Canada Small Business Financing Program
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
This program could help you secure up to $1 million from a financial institution by sharing the risk with your lender.
The loans can be used to:
- Purchase or improve land or buildings
- Purchase leasehold improvements or improve leased property
- Purchase new or used equipment
Eligible small businesses should have annual gross revenues of no more than $10 million.
Discuss your business needs with a financial officer at any bank, caisse populaire, or credit union in Canada. Find a lender near you.
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BDC Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan
Business Development Bank of Canada
As an Indigenous entrepreneur, you could get up to $350,000 to start a business or to grow your existing business.
Operations can be on or off reserve.
You can use the loan to:
- Acquire fixed assets
- Finance franchise fees
- Cover start-up costs
- Start exporting
- Replenish working capital to support your company's growth
Conditions apply.
Learn more
Find contacts
Assistance for Businesses in Regions Under Maximum Alert (ABRUMA)
Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation
The ABRUMA is an enhancement to the CTAPB and the EASMSB to support businesses that have to cease operations in whole or in part because they are located in a red zone (maximum alert).
A new enhancement offers non-repayable aid (loan forgiveness) applicable to loans granted as part of one of these two programs.
The enhancement covers certain fixed costs that have to be paid during the closing period.
Loan forgiveness can reach up to 80% (or $15,000 per month) of eligible expenses.
Some conditions apply.
Learn more
(in French only)
BDC Small Business Loan - for existing business
Business Development Bank of Canada
Keep your cash flow. Rather than using the money you need for day-to-day activities, consider applying for additional financing. With the BDC Small Business Loan, you could get up to $100,000 within 48 hours from the time of approval, no application fees or hassles. The entire process is completed online.
You need to have been operating your business for the past 24 months.
Other conditions apply.
Learn more
Find contacts
ESSOR — Funding support for development projects
Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation
Is your business involved in manufacturing, software publishing, research, environmental services, or tourism? If so, you could get a loan guarantee covering up to 70% of a net loss for investments or a loan covering up to 50% of the cost of your growth projects, such as:
- Business creation
- Business expansion or modernization
The project must help maintain or create jobs.
Other conditions apply.
Learn more
Find contacts
Relief measures for Indigenous businesses
Government of Canada
The Government of Canada, through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, will provide financing in the form of short-term, interest-free and non-repayable contributions to First Nations, Inuit and Métis businesses.
Assistance of up to $60,000 will be available as:
- an interest-free loan of up to $40,000;
- a non-repayable contribution of up to $20,000.
For more information, contact your Aboriginal Financial Institution.
Some conditions apply.
Learn more
Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative – Quebec
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
The Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative enables SMEs and NPOs providing services to SMEs to :
- Green their operations and adopt environmentally sustainable practices.
- Improve productivity.
- Strengthen commercialization while furthering integration into regional and global supply chains.
Priority will be given to projects that contribute to at least one of the following :
- The transition towards greener products and operations or environmentally sustainable practices
- Generating important economic benefits and promoting business development in regions, while improving resilience and international competitiveness of the aerospace sector.
- Improving diversity and inclusion to address barriers faced by certain groups.
- Supporting digital adoption by the aerospace industry and enhanced cybersecurity.
Contributions to SMEs are generally repayable or conditionally repayable.
Contributions to non-profits are typically non-repayable.
Certain costs may be eligible on a retroactive basis up to 12 months before the receipt of a project application, but no earlier than April 19, 2021.
Conditions apply.
Learn more
AgriAssurance Program: National Industry Association Component
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
If your not-for-profit organization operates in the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector, including fish and seafood, you could receive funding in the form of a non-repayable contribution of up to 75% of eligible program costs.
Assistance will be provided to help you develop and adopt assurance systems, standards and tools to support health and safety claims regarding your agricultural and agri-food products.
Conditions apply.
Learn more
Find contacts
Form(s)
AgriAssurance: Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Component
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
If your business operates in the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector, including fish and seafood, you can apply for funding in the form of a non-repayable contribution of up to 50% of project costs to help you implement assurance projects that address market and regulatory requirements.
You will receive assistance implementing third-party assurance certification projects that address international market requirements, thereby increasing export opportunities for Canadian agricultural and agri-food products.
