Business Resources
Loans & grants
Government-backed loans, grants, and funding programs for Canadian businesses.
Last checked: August 2026 — I review these monthly. Programs, rules, and links change, so always confirm on the official government site before you act.
Government-backed loans
Canada Small Business Financing Program
Shares lending risk with banks so small businesses can get loans up to $1.15M for equipment, property, and more.
Open →BDC financing
The federal bank for entrepreneurs — small business loans, working capital, equipment, and real estate financing.
Open →Futurpreneur startup financing
Government-backed startup loans up to $75,000 plus mentorship for entrepreneurs aged 18–39.
Open →Grants & funding programs
Business Benefits Finder
Official search tool that matches your business to federal, provincial, and municipal grants, loans, and tax credits.
Open →CanExport SMEs
Grants covering up to 50% of costs (up to $50,000) to help small businesses develop new export markets.
Open →NRC IRAP
Funding, advice, and connections to help innovative small businesses accelerate R&D and get to market.
Open →Women Entrepreneurship Strategy
Whole-of-government funding and support to help women-owned businesses start, grow, and reach markets.
Open →Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund
Loans up to $50,000 for women entrepreneurs, delivered through partner community organizations.
Open →Black Entrepreneurship Program
Loan fund (up to $250,000), ecosystem fund, and knowledge hub for Black business owners across Canada.
Open →Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program
Non-repayable contributions and business services for Indigenous entrepreneurs via Indigenous financial institutions.
Open →PrairiesCan
The federal regional development agency for Alberta, funding business growth, innovation, and community projects.
Open →Canada Digital Adoption Program
Grants/financing to adopt digital tech (status: closed to new applicants as of 2026 — pre-approved grantees only).
Open →Alberta funding
Capital & financing for entrepreneurs (Alberta)
Alberta hub directing entrepreneurs to equity, debt, and grant options at every business stage.
Open →Alberta Innovates funding
Provincial grants and vouchers across health, ag, clean tech, and digital (some programs paused during a 2026 transition).
Open →Community Futures Alberta
Federally supported network providing business loans and advice to entrepreneurs in rural Alberta.
Open →📋 Free download
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