Canadian Government Business Loans: Financing Options for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses

To support the Canadian agriculture and food industry as tariffs are implemented, FCC is providing $1 billion in new lending to help alleviate financial challenges.

The Tourism Relief Fund supports tourism businesses and organizations to adapt their operations to meet public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate their future growth.

The Tourism Growth Program provides $108 million over 3 years to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences. The program also complements other federal, provincial and territorial supports for the tourism industry.

The TGP contributes to the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, which charts a course for long-term growth, investment, and stability in Canada’s tourism industry.

The Large Enterprise Tariff Loan (LETL) facility is a new financing facility announced by the Government of Canada on March 21, 2025. Managed by the Canada Development Investment Corporation (CDEV) through its subsidiary, Canada Enterprise Emergency Funding Corporation (CEEFC), it provides financing support for large Canadian enterprises affected by actual and potential new tariffs and countermeasures and which face challenges accessing traditional sources of market financing.

CED supports economic development in all Quebec regions by paying particular attention to those grappling with economic difficulties.

That’s why CED has launched a new initiative to offer flexible conditions and targeted support to Quebec’s RCMs with the greatest economic vulnerability.

CED’s Support for Regional Quantum Innovation (RQI) aims to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and non-profit organizations (NPOs) adopt, develop and commercialize quantum technologies and products based on these technologies.

Strategic Innovation Fund’s Stream 3 provides funding to attract and retain large scale investments to Canada. It provides repayable and non-repayable contributions to firms of all sizes across all of Canada’s industrial and technology sectors.

Strategic Innovation Fund’s Stream 2 facilitates the growth and expansion of firms in Canada. It provides repayable and non-repayable contributions to firms of all sizes across all of Canada’s industrial and technology sectors.

Strategic Innovation Fund’s Stream 1 encourages research and development (R&D) that will accelerate technology transfer and commercialization of innovative products, processes and services. It provides repayable and non-repayable contributions to firms of all sizes across all of Canada’s industrial and technology sectors.

Financial assistance to help community housing providers with the costs of early development activities related to the predevelopment costs of building a new affordable housing project or renovating an existing affordable housing project.

As part of the Government of Canada’s National Quantum Strategy,
PacifiCan is delivering the Regional Quantum Initiative in British Columbia (B.C.). This fund will help companies and not-for-profit organizations advance and commercialize quantum products and solutions for domestic and
global markets. Areas of focus for the initiative include:
– quantum computing
– quantum sensors
– quantum communications technology
– quantum materials

As part of the Government of Canada’s efforts to develop a National Quantum Strategy (NQS), FedDev Ontario is delivering the Regional Quantum Initiative (RQI) in southern Ontario. Over $23 million is available over six years (2022-27) to help companies advance and commercialize their quantum products and solutions for domestic and global markets.

The RHII aims to change the way houses are built and provide more Canadians with a place to call home faster. It provides repayable contributions directly to businesses to help enhance local and regional housing supply chain and advance innovation in the residential construction sector.

The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative funds businesses that are commercializing or adopting artificial intelligence (AI) solutions in B.C. and not-for-profit organizations that are supporting AI commercialization or adoption and ecosystem development in B.C.

The RAII will help marketplace adoption, supporting the responsible development and use of AI, in two key areas:
a. AI productization and commercialization will help AI SMEs in the start-up and scale-up phases to turn their ideas into real world solutions, with financing aimed at providing support to secure growth capital, hire the right people, manage data, and navigate the AI marketplace.
b. Adoption of AI across priority sectors. This will help Canadian businesses enhance productivity, growth, and competitiveness. Support will focus on helping SMEs to integrating AI into business operations, implement AI strategies and find workers with the right skills.

Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) are delivering $200 million through the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) to help bring new AI technologies to market and speed up AI adoption in sectors across the country. Through RAII, RDAs will support projects that help businesses and organizations turn ideas into real-world solutions for Canadians and compete globally.

Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) are delivering $200 million through the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) to help bring new AI technologies to market and speed up AI adoption in sectors across the country. Through the RAII, RDAs will support projects that help businesses and organizations turn ideas into real-world solutions for Canadians and compete globally.

If your business exports to the U.S. or is impacted by U.S. tariffs and the uncertainty surrounding them, BDC can help. Our pivot to grow loan can help boost your cash flow while your business adapts to a new trading landscape.

The aim of this funding is to foster the economic development of official language minority communities (OLMCs). The funding may serve to kickstart innovative or entrepreneurial projects, solidify partnerships or diversify economic activities in these communities.

Helps businesses reestablish in Lytton, BC. A vibrant business community is vital to the recovery of Lytton, B.C. Businesses provide jobs, deliver services, and create community connection. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the restart and revitalization of Lytton’s economy.

Recognizing this potential, the Government of Canada committed in Budget 2021 to support the economic transformation of Montréal’s East End and helped mobilize the community during the November 2023 Sommet de l’Est, while also announcing concrete action.

As such, CED will invest $30M in the coming years in projects by SMEs and NPOs that will have economic spin-offs in Montréal’s East End. The aim is to promote development opportunities that foster the region’s revitalization, attractiveness, and sustainable reindustrialization.

Through the IEI, our investment team looks to lend to Indigenous communities to provide them with access to capital to purchase equity stakes in infrastructure projects in which the CIB is also investing. Economic returns from these projects can be reinvested in the community, narrowing the economic and infrastructure gap among Indigenous communities.

The ICII is a collaborative financing solution that offers low-cost and long-term loans to Indigenous infrastructure projects and combines public funding and/or private and institutional investment to get more infrastructure built.

Through the ICII, our investment team looks to provide affordable, long-term financing to Indigenous projects that provide a direct benefit to an Indigenous community or communities.

The Green Bond program will support projects that contribute to positive environmental outcomes while ensuring we continue to support our overarching mandate and commitment to responsible investment.

CICERO Shades of Green rated PSP’s Green Bond Framework Medium Green. Included in the overall shading was an assessment of our governance structure, which received a score of Excellent.

FedDev Ontario is investing in people, potential, and possibilities. We want to help you grow so you can reach your potential and unlock new possibilities.

FinDev Canada offers financing and equity investments to Canadian companies operating in developing countries that demonstrate sustainable social and economic benefits for local communities, with a focus on job creation, women’s economic empowerment and climate change mitigation.

The Dealer Financing Program is when you buy new or used farm equipment and finance through a participating dealer.

FCC provides financing to young entrepreneurs under 40 to start or expand their business. They can purchase shares in, buy, or improve an agricultural or food-related business, and take their dream business to the next level.

FCC provides financing to women entrepreneurs in agriculture, agribusiness and agri-food to start or grow their business.Through our research and discussions with women in agriculture, we discovered three key needs: increased access to capital to start or grow their business, access to business and competency skill development for themselves and their business, and access to tools, resources, and people to learn from and be inspired.

FCC provides financing to agriculture and food industry startups and to agriculture, agribusiness or food and beverage-related business that were established within the past three years.

FCC and our participating livestock partners across Canada provide flexible and convenient financing tailored to the needs of feeder cattle and breeding livestock producers.

Financing livestock through a participating livestock partner gives you the convenience of one-stop shopping for your livestock purchases and a program designed for cattle producers, by cattle producers.

FCC offers financing to producers to build or expand their operations by buying new land or constructing new buildings.

FCC Input Financing is the simple and flexible way to free up your cash flow. You have 12 months to purchase fuel, fertilizer and crop protection, and up to 18 months to pay. Input financing is offered through local retailers allowing you to purchase and finance your inputs at the same time.

As Canada’s leading agriculture and food lender, FCC is proud to provide on and off-reserve financing and resources to Indigenous entrepreneurs, economic development corporations and First Nations communities.

