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

To support the Canadian agriculture and food industry as tariffs are implemented and conflict in the Middle East brings price volatility on inputs, FCC has extended the Trade Disruption Customer Support Program until March 5, 2027.

Delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies, 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 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.

The Regional Quantum Initiative funds businesses and not-for-profit organizations that are commercializing quantum products and solutions for domestic and global markets. It focuses on:
1. quantum computing
2. quantum sensors
3. quantum communications technology
4. quantum materials

Through the Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative, Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) is providing direct support to eligible businesses to help enhance the local housing supply chain and advance innovation in the residential construction sector.
The RHII supports businesses that are seeking to scale-up, improve productivity, and commercialize or adopt technology in the residential homebuilding sector. It offers interest-free, repayable funding to incorporated businesses.

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 this pillar of RAII, FedDev Ontario will support projects that help businesses and organizations to take AI solutions and technologies from the lab to the marketplace.

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 this pillar of the RAII, FedDev Ontario will support businesses to adopt or integrate AI or AI-driven solutions to improve operational efficiency, create productivity gains and strengthen competitiveness.

Get up to $5 million to help you counter the effects of tariffs on Canadian exports to the U.S. by preserving cash flow, diversifying your market or buying equipment.1
This program provides financing that can help you maintain operations, seize new opportunities, invest in productivity and adapt to a changing business environment while protecting your cash flow.

The Lytton Business Restart Program helps businesses reopen or start in Lytton, supporting the community’s recovery.
Program funding will be prioritized for core businesses including grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, hotels and gathering places such as coffee shops.

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.

We lend to new infrastructure projects that are in partnership with, and for the benefit of, Indigenous communities to reduce their infrastructure gap and promote economic participation.
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.

FedDev Ontario is investing to build and compete by supporting companies to adopt cutting-edge solutions, enhance productivity, break into new markets and build for the future.

FinDev Canada offers financial solutions such as debt and equity to clients operating in developing countries that demonstrate sustainable social and economic benefits for local communities.

When you buy new or used farm equipment and finance through a participating dealer, you’ll work with agriculture experts.

Are you under age 40? If you have a good business plan, you can start or expand your business with the Young Entrepreneur Loan. Purchase shares in, buy, or improve an agricultural or food-related business, and take your business to the next level.

FCC is committed to empowering women in agriculture, agribusiness and food.
We offer exclusive learning opportunities to help your business become more competitive, productive and profitable. Women entrepreneurs who qualify may be eligible for additional discounted rates.

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

Found a great piece of land? Looking to expand your operation with a new building? With FCC loans, purchase knowing you’re in control of your finances. We provide flexible financing options that work for producers.

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.

We lend 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.

You probably know FCC provides financing, advisory services, software and knowledge to Canadian agriculture and food, but did you know we also provide the same to agribusinesses like yours?
If you manufacture, produce or sell the inputs, machinery, equipment and services that keep the agriculture or food industry working, we’d love to work with you. We can finance:

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

Change can be difficult, but transitioning your business doesn’t have to be. Discover financing and resources to support a successful transition.

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.

EDC’s structured and project finance solutions help Canadian exporters and investors take on capital-intensive projects and complex transactions. From infrastructure and energy to renewables and resources, we support deals that drive sustainable growth—for Canada and the world.

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.

EDC provides direct loans to help mid-sized and large Canadian exporters scale production, invest in new markets and seize global opportunities.

EDC’s buyer financing helps you close more deals by giving your international customers access to the capital they need through a loan or guarantee. The program offers:

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.

Finance your needs, your way with FCC revolving, pre-approved loans.

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.

To address this issue, the Clean Fuels Fund provides the investors with cost-shared, conditionally repayable funding. This financial support aims to help build new clean fuel production facilities or retrofit or expand existing ones in Canada.
Additionally, the fund provides non-repayable funding for feasibility studies, basic engineering studies and detailed front-end engineering studies for new facilities, expansions or conversions of existing facilities.

The Charging and Hydrogen Refuelling Infrastructure Initiative (CHRI) aims to reduce transportation sector 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.
We provide financing to the private sector to share in charging and refuelling infrastructure use risk by aligning repayment with use levels.

