Finance your business transfer

Canadian Agricultural Loans Act program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

If you are an agricultural producer, this program could help you get a loan from a bank, a credit union or a caisse populaire.

Eligibility:

• Existing farmers
• Beginning or start-up farmers
• Farmers taking over the family farm
• Agricultural co-operatives

Loans are limited to a maximum of:

• $500,000 for land and construction
• $350,000 for all other loan purposes

Apply directly through your lending institution.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Financing for collective entrepreneurship

Investissement Québec

Your cooperative or non-profit organization could receive a minimum funding of $50,000 in loans, loan guarantees, or equity investment of up to 100% of the cost of projects such as:

• Building acquisition or modernization
• Purchase of machinery or equipment
• Refinancing
• Entry into a new market
• Acquisition of intangible assets (trademarks, patents, etc.)

The organization must engage in commercial activities.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Local investment fund

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

If you are starting or expanding a business, you could be eligible for financing in the form of various types of loans or loan guarantees.

Loans can cover eligible expenses such as:

• Capital expenditures
• Technology acquisition
• Working capital for operations

You could get an interest-free loan to help you acquire at least 25% of an existing rural business that you plan to take over.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only)

Business succession

Fonds de solidarité FTQ

If you plan to buy or sell a financially sound business, you could receive an investment in capital stock or an unsecured loan.

You will have to:

• Have a realistic business plan
• Create and maintain sustainable jobs
• Have a competent team with business experience
• Be open to investors, alliances and partnerships
• Have a good market outlook
• Be profitable and competitive

In addition, the funds can be used to help you develop your strategic plan or for participative management.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Femmessor — Réussir en affaires

Femmessor

Are you a woman who owns at least 25% of the shares of a business? If so, you could get assistance with a project relating to the start-up, expansion, consolidation, growth, or acquisition of a business, such as:

• A conventional loan ($20,000 to $150,000) or capital stock (up to $250,000)
• Customized training, workshops and seminars to perfect your skills
• Individual coaching services or mentoring
• Networking activities to develop your network of relationships

Your project must be cost-effective and economically viable.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Financing for collective entrepreneurship

Investissement Québec

Your cooperative or non-profit organization could receive a minimum funding of $50,000 in loans, loan guarantees, or equity investment of up to 100% of the cost of projects such as:

• Building acquisition or modernization
• Purchase of machinery or equipment
• Refinancing
• Entry into a new market
• Acquisition of intangible assets (trademarks, patents, etc.)

The organization must engage in commercial activities.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Fonds de solidarité FTQ

Fonds de solidarité FTQ

You could get up to $3 million in loans or equity financing for your merger, acquisition, expansion, or new market development projects.

The FTQ considers criteria related to the success of each project, such as:

• Economic viability of the business
• Economic spin-offs for jobs
• Knowledge and experience of stakeholders
• Appreciation of workers
• Participation of other financial partners

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Réseau des SADC et CAE (Network of CFDCs and CBDCs)

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

The Réseau des SADC et CAE is a network of the Community Futures Development Corporations and the Business Development Corporations. These non-profit organizations can help you start or grow a business in your community. If you live in Quebec, the office in your area can offer:

• Help with your business plan
• Business counseling
• Training
• Loans or share capital ranging from $5,000 to $150,000, depending on the financing program

Learn more Find contacts

BDC business loans

Business Development Bank of Canada

Whether you are launching a business or looking to expand and grow an existing one, you could get a term loan to help you:

• Start or buy a business
• Buy, build or renovate your facilities
• Buy equipment
• Research and develop new products
• Develop new markets for your products
• Acquire information and communications technology
• Sell your business

The loan comes with flexible terms.

You may need to provide credit references and to have invested money in your business. Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

BDC Buying a business

Business Development Bank of Canada

Would you like to buy an existing business? Do you need a consultant to help you determine its strengths? You could get a loan to:

• Buy an existing business
• Acquire a competitor's or supplier's business
• Purchase the business that you already manage
• Pay for a consultant to help evaluate the business and integrate its processes

The type of loan you could get will depend on whether or not you already own land, shares in a business, or other assets.

Learn more

BDC Start-up financing

Business Development Bank of Canada

Do you need a loan to start or buy a business, or to pay for property and equipment to set up your business? Financing may be available to entrepreneurs who demonstrate:

• Market and sales potential
• Competence in the management team
• Investment in their business
• Expertise in a chosen field

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

BDC transition financing

Business Development Bank of Canada

Are you retiring or ready to sell your business? Whether you are transferring your business to a family member or moving on to other ventures, you could get a loan to help with the costs of the transition.