Building a diverse industry is top priority and an integral part of FCC’s mandate. First Nations, Métis and Inuit have always been involved in agriculture and food and are uniquely positioned to reclaim their food sovereignty and grow successful businesses.

FCC lends money, share knowledge and provide other services to support the food industry. From start-ups to mature enterprises, we partner with businesses and entrepreneurs to help you reach your full potential. If your business is looking to grow or expand, let’s talk and help you find new opportunities through our networks and financing expertise.

FCC lend money, share knowledge and provide other services to agribusinesses who provide inputs or add value to agriculture. If your business is looking to grow or expand, let’s talk and help you find new opportunities through our networks and financing expertise.

FCC offers financing for environmental solutions that can help farmers make environmental upgrades to their operation and switch to renewable energy resources.

If you’re looking to transfer farm assets or you’re a young farmer looking to build your farm, the Transition Loan can help make it happen. It allows you to make payments so you can manage your cash flow or build equity quickly – the choice is yours.

Through Elevate, the Government of Canada will increase commercial tourism investments in Atlantic Canada to $25 million over 2 years (ending March 31, 2026). This repayable initiative, sourced from ACOA’s existing budget, further demonstrates the federal Government’s commitment to investing in the region’s visitor economy, backing up Canada’s Federal Tourism Growth Strategy with real action​.

The EDC Trade Impact Program will facilitate an additional $5 billion over two years in support for eligible companies across a range of products to help you navigate economic challenges.

The Trade Expansion Lending Program (TELP) is a guarantee that helps you access more working capital from your financial institution. EDC shares the risk with your lender by guaranteeing part of your loan or line of credit, allowing them to offer the credit conditions you need to grow.

Structured and Project Finance is designed specifically for limited recourse financing of long-term, capital intensive projects.

EDC’s Foreign Exchange Facility Guarantee (FXG) can cover your collateral requirements on foreign exchange (FX) contracts, helping you manage fluctuating currency rates without tying up your cash.

The Export Guarantee Program (EGP) provides guarantees of up to US$25 million to your financial institution so they can extend your access to working capital. The Export Guarantee Program is best suited for complex export finance structures, including multiple operating lines, foreign assets or acquisitions, cash flow loans or multiple borrowers.

EDC can provide financing to Canadian exporters to help support their global expansion plans, allowing them to increase their capacity for trade and capitalize their strategic international growth plans. We work to fill the market gaps left by traditional financing lenders.

We provide patient, impactful, non-dilutive financial solutions for Canadian companies, their affiliate, or subsidiary, to scale operations in foreign jurisdictions.
We work on a non-competitive basis, collaborating with you and your lender.
Various financing structures are available, including syndications, clubs, bilateral term loans and guarantees.
Pricing will be market based, or—if appropriate—follow Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) consensus arrangement terms, and commensurate with risk.

Export Development Canada (EDC) can provide financing to international buyers to purchase Canadian goods and services, through direct loans, or in collaboration with approved financial institutions.

Account Performance Security Guarantee (APSG) is the only solution in Canada that gives your financial institution a 100% guarantee for standby letters of credit. This frees up your cash or credit line to help grow your business.

This funding aims to promote the regions and foster the development of local economies.
Specifically, it is intended to:
help boost spending by tourists from outside Quebec
increase the presence of international organizations
strengthen economic activity in the regions by supporting local business projects
generate investments and economic spin-offs through the acquisition of community economic facilities

The FCC credit line provides funds to Canadian agriculture businesses to bridge the cash flow gap. It is a revolving, pre-approved loan that provides money for working capital.

The FCC Advancer Loan pulls out all the stops. It’s everything you need: a pre-approved, secured loan that continually re-advances funds as you grow your operation. And you’re in charge. You determine when you want loan funds disbursed to your account.

