Financing your new business 

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Entrepreneurs often report that getting financing is the most challenging aspect of starting a business. There are both government and private-sector sources of financing that you can tap into to get your business off the ground.

Government financing

The government provides financing to help entrepreneurs like you start a business. Some of this financing is targeted at specific demographic groups or industry sectors, and some is more widely available. The financing includes grants and contributions (which generally do not have to be repaid) and loans and loan guarantees (which generally do have to be repaid).

  • CYBF Newcomer Program

    If you are a recent immigrant to Canada and are between the ages of 18 and 39 years old, you can apply for money to start a business.

  • CYBF Start-Up Program

    Are you between 18 and 39 years old? If you are a Canadian resident with a good business idea, you could get $15,000 or more to start or run a business full-time.

  • Aboriginal Business Canada

    Apply for financing to start or grow your Aboriginal business.

  • Aboriginal Business Development Program
    Applies only to: Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon

    If you are Aboriginal and live in the territories, you could get financing to start or grow a business.

  • BDC financing

    You could get money to help you start or grow your business.

  • BDC growth capital for aboriginal business

    Find out how you could get money to help start or grow your Aboriginal business.

  • BDC subordinate financing

    Do you own a successful business, but lack the collateral to get a conventional loan? Discover an alternative way to finance your business growth.

  • Buying a business

    Find out how you may get financing to buy an existing business.

  • Canada Small Business Financing Program

    Access funds for your small business with the help of this loan guarantee program.

  • Canadian Agricultural Loans Act program

    Find out how you could use this loan guarantee program to secure credit for your farming business.

  • Community Futures Program
    Applies only to: Northwest Territories

    If you are starting a new business or looking to grow your existing business in the Northwest Territories, you could be eligible for business assistance, funding or counselling.

  • FACTOR funding for the recording industry

    If you have a recording business or if you are a song-writer, composer or musician and record in English, you could get money for certain activities.

  • Farm Credit Canada Products and Services

    You could access capital for your farming or agri-business operation.

  • Financial programs
    Applies only to: Northwest Territories

    Are you looking to obtain financing for your business? This program offers term loans, equity, contributions and letters of credit.

  • Financing for starting a business

    Learn how you could get money to start or buy a business or to buy property or equipment to set up your business.

  • Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities

    If you are a person with disabilities who wants to start a business or if you are an employer who would like to hire someone with a disability, you could qualify for funds.

  • Self Employment Option
    Applies only to: Northwest Territories

    Interested in starting your own business in the Northwest Territories? If you are unemployed, you could continue to receive benefits and get help to start your business.

  • The Prince's Operation Entrepreneur

    If you are a transitioning Canadian Forces member looking to establish a small business, this program could be for you.

Private-sector financing

You can also turn to the private sector for financing for your business. You can look to Canada's major financial institutions, such as banks, credit unions, and cooperatives. Depending on the type of business you want to start, you might also be able to secure venture capital or financing from angel investors.