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Immigrant & Newcomer
Business Grants 2026

Canada welcomes immigrant entrepreneurs with dedicated funding programs designed to help you build your business dream. Access special loans that don't require Canadian credit history, plus provincial support programs across the country.

18+ Dedicated Programs
$150K BDC Newcomer Loan
No Credit History Needed
Find Your Matching Grants Browse All Programs
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Featured: BDC Newcomer Entrepreneur Loan

Specifically designed for immigrants who arrived in Canada within the last 60 months. No Canadian credit history required.

Up to $150,000
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No Canadian Credit History Required

Your international experience and business plan matter most

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Flexible Collateral Requirements

Smaller amounts may not require collateral

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Competitive Interest Rates

Rates designed to be accessible for newcomers

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Business Advisory Services

Free access to BDC's business support resources

Apply for BDC Newcomer Loan

No Canadian Credit History? No Problem.

These programs are specifically designed for newcomers without established Canadian credit.

BDC Newcomer Loan

Up to $150,000 for immigrants in Canada less than 5 years. Evaluates your business plan and international experience instead of local credit.

Futurpreneur Program

Up to $60,000 for entrepreneurs 18-39. Character-based lending that focuses on your business idea and commitment, not credit score.

Community Microloans

Many community organizations offer microloans up to $15,000 with flexible requirements specifically for newcomers and refugees.

Provincial Programs

Several provinces offer immigrant entrepreneur programs with modified credit requirements to support newcomer business owners.

All Immigrant & Newcomer Funding Programs

Comprehensive list of grants, loans, and support programs available to immigrants starting businesses in Canada

Newcomer-Specific

BDC Newcomer Entrepreneur Loan

Business Development Bank of Canada

Up to $150,000

Provides access to financing for new immigrants (in Canada 60 months or less) starting or growing a business. Specifically designed to help overcome lack of Canadian credit history challenges.

No Credit History Needed All Industries Ongoing
Learn More & Apply
Federal

Futurpreneur Canada Startup Program

Futurpreneur Canada

Up to $60,000

Provides financing, mentoring, and support tools to aspiring business owners aged 18-39. Open to permanent residents and citizens, including recent immigrants with work authorization.

Ages 18-39 Mentorship All Industries
Learn More & Apply
Federal

Canada Small Business Financing Program

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Up to $1 million

Government-backed loan program available to all Canadian businesses including immigrant-owned enterprises. Banks are more willing to lend because government shares the risk.

Bank Loan Equipment & Property All Provinces
Learn More & Apply
Federal

Self-Employment Benefit Program

Employment and Social Development Canada

Living Allowance + Training

Provides financial assistance and business training to help unemployed individuals start their own business. Available through provincial and territorial programs, including support for refugees.

Training Living Allowance Provincial Delivery
Learn More & Apply
Newcomer-Friendly

Alterna Savings Newcomer Program

Alterna Savings Credit Union

Microloans Available

Credit union offering financial products specifically designed for newcomers to Canada, including small business loans with flexible credit requirements and financial literacy programs.

Ontario Credit Union Financial Literacy
Learn More & Apply
Newcomer-Specific

Immigrant Access Fund

Immigrant Access Fund Canada

Up to $15,000

Provides affordable loans to skilled immigrants for credential recognition, additional training, or starting professional practices in Canada. Helps bridge the gap to entrepreneurship.

Credential Recognition Professional Services All Canada
Learn More & Apply
Credit Union

Vancity Newcomer Banking & Loans

Vancity Credit Union

Various Programs

Western Canada's largest credit union offers newcomer-friendly banking and small business loans with alternative credit assessment methods that don't rely solely on Canadian credit history.

British Columbia Alternative Credit Community Banking
Learn More & Apply
Newcomer-Specific

TIEC Immigrant Entrepreneur Program

Toronto Immigrant Employment Council

Training + Support

Offers business development programs, mentorship with established entrepreneurs, networking events, and connections to funding sources for immigrant entrepreneurs in the Greater Toronto Area.

Toronto/GTA Mentorship Networking
Learn More & Apply
Provincial

Business Link Immigrant Programs

Business Link Alberta

Free Advisory + Resources

Alberta's small business resource center offers specialized support for immigrant entrepreneurs including business planning, market research, funding navigation, and connections to lending partners.

