Finance

Large Enterprises
As one of the G7 nations, Canada has a highly developed banking system and a well-regulated equity market. Within this system, there are many finance options for Canadian businesses. As part of Canada’s growth plan to attract foreign investment, the Canadian government has developed a set of financing options and tax incentives to encourage foreign corporations to invest in Canada.

1. Debt Financing
   The legal requirements of securing short and long term financing from financial institutions in Canada.
   
   
2. Equity Financing
   Your Public and private equity financing options.
   
   
3. Government Financing
   Your government financing options.

Small and Medium Sized Business
There are three basic options available to companies seeking financial funding to either start or grow their business in Canada. The financing option that is best suited for you will depend on your specific business needs.

1. Debt Financing
   When you borrow money from a financial institution for the short or long term, it is called Debt Financing. Canada has a sophisticated banking system and a wide range of other financial institutions, such as trusts, credit unions and loan companies who offer financial assistance to businesses.
   
   
2. Equity Financing
   Depending on the size of your company, you can find private investors for your company. You can also file a prospectus to offer securities to the public. In Canada, the regulation of securities is a provincial matter.
   
   
3. Government Financing
   To support a strong economy, both the federal and provincial governments of Canada have developed a number of financing programs that support specific industries.

Frequently asked questions for this section:

• Where can I find information on Canadian federal government programs offering funding and financial assistance to SMEs and small businesses?
• Where can I find information on provincial programs that offer funding and financial assistance to SMEs and small businesses?

Related Links

Federal Government

• Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) – Technology Seed Investments Group
  Financing opportunities for entrepreneurs with innovative technologies with high-growth potential.
• Business Development Bank of Canada – BDC Venture Capital
  Learn about the venture capital program and selection criteria.
• Strategis - Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBF)
  Learn about the commercial lending and leasing program, selection criteria and lender information.
• Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) - Financing for starting a business
  Financing possibilities for starting a business, working capital and expanding an existing line of credit.

Provincial Governments

• Canada Ontario Business Centre Sources of Micro-credit Financing
  Small loans for individuals to start self-employment or a very small business.
• Canada Economic Development for Québec Regions
  Financial support for small and medium enterprises to support research and development for innovative products.
• Investissement Québec – SMB Financial
  Find out if you qualify for financing for your research and development projects in Québec.
• Investissement Québec – Strategic Support for Investment Program (PASI)
  Find out if your company qualifies for financing of an investment project or the development of new products in Québec
• Investissement Québec – Immigrant Investor
  Financial assistance to Québec businesses through immigrant investors
• Western Economic Diversification Canada
  Learn more about specialized loans for small and medium-sized businesses.
• Western Economic Diversification Canada
  Small loans for small businesses.