The Community Futures program helps to create jobs in rural areas. This is done with the help of more than 40 Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs) throughout Atlantic Canada.

Funding the build-out of new production capacity will:
grow the domestic production capacity for clean fuels including clean hydrogen, advanced biofuels, renewable natural gas, and sustainable aviation fuel, across Canada
offer new opportunities for Canada’s energy sector in the transition to producing cleaner sources of energy
support Canada’s efforts to reach net-zero by 2050
position Canada globally to reap economic, environmental, and social benefits of the energy transition

The Charging and Hydrogen Refuelling Infrastructure Initiative (CHRI) aims to reduce transportation sector greenhouse gas emissions by accelerating the private sector’s rollout of large-scale ZEV chargers and hydrogen refuelling stations, helping to spur the market for private investment.

The TGP complements support measures provided by other federal, provincial, and territorial programs. It contributes to the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy aimed at fostering long-term growth, stability and investment in this industry across the country.

The Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative (RHII) provides for one-time funding of $50 million up to March 31, 2026, to develop innovative manufacturing solutions to accelerate the construction of multi-unit residential housing across the country.

The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) is one of the initiatives announced in Budget 2024 aimed at supporting transformative projects. In this spirit, Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) have $200 million to boost the development and commercialization of new technologies and solutions, as well as the accelerated adoption of AI by SMEs. The RAII pays particular attention to sectors critical to the Canadian economy, such as agriculture, clean technology, life sciences and manufacturing, and supports structural projects that generate spin-offs in all regions across the country.

This funding, which aims to foster innovation and business growth, can be awarded at any stage of a business’s development. Projects submitted by SMEs or NPOs are funded for fostering expansion, productivity and growth through innovation. This funding is provided under the REGI program.

The program Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program will help the agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sector (‘agricultural sector’) take advantage of a situation or circumstance to develop a new idea, product, niche, or market opportunity
respond to new and emerging issues (address sector issues that were unknown or not a concern before)
find and test solutions to new and ongoing issues to adapt and remain competitive

Canadian Agricultural Loans Act (CALA) ProgramThe Canadian Agricultural Loans Act Program is a loan guarantee program designed to increase the availability of loans to farmers and agricultural co-operatives. Farmers can use these loans to establish, improve, and develop farms, while agricultural co-operatives may also access loans to process, distribute, or market the products of farming.

Through the Canadian Travelling Exhibitions Indemnification Program, the Government of Canada assumes the financial risk for loss and damage to objects and appurtenances on loan for eligible travelling exhibitions in Canadian museums, art galleries or other cultural institutions. Indemnification through the Program may significantly reduce the cost to institutions for the purchase of commercial insurance.

The Canada Small Business Financing Program makes it easier for small businesses to obtain loans from financial institutions because the government shares the risk with the lenders.

The Business Scale-up and Productivity helps businesses speed up their growth so they can be more productive, compete on the world stage and reach new markets. Funding can be used to:
1. scale up and expand;
2. make the most of new technologies;
3. improve productivity;
4. create new products and find new markets.

Funding for small and medium-sized businesses to scale up and produce innovative goods, services or technologies.

The Business Development Program (BDP) helps entrepreneurs launch, modernize and grow their business in Atlantic Canada.

The Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund is a partnership between the Government, Black-led business organizations, and several financial institutions. It will provide loans up to $250,000 to Black business owners and entrepreneurs across the country.

Loans can be used for:
1. Capital investments–equipment, leasehold improvements, property improvement, office equipment.
2. Working capital–inventory, payroll, lease payments, accounts management, rent, overhead costs.
3. Short-term receivable financing (i.e. financing to service a contact).

BDC offers a working capital financing to Canadian-based businesses to maintain their cash flow.

The BDC Wholesale Financing scheme helps financial intermediaries get more funding for their customers in order to fill market gaps and increase the availability of capital for Canadian entrepreneurs.
Through Syndicated Financing, BDC supports medium-sized and larger businesses by providing senior debt financing in syndicated transactions led by other banks.

