a BDC RepresentativeWait for a call from a BDC representative to discuss your project in depth.
Prepare to provide any additional documents required for BDC's analysis.
Step 3: Receive Tailored Loan OfferIf approved, review the loan offer sent to you, tailored to your business’s financial needs and capabilities.
Step 4: Contact for Assistance or QuestionsSend an email, call 1-877-232-2269, or chat with the BDC team for further assistance or to follow up on your application.

Additional information

Businesses must have been viable before the implementation of U.S. tariffs to qualify for this loan.
The loan must be used strictly for operational purposes related to the impact of tariffs.
Applicants are required to present a plan for adapting to the new business environment and demonstrate their capacity to execute it.
Material negative impact on operations and profitability due to U.S. tariffs, whether direct or indirect, must be demonstrated.