Other conditions apply.
Learn more
Find contacts
Form(s)
Appui pour la conversion à l'agriculture biologique
Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec
You could receive financial assistance of up to $40,000 to stimulate production and adopt organic farming practices.
The program is divided into two parts:
- Support for converting plant, maple, and honey production
- Support for constructing or modifying livestock facilities to meet organic standards
Companies who have discontinued their certification or whose certification has been revoked during the past 5 years are not eligible.
Other conditions apply.
Learn more
(in French only)
Find contacts
(in French only)
Assistance for Businesses in Regions Under Maximum Alert (ABRUMA)
Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation
The ABRUMA is an enhancement to the CTAPB and the EASMSB to support businesses that have to cease operations in whole or in part because they are located in a red zone (maximum alert).
A new enhancement offers non-repayable aid (loan forgiveness) applicable to loans granted as part of one of these two programs.
The enhancement covers certain fixed costs that have to be paid during the closing period.
Loan forgiveness can reach up to 80% (or $15,000 per month) of eligible expenses.
Some conditions apply.
Learn more
(in French only)
Business Assistance — Immigrant Investor Program
Investissement Québec
You could benefit from a non-repayable financial contribution of up to $250,000 to help pay for most growth projects, such as:
- Increasing, modernizing or improving production
- Getting certified for conforming to a standard
- Technological innovation or design
- Marketing products outside Québec
You must:
- Obtain the recommendation of an accredited financial intermediary that is recognized by Investissement Québec
- Have less than $35 million in total assets
- Submit a project with a cost of at least $300,000
Other conditions apply.
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Find contacts
Canada Community Revitalization Fund - Quebec
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
CRFC is helping communities recover from the effects of the pandemic through community infrastructure projects.
Eligible applicants:
- NPO;
- Municipal or regional governments;
- Aboriginal organizations.
Eligible activities:
- Adaptation of community spaces and assets for safe use in accordance with local public health guidelines;
- Building or improving community infrastructure to encourage Canadians to re-engage with and explore their communities and regions.
The CRFC contribution could be up to 75% of total eligible costs or $750,000. For recipients in the territories, this amount may be as high as $1 million.
The Fund is delivered by Canada's regional development agencies.
Conditions apply.
Learn more
Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
The CRCB, along with the CRB and the CRSB, follows on the CERB, which has now ended.
The CRCB offers eligible workers who are caregivers weekly income of $500.
If your situation continues past 1 week, you will need to apply again. Each household may apply up to a total of 38 weeks between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.
To be eligible, the caregiver must, in part:
- Be unable to work at least 50% of their work week because they are caring for a family member;
- Be caring for a child under 12 years old or a family member whose school, daycare, or care establishment is closed because of COVID-19 or because that person is suffering from COVID-19, is in quarantine, or is at risk of serious complications;
- Have not received one of the other income benefits available (see the list on the program website);
- Not be on paid leave for this period;
- Have earned at least $5,000 in 2019, in 2020, or in the 12 months preceding the date of the application;
- Reside and be present in Canada.
Some conditions apply.
Learn more
Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
The CRSB, along with the CRB and the CRCB, follows on the CERB, which has now ended.
The CRSB offers eligible workers a weekly income of $500.
If your situation continues past 1 week, you will need to apply again. You may apply up to a total of 4 weeks between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021. You cannot apply for periods that are closed.
To be eligible, workers must, in part:
- Be unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they may or do have COVID-19, they have received the recommendation to self-isolate, or they are at risk of serious complications in case of contagion;
- Have not received one of the other income benefits available (see the list on the program website);
- Not receive paid leave for this period;
- Have earned at least $5,000 in 2019, in 2020, or in the 12 months preceding the date of the application;
- Reside and be present in Canada.
Some conditions apply.
Learn more
Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Your not-for-profit organization can apply for a non-repayable contribution of up to $1 million towards the costs of an industry-led project that helps the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. The project must focus on national or sector-wide priorities that help industry address emerging issues and capitalize on opportunities.
