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Securing Financing

Sign outside a small bakery, coffee and sandwich bar

Related Guides

One of the most important steps in starting and running a small business is securing adequate financing to keep your business going until you start breaking even. Even if you have substantial personal savings at your disposal, you may want to look into some of the common funding options below.

Financial Institutions

A good credit history in Canada is an essential first step for obtaining bank loans. Use this tool to pick out the right credit card for you to start establishing a credit score.

Information about financing options available through the BDC. You can also fill out their general financing request form and a member of their team will be in touch to help you.

Learn about the variety of financing options available to business owners through the Vancity Credit Union. 

The CSBFP is a federal government program that makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders. Use the map function to find a participating financial institution near you.

Government Programs

Comprehensive directory of Canadian government grants, loans, and other business benefits you might be eligible for. Answer a few simple questions about you and your business to get started.

Searchable database of financial support options for BC-based businesses.

Use this directory to find Canadian small business grants, tax credits, and no-interest loans from the federal and provincial governments. Organizations such as non-profits, post-secondary research institutions, and municipalities may also be eligible for some funding programs.

Explore the funding programs from PacifiCan designed to help grow BC businesses to compete in both domestic and global markets.

Get financial support and personalized advice to connect with potential foreign partners, pursue new business opportunities abroad, or attract foreign investment into Canadian communities.

Microloans and Crowdfunding

Microloans are often a lower barrier method of securing financing than a traditional bank loan. They are small loans, often less than $10,000. Crowdfunding is the raising of funds through the collection of small contributions from the general public via social media or dedicated online platforms. With both methods, lenders are more concerned with the strength of your business idea.

A project powered by the National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association of Canada and supported by Export Canada (Global Affairs Canada). Create a free profile to showcase your organization to investors, key stakeholders, and other users in the ecosystem.

A non-profit microlending site that expands access to capital for entrepreneurs around the world

The most widely-known crowdfunding platform in Canada.

Another popular crowdfunding platform that focuses on supporting businesses, artist, and nonprofits.

Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofits can also be an excellent source of start-up financial assistance. They are typically only available to business owners possessing certain characteristics or to businesses that are of a particular kind, so always be sure to look at eligibility requirements to make sure it’s a good fit for you.

Provides business services and loans to new and experienced entrepreneurs in rural and remote communities across the province.

Financial support for BC creators, entrepreneurs, and companies in various creative industries including film/television production, interactive/digital media, book/magazine publication, and more. 

Provides young entrepreneurs with loan financing and up to two years of mentorship, with added access to tools and networking opportunities across Canada.

Provides a variety of business loan options for women such as the Vancity Unity Women Entrepreneurs Program and WEOC National Loan Program.

Law and Government Subject Icon

Provides detailed, current information on grant making foundations, corporate community investment programs, government funding programs, and American foundations that will fund Canadian charities.

Access:
At VPL locations only

Capital Investors

Angel investors and venture capitalists are another option for early-stage businesses to access the necessary capital. An angel investor is a person or firm that invests in your business, usually from their own funds. An angel investor will provide funding in the form of a loan or for a percentage stake in your business. Many angel investors are successful entrepreneurs themselves and can provide you with both financing and business expertise.

A guide on who angel investors are and how to go about seeking their valuable support.

Platform built for entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and ecosystem enablers to better understand and navigate BC's robust innovation ecosystem. 

A community of angel investors and early-stage funds, looking for the best founders and innovators building technology businesses in BC.

A provincial program that offers tax credits to investors who make equity capital investments in qualifying BC-based small businesses.

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