1. Home
  2. Business & Finance
  3. Small Business: Canada

Small Business Loans Canada

How and where can you get a small business loan? Here are sources of small business loans in Canada, including Canadian government small business loan programs, sources of start up loans and small business loans especially for women and young entrepreneurs.
The Canada Small Business Financing Program
Whether you're looking for new business financing or for financing for your established small business, the Canada Small Business Financing Program is a good deal. Here are the details of this federal small business loan program and how your Canadian small business can apply.
Where to Get a Small Business Loan When the Banks Turn You Down
Have you tried to get a small business loan from a bank or credit union and been turned down because you don't have enough collateral or sufficient credit history? You may be able to get the start up money you need or the necessary funds to grow your business from a Canadian Community Loan Fund.
Small Business Loans for Women in Canada: For Women Only
Are you a Canadian woman looking for a small business loan? That’s the focus of this article - small business loans and business assistance that is only available to women. See if you fit the criteria for any of these women’s small business loan programs.
How to Get a Small Business Loan
Increase your chances of getting a small business loan by being prepared to meet the lender's expectations. This explanation of the documents you need and how to prepare yourself will give you a better chance of making a winning presentation.
Small Business Loan
Is there actually such as thing as a small business loan? And if so, what do you have to have to get one? This Small Business Loan definition explains.
The New Rules of Small Business Financing
Small Business Information Guide Darrell Zahorsky helps you understand the five C's of credit and the new lending rules before you apply for credit or a small business loan.
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs
This non-profit organization provides small business loans for women entrepreneurs in Alberta - and workshops, business advice, networking and more.
BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada)
The Business Development Bank of Canada offers a full range of financial services and small business financing. This is the home page.
BDC Start Up Financing
The Business Development Bank of Canada offers small business loans for start ups, including the CoVision program, consisting of customized term financing up to $100,000 for new businesses demonstrating long-term viability.
Business Development Program (Atlantic Canada)
If you are starting or running a small business or non-profit organization in Atlantic Canada, you may qualify for funding through this ACOA (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) program, which offers interest-free, unsecured small business loans to set up, expand or modernize your business. See if your business or project qualifies, and download the application, if it does.
Calmeadow
This Canadian non-profit organization provides access to credit and other financial services to self-employed people in Canada and the developing world. The focus is on entrepreneurs who have been denied financing by traditional lending institutions.
Canada Small Business Loans Financing Program
"Most small businesses starting up or operating in Canada are eligible for CSBF loans and leases, as long as their estimated gross revenues do not exceed $5 million during the fiscal year in which they apply." This site gives more details on getting a small business loan (of up to $250,000) through this program.
Canadian Youth Business Foundation Loans Program
If you're 18 to 29 years old, have a sound business idea, are willing to work with a mentor, and haven't been able to raise funding through the usual sources, you may qualify for a small business loan of up to $15,000. This useful page provides a detailed outline of the program.
CIBC Small Business Loans
This page offers information on a range of small business loans and lines of credit available from the CIBC, ranging from their Small Business Credit Edge (for small business loans or lines of credit up to $10,000) through Instalment Loans (of over $250,000).
Community Business Development Corporations: Atlantic Canada
Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs), located throughout rural Atlantic Canada, assist in the creation of small businesses, and in the development of existing businesses. They offer financial assistance, usually in the form of a small business loan, and business assistance such as information, counseling and advice.
Ecommerce Business Development Program
This program can provide "an interest-free, repayable or provisionally repayable contributions of up to 50% for eligible capital costs such as hardware related to the e-commerce project and 75% for eligible soft costs". Businesses must be located in Atlantic Canada and in eligible sectors (ACOA).
Farm Improvement and Marketing Co-operatives Loans Act (FIMCLA)
Small business loans are available to both individual farmers and farmer-owned cooperatives under this federal government program designed to finance farm improvements and fund the processing, distribution and marketing of farm products.
Financial Assistance For R&D Activities
If your business needs money for research and development, here are two types of funding, jointly sponsored by the National Research Council of Canada and Industry Canada. While one is a Youth Employment Strategy Program, you may be able to get a small business loan for appropriate Research and Technology Development Activities.
Industrial Research Assistance Program
If you're planning to enhance your business's technological capabilities, or working on developing an unproven technology, you may qualify for financial help from the Industrial Research Assistance Program, funded by the National Research Council of Canada.
La Financière agricole du Québec
Farmers or foresty operators can apply for this Québec government small business loan program for the successful and sustainable development of farm businesses. Individual companies can receive up to $2,000,000 for the development or diversification of an operation, business start-up or succession planning.
Royal Bank - Financing Options
Information about Royal Bank business financing options, including operating loans and small business loans available through government sponsored programs.
WD Sponsored Small Business Loans
Western Economic Development Canada sponsors a variety of small business loan programs throughout the Western provinces, including the Knowledge and Growth program for companies that apply advanced technology, Community Futures Development Corporations, and a Micro Loans lending program for "very small" businesses.
Women's Enterprise Centre of BC Loans Program
BC's Women's Enterprise Centre offers loans of up to $100,000 for women entrepreneurs along with ongoing business guidance. This page provides information on their loans program.
Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba
The Women's Enterprise Centre provides women with small business loans of up to $100,000. If you are applying for a loan of over $10,000, you will need too submit a completed business plan with your loan application. A Business Analyst will work with you throughout the process.
Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc.
Women who wish to start, buy or already own a business in Saskatchewan can apply for small business loans of up to $100,000 through this non-profit organization. You must work with a Business Advisor prior to applying for a loan.
Women Entrepreneur's Fund
A $25 million fund created by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)earmarked for women entrepreneurs who want small business loans to expand on an existing business or seek new market opportunities outside of Canada. Certain industries are targeted for funding.
Young Entrepreneurs ConneXion Seed Capital and Counseling Program
This program offered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is designed to help people under 30 years of age access small business start-up and expansion financing of up to $15,000 while providing them with sound business counseling and training.

Explore Small Business: Canada

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Business & Finance
  3. Small Business: Canada
  4. Small Business Financing
  5. Small Business Loans

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.