The program will support the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector in identifying and advancing strategic opportunities that:
1. foster innovative ideas, practices, or market oriented approaches developed collaboratively with sector partners
2. strengthen sector wide competitiveness
3. deliver benefits across Canada

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

The Canada Small Business Financing Program makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders.
The enhanced program provides lenders and small businesses with additional financing products, new class of loans, increased loan amounts and terms, improved loan conditions and decreased administrative burden.

The Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program creates the right conditions to start and grow businesses in Atlantic Canada.
We help businesses speed up their growth so they can be more productive, compete on the world stage and reach new markets.

It supports high-growth* businesses that are seeking to improve productivity, scale-up and commercialize technology. It offers interest-free, repayable funding to incorporated businesses

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

The Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, a component of the Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP), is a partnership between the Government of Canada, Black-led business organizations and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). The loan fund is an investment of $160 million to support the success of Black entrepreneurs and business owners.
The fund provides loans of up to $250,000 to support Black business owners and entrepreneurs across Canada and lays a foundation for future success and long-term change.

Get working capital to take on big projects without risking your everyday cash.*
Working capital financing supports day‑to‑day operations, such as payroll, inventory, marketing, or managing timing gaps between incoming and outgoing cash.

BDC’s Syndicated Financing team of experienced industry professionals supports medium-sized and larger businesses by providing access to capital through syndicated transactions led by other banks.
We participate in operating lines of credit and term facilities for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, expansion, and succession planning.

BDC leverages indirect channels to increase its impact on Canadian businesses by providing capital to financial intermediaries. In doing so, BDC aims to broaden its reach to support Canadian entrepreneurs through the financial ecosystem.

Get quick access to cash to invest in technology to drive growth, trim costs, and boost your company’s competitiveness.*
There is no shortage of technology to keep your business lean, mean and competitive. Our tech equipment loan covers most tech solutions with a fast, easy process and flexible terms.

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 $150,000 to get you there.

We provide financing solutions designed to help small businesses grow and succeed. Whether you need funds to expand operations, purchase equipment, or manage cash flow, our Small Business Loan is tailored to your needs.
You can ask for up to $350,000 for a BDC Small Business Loan. The amount approved will be based on our analysis of your request.

Large orders looming? No problem. Purchase Order Financing from BDC lets you pay your suppliers directly, without sacrificing your company’s day-to-day cash so you don’t miss out on future sales.

Experienced as a business owner or not, BDC helps immigrants handle the typical challenges of building a company in Canada.
Access up to $50,000 to grow your company
No credit history? That’s okay—ask about our Newcomer Entrepreneur Loan*.

Whether you’re scaling up or well established, fuel your growth with a flexible loan that lets you keep ownership of your business and offers terms tailored just for you.*
Financing for tech companies is available to a wide range of technology businesses operating in Canada. This includes software and SaaS companies, digital services firms, and technology‑enabled businesses at various stages of growth.

BDC offers the Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan with financing of up to $350,000 to grow or scale your business.

Our inclusive entrepreneurship loan offers up to $350,000 to businesses at least 51% owned and led by women, Indigenous, or Black entrepreneurs. It features affordable financing, no application or annual fees, and the option to postpone principal payments for up to 24 months.

Our Equipment Loan covers up to 125% of the purchase price of new or used equipment for extra flexibility and peace of mind.*
Get machinery, hardware, vehicles or equipment to help your business step up its game. You can match your payments to your cash flow cycle to make sure your purchase is up and running when it counts.

Whether you’re planning to renovate your offices or invest in a new warehouse, our Commercial Real Estate Loan adapts to your specific needs. Get great flexibility with an amortization period of up to 25 years and a variety of options that match your repayments to your business’s reality.

Whether you’re buying your first business, pursuing a merger or acquiring a competitor, we can help you find the best business loan for your needs.
A business purchase loan is intended to finance the acquisition of an existing business with revenue and an established client base.

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 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
Support is available in the form of repayable and non-repayable contributions from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

The APP is a federal loan guarantee program which provides agricultural producers with easy access to low-cost cash advances.
APP advances are available through participating producer organizations, that is, APP Administrators, across Canada.