BDC Start-up Financing
Do you qualify for this loan?
Get your instant eligibility verdict plus a head start on the application. Free, no account needed.
Takes about 20 seconds. We use this program’s real eligibility rules.
Want your full match picture across 850+ programs? Take the 2-minute quiz →
Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
Loan of up to $150,000 for businesses that have been generating revenue for at least 12 months. Designed specifically for early-stage companies with a 12-month interest-only period at the start, giving founders cash flow breathing room during initial growth. Can be used for launch costs, assets, marketing, working capital, or franchise purchases.
Eligibility Requirements
- Business must be based in Canada
- Must have been in operation for at least 12 consecutive months
- Must be generating revenues
- Good personal credit history and applicant must have reached age of majority in their province
- Business must demonstrate realistic market and sales potential
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- Up to $150,000
- Type
- Loan
- Level
- Federal
- Financing share
- Up to 100% of eligible costs
- Deadline
- Ongoing
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
Everything you need to secure BDC Start-up Financing
Not a marketing summary. The actual checklist, intel, and stack strategy reviewers look for.
- 7-document checklist with what each reviewer is actually checking
- 6-step application timeline with prep hours per step
- Insider tip from program officers on what separates winners
- 5-program stacking strategy to combine with compatible funding
- Success profile + evaluation criteria — exactly what lenders look for
How to qualify
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipThe 12-month interest-only period is the key advantage of this product over BDC's standard Small Business Loan.
Success Profile
Evaluation Criteria
Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 7
Eligible Expenses 8
Ineligible Expenses 5
Deadline Notes
Ineligible Organizations
Applying for BDC Start-up Financing? Most founders end up needing more than one template — grab the Founder Pack ($59 · saves $27 vs separate) →
Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
Low RiskHow BDC Start-up Financing Compares
Side-by-side with similar programs
| Program | Amount | Difficulty | Payment | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BDC Start-up Financing | Up to $150,000 | Easy | Advance Payment | Ongoing |
| BDC Small Business Loan | Up to $350,000 | Easy | Advance Payment | Ongoing |
| Black Entrepreneurship Program | Up to $250,000 | Moderate | Loan | Ongoing |
| Canada Small Business Financing Program | Up to $1.15 million | Easy | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Ongoing |
| Futurpreneur Canada Startup Program | Up to $75,000 | Moderate | Loan | Ongoing |
Related Programs
Other programs you might be eligible for
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions founders most often ask about BDC Start-up Financing