Financing your new business 

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.

• 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: Ontario

  You could receive funding to start or grow your business in Northern Ontario or in rural areas of Southern Ontario.

• 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.

• General business loans
  Applies only to: Ontario

  As a member of the Six Nations or New Credit aboriginal communities, you could qualify for a term loan of up to $300,000 to buy land, buildings and equipment for your business.

• Industry-Academic Collaboration Programs
  Applies only to: Ontario

  Learn about financing and support that may help you develop and commercialize innovative techniques, products and services in Ontario.

• Northern Ontario Entrepreneur Program
  Applies only to: Ontario

  Apply for a grant of up to $125,000 towards eligible costs of starting a new business in Northern Ontario.

• Northern Ontario Young Entrepreneur
  Applies only to: Ontario

  You could receive a grant of up to $25,000 if you are between the ages of 18 and 29 and plan to start a new business in Northern Ontario.

• Ontario Disability Support Program: Employment Supports
  Applies only to: Ontario

  If you are an entrepreneur with a disability, you can get help starting a business.

• Ontario Innovation Demonstration Fund
  Applies only to: Ontario

  You may qualify for funding to help commercialize your innovative green technologies.

• Ontario Self-Employment Benefit
  Applies only to: Ontario

  You may be able to turn your employment insurance eligibility into support for planning a new business of your own.

• 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.

• Summer Company
  Applies only to: Ontario

  If you are a student between 15 and 29 years of age, you may be eligible for up to $3,000 to help you start and run a summer 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.

• Sources of private sector financing

  Find out about the debt and equity financing available from the private sector for your business needs.