The BDC Wholesale Financing scheme helps financial intermediaries get more funding for their customers in order to fill market gaps and increase the availability of capital for Canadian entrepreneurs.
Through F-PIL, companies can access funding with scalable financial terms for more access to financing and potentially more favourable funding costs. These companies can be more competitive on pricing with SMEs.

BDC offers a Technology Loan designed to assist businesses in optimizing performance and increasing profitability through strategic investments in technology. Investing in technology is recognized as one of the most effective ways to drive growth, reduce costs, and boost productivity, making this loan an invaluable resource for companies looking to enhance their operational efficiency and overall financial performance.

Young businesses need the right financing and the right partners to succeed. Our experts provide advice to help guide you as you take your business to the next level and up to $250,000 to get you there.

BDC’s Small Business Loan is designed to help businesses quickly and easily access the funds they need with flexible terms they can afford

BDC provides Purchase Order Financing as a recommended solution, offering companies the opportunity to enhance their cash flow. This financing option empowers businesses to meet the demands of substantial orders without jeopardizing their day-to-day operations.

BDC is the bank devoted to Canadian entrepreneurs. We provide financing and advisory services to small and medium-sized businesses at every stage of growth. This includes access to the right tools and resources, such as training, networking, partnerships and more.

BDC extends financing options for tech companies, providing support for both earlier-stage scale-ups aiming to secure market positions and established businesses in growth mode. Solutions offered by BDC are tailored to safeguard cash flow and assist tech businesses across various stages, accommodating those with a recurring fees revenue model.

DC has a long history of working with Indigenous entrepreneurs and appreciates your unique histories, cultures and contributions in Canada. We stand in solidarity with you and all Indigenous peoples and are committed to listening, learning and taking action towards Reconciliation.

Helping ambitious business owners from underserved communities get the financing, education and support they need to succeed.

BDC offers Equipment Purchase Financing that businesses can use to increase capacity by acquiring production line machinery, hardware, equipment, or specialized items like lab materials. It also serves to improve efficiency by supporting investments in commercial vehicles or modernizing operations. Furthermore, this financing option can complement a company’s line of credit by replenishing working capital depleted by equipment costs.

BDC provides commercial real estate financing that can be utilized to increase capacity, purchase land and buildings, or cover construction costs for new projects. It also serves to upgrade facilities by supporting the expansion or renovation of existing premises. Additionally, this financing option can complement one’s line of credit by replenishing working capital depleted by real estate costs.

Businesses looking into acquiring a company, engaging in a merger, or expanding by acquiring a competitor can turn to BDC for Business Purchase or Transfer Financing. Business owners are advised to seek the necessary financing and support from experts. This approach ensures a seamless transaction that benefits both the acquiring business and the one being acquired.

The Apartment Construction Loan Program provides low-cost financing to support the construction of student housing. It also supports the conversion of non-residential to student housing.

The Apartment Construction Loan Program provides low-cost financing to support the construction of standard rental housing. It also supports the conversion of non-residential to standard rental housing.

The Apartment Construction Loan Program provides low-cost financing to support the construction of seniors housing. It also supports conversion of non-residential to seniors housing.

The AgriInnovate Program is a program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
The program provides repayable contributions to incent targeted commercialization, demonstration and/or adoption of commercial-ready innovative technologies and processes that increase agricultural and agri-food sector competitiveness and sustainability benefits.

The Research and Innovation Stream will support pre-market innovation, including research, development, demonstration and commercialization activities, to develop transformative clean technologies and enable the expansion of current technologies, in 3 priority areas:
1. Green energy and energy efficiency;
2. Precision agriculture;
3. Bioeconomy.

The Advance Payments Program (APP) is a federal loan guarantee program which provides agricultural producers with easy access to low-interest cash advances.