Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP)
Federal loan guarantee program backing up to $1.15 million in financing from private lenders for Canadian small businesses.
About this program
The Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) is a federal loan guarantee program administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). It enables small businesses to access loans of up to $1.15 million from participating private lenders (banks, credit unions) by sharing risk with the federal government. Funding can be used for real property (up to $1 million), equipment ($500,000), leasehold improvements, and intangible assets. Term loans typically have 10-15 year amortization.
Eligibility
Canadian small businesses (including in Ontario) with annual gross revenues of $10 million or less. Most for-profit businesses are eligible; farming businesses and non-profits are not.
Requirements
- Contact a participating lender (most major Canadian banks and credit unions)
- Provide business plan, financial statements, and project details
- Lender submits the application to ISED for guarantee approval