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 Fund (Ulnooweg Loan)
    Applies only to: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador

    Funding for Aboriginal people in Atlantic Canada to start, buy, grow or refinance a business.

  • Aerospace Tax Holiday
    Applies only to: Prince Edward Island

    Your PEI aerospace business may be eligible for a tax rebate.

  • Atlantic Association of Community Business Development Corporations
    Applies only to: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island

    If you live in a rural region of Atlantic Canada, you can access business counselling, financing and training to help start or grow your 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.

  • Business Development Program
    Applies only to: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island

    Access funds to start, expand or improve your business in Atlantic Canada.

  • 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 Business Development Corporations – Social Enterprise Loan
    Applies only to: Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island

    Find out how you could get a loan of up to $150,000 to start-up, renovate or grow your social enterprise in rural Atlantic Canada.

  • Community Business Development Corporations — Loans for Atlantic entrepreneurs
    Applies only to: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island

    You could borrow up to $150,000 to start, grow, or modernize a business in a rural area of Atlantic Canada.

  • Entrepreneur Loan Program
    Applies only to: Prince Edward Island

    You may be eligible to receive up to $50,000 directly from authorized lenders backed by a government guarantee for your new or expanding business.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Marketing Support Program
    Applies only to: Prince Edward Island

    You could obtain financial assistance for marketing costs from start-up through to international exporting.

  • 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-Employ PEI
    Applies only to: Prince Edward Island

    Interested in starting your own business? If you are currently unemployed, you may be eligible to receive benefits to help you do so.

  • Small Business Loans
    Applies only to: Prince Edward Island

    You could obtain a small business loan to purchase or expand a business, to consolidate debt, or undertake new construction.

  • 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.

  • Tourism loans
    Applies only to: Prince Edward Island

    If you own a tourism establishment other than a bed and breakfast, you may be able to get a loan to buy, build, renovate or expand your business or consolidate debts.

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.