Fast facts
- Maximum financing
- Up to $1,150,000 CAD
- Type
- Term loan + line of credit — repayable
- Intake
- Rolling — apply anytime
- Backed by
- Government of Canada (ISED)
- Apply through
- Banks, credit unions, caisses populaires
- Who qualifies
- For-profit businesses with ≤ $10M gross annual revenue
About the program
The CSBFP exists to solve a specific problem: promising small businesses — especially startups — that a bank considers too risky on its own book. Under the program, the federal government registers the loan and absorbs most of a default's cost, so lenders can approve equipment purchases, leasehold improvements, property, and working capital they would otherwise turn down.
You never deal with the government directly. The application, credit decision, and funding all happen at a participating financial institution — which is nearly every bank and credit union in Ontario and British Columbia.
How the $1.15 million breaks down
- Up to $1,000,000 in term loans, of which a maximum of $500,000 can go to equipment and leasehold improvements — and within that, up to $150,000 for intangible assets and working capital costs
- Up to $150,000 as a line of credit for day-to-day operating expenses
- Real property purchases or improvements can use the full term-loan room
Who is eligible
- Small businesses and startups operating for profit in Canada (including in Ontario and BC)
- Gross annual revenue of $10 million or less
- Most sectors qualify; farming businesses are excluded (a parallel program serves agriculture)
Costs to expect
- A 2% federal registration fee on the amount loaned (it can be financed within the loan)
- Interest set by the lender within program caps — floating, fixed, or a combination
- Standard lender due diligence: business plan, financial projections, credit review
How to apply
- Prepare the file. Business plan, 2–3 year cash-flow projections, cost quotes for what you're financing, and personal financial disclosure.
- Choose a lender. Any participating bank or credit union — often the one that already holds your business account.
- Present and negotiate. The lender makes the credit decision and registers the loan under the CSBFP.
- Draw down and keep records. Funds must be spent on the approved eligible costs; keep invoices and proof of purchase.
How VIC2RY helps you get approved
The government removes most of the lender's risk — the business plan removes the rest. VIC2RY builds a bank-grade plan and projection package, structures the ask across term loan and line-of-credit room to fit program limits, and preps you for the lender meeting. If a $5,000 grant like Starter Company Plus is the better first step, we'll tell you that instead.
Book a funding consultationProgram parameters reflect the CSBFP as amended July 2022 and verified July 2026. Loan limits, fees and eligible costs are set by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and by participating lenders, and can change; the official ISED page and your lender's terms govern. VIC2RY Consulting is not a lender and this page is not legal or financial advice.