CBDC General Business Loan
Get up to $150,000 in repayable financing to expand your rural Atlantic Canada business or buy an existing one. This loan offers competitive terms for one to ten years when traditional banks say no.
“Loans up to $150,000* may be available to eligible applicants.”
From the official program page
Before you spend a dollar
Confirm disbursement timing with your local CBDC office; specific payment mechanics are not stated on the program page.
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 business in rural Atlantic Canada and need funds to expand, cover working capital, or purchase an existing operation.
- You have been turned down by traditional banks or find it hard to get standard financing because of your size or location.
- You can show your business is economically viable and has a plan to create or keep local jobs.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are located outside of rural Atlantic Canada since this program is strictly for that region.
- You are looking for a grant or free money because this is a loan that must be repaid with interest.
- You cannot prove your business is economically viable or show a clear path to creating or maintaining employment.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $150,000 is standard, though amounts exceeding this cap may be available in certain circumstances.
What may be supported
- Start-up costs
- Purchase of land and buildings
- Fixed assets and machinery
- Vehicles strictly for business use
- Franchise purchases
- Leasehold improvements
- Working capital
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must contact your local CBDC office for a consultation and provide documentation to prove economic viability and employment impact.
- 01Visit https://cbdc.ca/locations/ to find your local CBDC office.
- 02Contact your local CBDC to schedule a consultation and discuss your financing needs.
- 03Prepare documentation to demonstrate economic viability and employment creation/maintenance plans.
- 04Submit your application through the local CBDC office.
- 05Review the loan terms, including interest rates and repayment schedule, before accepting.
Who to ask: Contact local CBDC office via https://cbdc.ca/locations/ or https://cbdc.ca/contact/ (specific phone/email not on program page)
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 plan demonstrating economic viability
- Financial statements or projections
- Proof of location in rural Atlantic Canada
- Details on employment creation or maintenance plans
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN designs your storefront signage and vehicle wraps, coordinating with qualified partners to make your business visible and professional as you expand.
- BBN builds your website and online store, giving you a digital presence that reaches customers beyond your immediate neighborhood.
- BBN sets up Local SEO and Google Business Profile, helping you get found when locals search for your services.
- BBN implements a modern POS and loyalty system, streamlining checkout and keeping repeat customers coming back.
- Local CBDC offices decide these loans; BBN helps you bring them a complete, on-time application worth saying yes to.
What to know before you count on it
- This is a repayable loan, not a grant; you must pay back the principal plus competitive interest over one to ten years.
- Eligibility requires proof of economic viability and a commitment to employment creation or maintenance.
- Financing is arranged through local CBDC offices, so approval and terms may vary by location.
- Specific interest rates and disbursement mechanics are not stated online; confirm these details with your local CBDC.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on demonstrating economic viability and meeting local CBDC criteria; it is not guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
Is this money a grant or a loan?
It is a repayable loan. You must pay back the principal plus interest over a term of one to ten years.
What is the maximum amount I can borrow?
Loans up to $150,000 are standard, but amounts exceeding this may be available in certain circumstances. Confirm specifics with your local CBDC.
Who administers this program?
Local Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs) administer the program across Atlantic Canada.
Can I use this loan for working capital?
Yes, working capital is an eligible use for this loan.
Related BBN services
What you can combine it with
This loan can potentially be combined with other CBDC programs like the Innovation Loan or First-Time Entrepreneur Loan, but confirm eligibility with your local office.
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 6 days ago with the official source. Source: official program page.