In order to be eligible for funding, applicants must clearly demonstrate the issue that is facing the sector, how the project results will benefit it, and how it aligns with 1 or more of the 4 priority areas identified:
- Adaptation to new technology
- Environmental sustainability
- Strategic planning and capacity building
- Emerging issues
Eligible applicants are:
- Not-for-profit organizations and associations, cooperatives, marketing boards
- Indigenous groups
Learn more
Find contacts
ESSOR — Funding support for development projects
Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation
Is your business involved in manufacturing, software publishing, research, environmental services, or tourism? If so, you could get a loan guarantee covering up to 70% of a net loss for investments or a loan covering up to 50% of the cost of your growth projects, such as:
- Business creation
- Business expansion or modernization
The project must help maintain or create jobs.
Other conditions apply.
Learn more
Find contacts
Fonds Moins c'est plus
The Moins c'est plus Fund is a joint initiative of RECYC-QUÉBEC and La Ruche to reduce waste at the source by promoting innovative projects that support waste management (source reduction, reuse and waste prevention).
Accepted projects will have access to a participatory financing campaign on La Ruche's website.
The Fund will contribute up to $25,000 to the amount raised through this campaign.
Non-exhaustive project eligibility criteria:
- Meet at least one of the following objectives:
- Waste reduction at the source.
- Reuse.
- Prevention, reduction or elimination of releases to the environment;
- Be new and focused;
- The financial objective of the campaign must be achieved through individual financial contributions;
- Not have received additional national public funding for the same project;
- Not have received support from RECYC-QUÉBEC for the same project;
- The expenses must be credible and related to the impact of the project.
Conditions apply.
Learn more
(in French only)
Growth Investment Program
La Financière agricole
Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.
The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.
The Growth Investment Program includes four components:
This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.
Some conditions apply.
Learn more
Find contacts
Form(s)
Growth Investment Program – Component 1: Growth Support
La Financière agricole
Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.
The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.
Component 1: Growth Support is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects related to maple syrup production. The maximum financial assistance is $30,000 on loan capital of up to $300,000.
This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.
Some conditions apply.
Learn more
Find contacts
Form(s)
Growth Investment Program – Component 2: Growth Support Plus
La Financière agricole
Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.
The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.
Component 2: Growth Support Plus is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects related to productions other than those under supply management and maple syrup production. The maximum financial assistance is $60,000 on loan capital of up to $600,000.
This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.
Some conditions apply.
Learn more
Find contacts
Form(s)
Growth Investment Program – Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land
La Financière agricole
Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.
The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.
Component 3: Agri-Environmental Enhancement of Cultivated Land is available to all agricultural and agri-food businesses to finance projects that will enhance the value of cultivated land or on-farm agri-environmental projects. The maximum financial assistance is $20,000 on loan capital of up to $200,000.
This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.
Some conditions apply.
Learn more
Find contacts
Form(s)
Growth Investment Program – Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs
La Financière agricole
Farm business owners can receive an investment grant for an agricultural project, regardless of production sector or point in the business life cycle.
The financial assistance is conditional on a loan guarantee from La Financière agricole.
Component 4: Young Entrepreneurs is available to all farm and agri-food businesses wholly owned by persons between the ages of 18 and 40. In addition, one of these persons must have qualified for the Financial Support Program for Aspiring Farmers within the past five years. The maximum financial assistance is $45,000 on loan capital of up to $300,000.
This program replaces the Support for Diversification and Regional Development Program and the Support for Québec Farm Business Development Program.
Some conditions apply.
Learn more
Find contacts
Form(s)
Programme PME en action — Appui à la productivité des PME
Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation
If your for-profit business or social enterprise is part of the manufacturing or major services sector, you could receive a non-repayable contribution of up to 50% of eligible expenses, including:
- Professional fees
- Purchase of specialized information
Eligible projects include:
- Supply chain optimization
- Implementation of an integrated management system or a customer relationship management system
- Bring your operations into compliance with production standards
- Implementation of a cost accounting system
Other conditions apply.
Learn more
(in French only)
Find contacts
(in French only)
Programme de valorisation, d'aménagement et de restauration des habitats du saumon atlantique
Fondation de la faune du Québec
You could obtain financial assistance to fund your initiatives to conserve, improve or restore Atlantic salmon habitat.
