CBDC Innovation Loan
Get up to $150,000 in repayable financing to modernize your rural Atlantic Canadian business with new technology. Terms are set by your local CBDC.
“CBDC offers up to $150,000* per qualified borrower.”
From the official program page
Before you spend a dollar
Confirm disbursement timing with your local CBDC; the specific mechanics are not published on the official 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 a rural area of Atlantic Canada.
- You need capital to buy new technology, software, or equipment that improves your productivity.
- You are an entrepreneur with a realistic plan for economic success.
Probably not the right fit if
- Your business is located in an urban center or outside of Atlantic Canada.
- You are looking for a grant or free money since this is a repayable loan.
- You cannot show a clear plan for how the technology will help your business or support jobs.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $150,000 per qualified borrower, though some CBDCs may offer financing above this cap in certain situations.
What may be supported
- Purchase of new equipment, software, or processes.
- Infrastructure, installation, and maintenance costs for new technology.
- Training staff to work with new technology.
- Development of new products or services.
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must contact your local CBDC for a consultation and arrange financing through them.
- 01Identify your local Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC) via https://cbdc.ca/locations/.
- 02Contact your local CBDC office to schedule a consultation.
- 03Prepare a proposal demonstrating how the new technology will enhance your business and maintain/create employment.
- 04Submit your application and financing arrangement through the local CBDC.
- 05Confirm specific interest rates, repayment terms, and disbursement mechanics with your CBDC advisor.
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 or proposal detailing the new technology adoption.
- Proof of rural location for both the business and the borrower.
- Financial statements demonstrating economic viability.
- Details on how the technology will enhance productivity or create/maintain employment.
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your website and e-commerce store, putting the loan to work on a digital storefront that captures orders 24/7.
- BBN sets up your POS system and automation workflows, using the financing to streamline checkout and save your team hours every week.
- BBN designs your digital menu boards and digital signage, coordinating qualified partners for installation, new technology this loan is built to fund.
- BBN trains your staff on new tools so your team uses the technology effectively to boost productivity from day one.
- You stay on schedule because BBN gently guides you through each step, keeping your CBDC Innovation Loan application moving forward.
What to know before you count on it
- This is a repayable loan with competitive interest rates and repayment terms that you must confirm on the official page.
- Both the business and the borrower must be located in rural areas.
- Funding is contingent on the business having realistic prospects of economic viability and a commitment to employment creation or maintenance.
- Specific interest rates and repayment terms are not published up front and must be confirmed with your local CBDC.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on the economic viability of your project and your commitment to the community; confirm specific criteria with your local CBDC.
Frequently asked questions
Is this money a grant or a loan?
It is a repayable loan. Options include term loans, demand loans, loan guarantees, or equity investments.
What is the interest rate?
The program states competitive interest rates, but specific rates are not listed on the official page. Confirm on the official page with your local CBDC.
Can I use this for staff training?
Yes, costs of training staff who will work directly with the new technology are eligible.
Do I have to be in a rural area?
Yes, both the business and the borrower must be located in rural areas of Atlantic Canada.
Related BBN services
Local SEO & Google Business Profile
Show up when nearby customers search: accurate profiles, real local content and reviews handled honestly.
Automation & AI Workflows
Follow-ups, reminders, lead routing and reporting that run themselves. Practical automation without the AI theatre.
Cybersecurity & Privacy Readiness
Two-factor logins, backups, access control, email security and privacy basics: the unglamorous work that keeps you in business.
Staff Training & Digital Adoption
Your team actually using the tools: hands-on training, written guides and a support window, with training-grant screening.
What you can combine it with
Related programs include the CBDC General Business Loan, First-Time Entrepreneur Loan, and Youth Loan.
Related programs
ACOA — Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Business Scale-up and Productivity
ACOA provides interest-free repayable contributions to help Atlantic Canadian businesses expand operations and adopt new technology.
Checked today
BDC Financing — Start-up
Up to $150,000
BDC Start-up Financing provides the capital you need to turn your business plan into reality.
Checked today
Canada Small Business Financing Program
Up to $1,150,000
This program makes it easier to get a business loan by having the government share the lending risk with your bank or credit union.
Checked today
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.