Canadian business financing

Start with the business need. Then choose the financing.

I work online with business owners throughout Canada. The first review starts with your province or territory, the amount and currency, what the money will do, and how the business expects to repay it. See the Canada and U.S. coverage map.

A useful financing request explains the cash-flow problem clearly. Buying a machine, bridging slow customer payments, and funding a recurring seasonal gap may call for different structures. Choosing a product before understanding that need can make the payment schedule harder to manage.

Compare the main financing paths

Read the Canadian working capital guide and Canadian equipment financing guide for the questions to take into a first discussion. This is a starting framework; it does not mean every product is available for every request.

A three-year program for established businesses

The three-year term program offers a 36-month term at 12–16% APR, with a minimum annual business revenue of CAD $3 million for Canadian businesses. Program amounts in Canada are CAD. Meeting the revenue threshold does not guarantee approval; underwriting and final terms still apply.

Bank, BDC, and government-program routes

Consider the options available directly through your bank or credit union alongside other funding providers. BDC also offers business financing; its own eligibility criteria and application review apply. Its financing FAQ explains the information it may request, including financial statements and project details.

The Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) is delivered through participating financial institutions. It supports eligible small businesses and start-ups operating in Canada with gross annual revenue of $10 million or less; farming businesses are excluded from this program. Eligible uses include certain equipment, premises, intangible-asset, and working-capital costs. The financial institution decides whether to approve the loan. Consult the official program overview for current rules.

These links are independent reference sources. They do not imply that I represent BDC, administer a government program, or can guarantee approval through either route.

Prepare a clear first request

• Business name, province or territory, industry, and time operating.
• Requested amount and currency: CAD or USD.
• A specific use of funds and the date the capital is needed.
• Recent revenue, existing financing obligations, and an explanation of any unusual cash-flow period.
• Available financial statements, bank statements, and a project budget or equipment quote, as relevant.

Use the application checklist to organize your documents. Start with a summary; sensitive documents can follow through the appropriate secure process after we discuss the request.

Keep Canadian and U.S. requirements separate

For a business with operations in both countries, identify the borrowing entity, where it operates, and the currency of its revenues and obligations. Cross-border customers do not make Canadian and U.S. financing programs interchangeable. For example, SBA 7(a) eligibility requires a business located in the U.S.

Discuss your Canadian financing request

I am Nicolas Lescalier, Funding Manager at Premium Merchant Funding. I help narrow the financing path, prepare the request, and compare structure and repayment. Availability and terms depend on the transaction and participating providers.