With this financial support, you may be able to cover up to 80% of the eligible costs for:
- Pre-project studies or monitoring enhancements (maximum amount of $40,000 per project)
- Habitat enhancements (maximum amount of $150,000 per project)
You must sign a memorandum of understanding with the Fondation de la faune and obtain all required permits and permissions prior to starting this project.
Other conditions apply.
Learn more
(in French only)
Regional Tourism Partnership Agreement (EPRT)
The Government of Québec has renewed the 2016-2020 EPRT for 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 to support tourism businesses suffering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and to stimulate the economy of different regions through tourism benefits.
4 parts of the EPRT:
- Support for tourism SMEs for the opening of the 2020 season (part 1)
- Support for collective projects among tourism SMEs to adapt to the new health realities (part 2)
- Support for development and structuring projects for the tourism offer (part 3)
- Support for strategic downtown tourism businesses for Quebec tourism gateways (part 4)
Eligible businesses:
For-profit organizations;
- NPOs;
- Cooperatives;
- Municipalities;
- Indigenous communities, businesses, nations and organizations;
- Sector, regional and representative tourism associations.
Financial aid, in the form of a non-repayable grant, varies by region and category of project.
For application dates, contact your regional tourism association. (In French only)
Some conditions apply.
Learn more
(in French only)
Relief measures for Indigenous businesses
Government of Canada
The Government of Canada, through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, will provide financing in the form of short-term, interest-free and non-repayable contributions to First Nations, Inuit and Métis businesses.
Assistance of up to $60,000 will be available as:
- an interest-free loan of up to $40,000;
- a non-repayable contribution of up to $20,000.
For more information, contact your Aboriginal Financial Institution.
Some conditions apply.
Learn more
Retail Business Consolidation Fund
City of Montreal
Through PME MTL, the Ville de Montréal is providing eligible commercial enterprises with grants of up to $10,000, or 75% of the total cost of their business project.
Eligibility requirements (non-exhaustive):
- Be a business establishment in Montréal.
- Demonstrate that access to your business is closed due to COVID-19.
- Provide at least 10% in the total project cost.
- Be majority-owned by Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- Have a business project that falls under NAICS sectors 44 or 45 or sub-sectors 722 or 812.
Specific documents are required for the review of the funding request.
Conditions apply.
Learn more
(in French only)
Find contacts
Temporary aid program for music and variety show performances
Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)
This program is designed to compensate for revenue losses for artistic performances that were scheduled between October 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021 and that have been cancelled or postponed because of government public safety guidelines.
Eligibility conditions:
- Be a company legally constituted whose primary activities are presenting music and variety shows;
- Have a head office and main place of business in Quebec.
For complete details about the program: Program Guide (French only)
Some conditions apply.
Learn more
(in French only)
Find contacts
(in French only)
Tourism Relief Fund - Quebec
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
The Tourism Relief Fund enables Canadian tourism businesses and organizations to attract more visitors by creating new or enhanced services and products and by improving positioning among foreign visitors.
Contributions to businesses will take the form of non-repayable contributions of up to $100,000 (50% of eligible costs) or repayable contributions of up to $500,000 (75% of eligible costs).
A company cannot receive both types of contributions.
Not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous entities (that do not generate profits) will be eligible for non-repayable contributions.
Eligible Applicants :
-
Businesses;
- Not-for-profit organizations (e.g. tourism associations);
- Band Councils (or other Indigenous organizations and cooperatives).
Eligibility Criteria (meet at least one of the criteria):
-
Be a key provider or operator in the visitor experience;
- Be part of a defined tourism cluster or tourism dependent community;
- Provide an anchor product or service in a tourism destination.
Conditions apply.
Learn more
Tourist establishment accessibility program
Tourisme Québec
You could receive financial assistance to cover up to 80% of eligible costs, to a maximum amount of $100,000 per project for infrastructure improvement projects to increase the accessibility of your tourist establishment.
Eligible work includes:
- Barrier-free outdoor area and stair-free indoor area
- Barrier-free entrances — accessible to people in wheelchairs
- Accessible washrooms
- Barrier-free rooms
Work must be performed on an existing establishment and comply with Kéroul accessibility criteria.
Other conditions apply.
Learn more
Form(s)
(in French only)