BDC Financing — Inclusive Entrepreneurship Loan
Fuel your growth with up to $350,000 in financing at preferential rates. This loan is designed for Canadian businesses that are at least 51% owned and led by women, Indigenous, or Black entrepreneurs.
Before you spend a dollar
Approval is required before receiving funds; do not spend money expecting reimbursement.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.
Check your fit →Is this for you?
- You run a Canadian business with annual revenue under $3 million.
- You are at least 51% owned and led by a woman, Indigenous person, or Black entrepreneur.
- You need capital for growth projects, equipment, or technology investments.
Probably not the right fit if
- Your business generates $3 million or more in annual revenue.
- You do not meet the 51% ownership and leadership criteria for women, Indigenous, or Black entrepreneurs.
- You are looking for a grant or non-repayable funding; this is a loan that must be repaid.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $350,000, depending on your business needs and creditworthiness.
What may be supported
- Purchasing inventory to fulfill orders.
- Developing new products.
- Launching marketing campaigns.
- Purchasing new or used equipment to expand or modernize operations.
- Investing in technology, such as hardware, software, or a new e-commerce website.
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must apply online with a BDC specialist, provide shareholder information, and complete an online course after signing.
- 01Check eligibility: Confirm your business is Canadian, has under $3 million in revenue, and is 51%+ owned/led by a woman, Indigenous, or Black entrepreneur.
- 02Apply online: Fill out the loan application with a BDC specialist via the official form.
- 03Review and sign: Review the loan terms and sign the agreement.
- 04Receive funds and complete course: Receive your funds and complete the Entrepreneurship Fundamentals online course to secure the additional interest rate reduction.
Who to ask: 1-877-232-2269 (Client Contact Centre); Email via contact form at https://www.bdc.ca/en/contact-us/contact-us-form; Chat available on site.
Before you apply
Your lender will want to see what the money buys
A written quote for the project makes your application concrete and shows the lender exactly where the money goes. BBN Labs works with you on this: we prepare a quote for the work this program funds — scope, costs and timelines you can put straight into your application. Free, no obligation.
Get my quote for this program →Documents commonly required
- Business registration and shareholder information to confirm ownership criteria.
- Financial statements or revenue records to prove revenue is under $3 million.
- Details of the proposed project (equipment, technology, or growth plan) to justify the loan amount.
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your new e-commerce website with the loan funds, giving you a 24/7 storefront that captures orders while you sleep and expands your reach beyond your local neighborhood.
- BBN sets up your Local SEO and Google Business Profile using the financing, designed to improve visibility in Google Maps and search results for nearby customers.
- BBN launches your digital marketing and paid ad campaigns with the loan capital, driving targeted traffic to your new site and filling your pipeline with qualified leads ready to buy.
- BBN sets up modern POS and ordering equipment under the loan's technology and equipment streams, so daily operations run smoother.
- You build the business; BBN keeps the loan application moving, step by step, deadline by deadline.
What to know before you count on it
- This is a loan, not a grant; you must repay the principal plus interest.
- Interest rates are preferential but specific rates are not published; confirm on the official page.
- You must complete an Entrepreneurship Fundamentals online course to receive an additional interest rate reduction.
- Principal payments can be postponed for up to 24 months, but interest likely accrues; confirm terms on the official page.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on meeting the specific ownership criteria and standard BDC credit assessment; there is no guarantee of funding.
Frequently asked questions
Are there any fees to apply?
No. The official program page states there are no application fees or annual fees.
Can I use this loan for working capital?
This loan covers growth projects, equipment, and technology. Confirm whether general working capital qualifies on the official BDC page.
Do I have to pay interest immediately?
You can postpone principal payments for up to 24 months. Confirm interest accrual details on the official page.
Is the money taxable?
Loans are generally not taxable income, but you must repay them. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Related BBN services
Business Websites
Fast, search-ready websites your customers can actually use. Built, hosted and maintained by one accountable team.
E-commerce & Online Catalogues
Online stores and product catalogues that sell. Shopify, WooCommerce or custom, with payments, shipping and training.
Digital Menu Boards & Signage Systems
Managed menu screens with cloud updates, breakfast-to-dinner scheduling and a design service. A bare TV on the wall does none of that.
Loyalty Programs & CRM
Know your customers and bring them back: databases, loyalty mechanics, email/SMS and gift cards that fit your counter.
What you can combine it with
This loan can potentially be combined with other grants or loans, but you must manage multiple repayment schedules if applicable.
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Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Record last updated ; last verified today with the official source. Source: official program page.