Alberta Free Advising Business Planning
Learn More & Apply
Provincial

Ontario Self-Employment Benefit

Government of Ontario

Living Support + Training

Provides financial support while you start your business, plus training in business planning, marketing, and financial management. Available to unemployed Ontarians including immigrants and refugees.

Ontario Training Program Living Support
Learn More & Apply
Newcomer-Specific

MOSAIC Entrepreneurship Programs

MOSAIC BC

Training + Microloans

Settlement agency offering entrepreneurship training, business mentorship, and microloan connections for immigrants and refugees in British Columbia. Includes specialized programs for different communities.

British Columbia Settlement Agency Refugees Welcome
Learn More & Apply
Newcomer-Specific

EISA Business Launch Program

Edmonton Immigrant Services Association

Training + Support

Comprehensive entrepreneurship program helping immigrants in Edmonton start businesses. Includes business planning workshops, one-on-one coaching, and connections to funding sources.

Edmonton Business Coaching Workshops
Learn More & Apply

Eligibility Requirements

What you need to qualify for immigrant entrepreneur funding

1 Immigration Status

  • Permanent resident or citizen (most programs)
  • Work permit holder (some programs)
  • Protected person/refugee status (some programs)
  • Recent arrival preferred for newcomer-specific programs

2 Business Requirements

  • Business operating or planning to operate in Canada
  • Valid business registration (or plan to register)
  • Clear business plan or concept
  • Commitment to full-time business operation

3 Documentation

  • Proof of immigration status (PR card, work permit)
  • Business plan (template assistance available)
  • Landing date documentation (for newcomer programs)
  • International work/business experience

4 Program-Specific

  • Time in Canada (60 months or less for BDC)
  • Age requirements (18-39 for Futurpreneur)
  • Geographic location (provincial programs)
  • Industry sector (some specialized programs)

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about immigrant entrepreneur funding in Canada

Can immigrants get business grants in Canada?
Yes, immigrants and newcomers can access numerous business funding programs in Canada. The BDC Newcomer Entrepreneur Loan is specifically designed for new immigrants with financing up to $150,000. Additionally, permanent residents and citizens can access all mainstream grant programs, and many provincial programs specifically support immigrant entrepreneurs.
What is the BDC Newcomer Entrepreneur Loan?
The BDC Newcomer Entrepreneur Loan provides up to $150,000 in financing for immigrants who have been in Canada for 60 months or less. It's designed to help newcomers overcome challenges like lack of Canadian credit history. The loan offers competitive rates, flexible terms, and doesn't always require collateral for smaller amounts.
Do I need Canadian credit history to get business funding?
Not always. Programs like the BDC Newcomer Entrepreneur Loan are specifically designed for immigrants without Canadian credit history. They evaluate your business plan, international experience, and other factors. Some microloan programs and community-based lenders also offer flexible requirements for newcomers.
Can refugees start businesses and get funding in Canada?
Yes, refugees with work authorization can start businesses and access funding. Programs like the Self-Employment Assistance Program, immigrant-focused microloans, and community economic development programs specifically support refugees. Many settlement agencies also offer entrepreneurship programs and connections to funding.
What grants are available for immigrant women entrepreneurs?
Immigrant women can access both immigrant-focused and women-focused programs. This includes BDC Women Entrepreneur Loan, SheEO, provincial women's business programs, plus immigrant-specific funding. Many programs prioritize diversity, giving immigrant women entrepreneurs access to a wide range of funding opportunities.
How long does it take to get approved for newcomer financing?
Timeline varies by program. BDC Newcomer Entrepreneur Loan typically takes 2-4 weeks from application to decision. Futurpreneur can take 4-8 weeks including their mentorship matching process. Microloans from community organizations often have faster approval times of 1-2 weeks.

Related Grant Resources

Explore more funding opportunities for your business

Startup Grants Canada

100+ programs for new businesses

Women Business Grants

40+ programs for women entrepreneurs

Black Entrepreneur Grants

Dedicated programs for Black business owners

How to Apply Guide

Step-by-step application process

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