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.

• ATB Financial
  Applies only to: Alberta

  If you are looking for money to help you start or operate your small business in Alberta, you may be eligible for financing opportunities.

• AVAC Ltd.
  Applies only to: Alberta

  If you operate a new Alberta agricultural business, you can apply for money for R&D and to help you market your product or service.

• Aboriginal Business Canada

  Apply for financing to start or grow your Aboriginal business.

• Agriculture Financial Services Corporation Lending
  Applies only to: Alberta

  Access loans and services to start or grow farm, agribusiness or other small business.

• Alberta Foundation for the Arts Grants
  Applies only to: Alberta

  Learn about grants and resources for artists in Alberta.

• Alberta Indian Investment Corporation
  Applies only to: Alberta

  If you are an Aboriginal entrepreneur seeking financing and business support, learn about loans, equity investments and services available to you.

• Apeetogosan Métis Development Inc.
  Applies only to: Alberta

  Are you an established or budding Métis entrepreneur seeking financing and business support services? If so, learn about direct business loans, equity investments and business services.

• 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 Alberta — Small Business Loans
  Applies only to: Alberta

  You could get a loan to start or grow a business if you live in rural Alberta.

• Community Futures Treaty Seven – Business development
  Applies only to: Alberta

  Are you an Aboriginal entrepreneur wishing to start or grow your business? You may be eligible for a business loan.

• Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program
  Applies only to: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan

  If you are an entrepreneur with a disability and you live in Western Canada, you could get help to start or grow a 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.

• Indian Business Corporation services
  Applies only to: Alberta

  If you are a First Nations person looking for financing for a new or existing business, learn about loans and business services available to you.

• NextStep to Success
  Applies only to: Alberta

  You could access loans of up to $150,000 if you are an Aboriginal woman in Alberta who owns a business or who would like to start one.

• 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 Program
  Applies only to: Alberta

  If you are unemployed, you could get self-employment training, continue to receive benefits, and get assistance for living expenses.

• Settlement Investment Corporation
  Applies only to: Alberta

  As a Métis business owner, you could get support with direct business loans and services such as business plan development and training.

• 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.

• Women's Enterprise Initiative Loan Program
  Applies only to: Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, British Columbia

  If you are a woman living in Western Canada, you could get a loan to start, grow or buy a business.

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.