Government-backed financing
The Canada Small Business Financing Program helps banks and credit unions say yes to small businesses and start-ups. We help you prepare a strong file and find a participating lender.
The program
The Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) is a Government of Canada program run by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. The government shares part of the risk with the lender, which makes it easier for small businesses and start-ups to get approved for financing.
Loans are made by participating banks, credit unions and caisses populaires, and the lender makes every approval decision. That’s where we come in: we help you put together a complete, convincing file and connect you with lenders active in the program.
| Financing | Maximum | What it can pay for |
|---|---|---|
| Term loan | $1,000,000 | Land and buildings used for commercial purposes, new or used equipment, leasehold improvements, intangible assets and working capital costs |
| Within the term loan | $500,000 | Equipment and leasehold improvements |
| Within the term loan | $150,000 | Intangible assets and working capital costs |
| Line of credit | $150,000 | Working capital |
| Total per borrower | $1,150,000 |
Lenders take security on the assets being financed, such as property or equipment, and on business assets for other uses. They may also ask for a personal guarantee.
Source: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Canada Small Business Financing Program, October 2026. Program rules can change, and the lender makes the final decision.
How we help
Not every branch actively uses the program. We know which lenders do.
A clear plan and financial projections, written the way lenders want to read them.
Equipment quotes, leasehold estimates and property details, ready to review.
Financial statements, cash flow and how the loan gets repaid.
Pair a CSBFP loan with a line of credit or a tariff relief grant where it fits.
We answer lender questions quickly so your file keeps moving.
How it works
One short form or a quick call. Tell us about your business and what you want to finance.
Your file goes to the lending partners most likely to approve it on the terms you need.
We walk through each offer side by side: amount, term, payments and conditions. You choose.
Once you accept, we help you through closing so the funds reach your account quickly.
The participating bank, credit union or caisse populaire makes every approval decision. The government shares part of the risk with the lender, which makes approval easier for small businesses.
Yes. The program is open to start-ups as well as established small businesses operating in Canada with gross annual revenue of $10 million or less.
No. It is a loan that you repay. If your business has been hit by tariffs, you may also qualify for tariff relief grants that do not need to be repaid, and the two can work together.
The program focuses on property, equipment, leasehold improvements, intangible assets and working capital. Farming businesses are not eligible and use agricultural programs instead. We’ll confirm what fits your plans on the first call.
Timing depends on the lender and how complete your file is. A clear business plan, quotes and financial statements avoid most delays, and that is exactly what we prepare.
Other ways to finance
Business loans
One short form or a quick call. We’ll tell you if the CSBFP fits and how to make your application strong.
Get in touch
Send us your details and a financing specialist will call you back with options from our lending partners, side by side. No obligation.
Takes about a minute. A specialist will call you back.