Financing may be available to:

• Transfer your business to family members
• Sell your business to your managers or employees
• Sell your business to an outside buyer

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Business succession

Fonds de solidarité FTQ

If you plan to buy or sell a financially sound business, you could receive an investment in capital stock or an unsecured loan.

You will have to:

• Have a realistic business plan
• Create and maintain sustainable jobs
• Have a competent team with business experience
• Be open to investors, alliances and partnerships
• Have a good market outlook
• Be profitable and competitive

In addition, the funds can be used to help you develop your strategic plan or for participative management.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Canadian Agricultural Loans Act program

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

If you are an agricultural producer, this program could help you get a loan from a bank, a credit union or a caisse populaire.

Eligibility:

• Existing farmers
• Beginning or start-up farmers
• Farmers taking over the family farm
• Agricultural co-operatives

Loans are limited to a maximum of:

• $500,000 for land and construction
• $350,000 for all other loan purposes

Apply directly through your lending institution.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Community Futures Program (Quebec)

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

If you live in a rural area or in a region that doesn't have many job opportunities, you may be able to get a loan to start or grow a business. The amount of funding available and the eligibility criteria depend on the region where you live.

You will need to create a business plan and describe any financing you have received or expect to receive through any other government or municipal program. The funding is a loan that must be repaid.

Learn more Find contacts

Cooperative Buyout Support Program

Investissement Québec

If you are a member partner of a cooperative, you may be eligible for funding between $100,000 and $2 million for the full or partial buyout of a business to ensure its succession.

Conditions include:

• Repayment over a maximum period of 15 years
• A fixed interest rate equivalent to Quebec Government bond yield plus 1.25%
• A sliding scale of interest for the first 5 years
• A moratorium on the principal repayment of up to 3 years for a full buyout

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Farm Credit Canada — loans and lending options

Farm Credit Canada

Do you need financing to start, run, grow, or transfer an agri-food or agribusiness operation? Farm Credit Canada offers a large range of loans with unique terms that can help you:

• Purchase or improve land, buildings or equipment
• Buy crop inputs or livestock
• Make environmental improvements
• Transfer your business to a new operator

Eligible producers or business owners are Canadian citizens of legal age.

Learn more Find contacts

Femmessor — Réussir en affaires

Femmessor

Are you a woman who owns at least 25% of the shares of a business? If so, you could get assistance with a project relating to the start-up, expansion, consolidation, growth, or acquisition of a business, such as:

• A conventional loan ($20,000 to $150,000) or capital stock (up to $250,000)
• Customized training, workshops and seminars to perfect your skills
• Individual coaching services or mentoring
• Networking activities to develop your network of relationships

Your project must be cost-effective and economically viable.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Financing for collective entrepreneurship

Investissement Québec

Your cooperative or non-profit organization could receive a minimum funding of $50,000 in loans, loan guarantees, or equity investment of up to 100% of the cost of projects such as:

• Building acquisition or modernization
• Purchase of machinery or equipment
• Refinancing
• Entry into a new market
• Acquisition of intangible assets (trademarks, patents, etc.)

The organization must engage in commercial activities.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Fonds de solidarité FTQ

Fonds de solidarité FTQ

You could get up to $3 million in loans or equity financing for your merger, acquisition, expansion, or new market development projects.

The FTQ considers criteria related to the success of each project, such as:

• Economic viability of the business
• Economic spin-offs for jobs
• Knowledge and experience of stakeholders
• Appreciation of workers
• Participation of other financial partners

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Local investment fund

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

If you are starting or expanding a business, you could be eligible for financing in the form of various types of loans or loan guarantees.

Loans can cover eligible expenses such as:

• Capital expenditures
• Technology acquisition
• Working capital for operations

You could get an interest-free loan to help you acquire at least 25% of an existing rural business that you plan to take over.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only)

Réseau des SADC et CAE (Network of CFDCs and CBDCs)

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

The Réseau des SADC et CAE is a network of the Community Futures Development Corporations and the Business Development Corporations. These non-profit organizations can help you start or grow a business in your community. If you live in Quebec, the office in your area can offer:

• Help with your business plan
• Business counseling
• Training
• Loans or share capital ranging from $5,000 to $150,000, depending on the financing program

Learn more Find contacts

Aboriginal Business and Entrepreneurship Development

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

If you are Aboriginal or have a majority-owned Aboriginal business, you can apply for up to $99,999 to help you:

• Start or buy a business
• Develop a business plan
• Grow your existing business
• Market your product or service
• Develop new products or processes
• Get business advice

You do not need to pay the money back. Conditions apply.

Before applying, contact a business development officer in your region to discuss your project.

Learn more Find contacts

Financial support for aspiring farmers

La Financière agricole

If you are planning to take over an existing farm or start a new agriculture business, you could receive a grant of up to $50,000.

You could invest in activities that improve the productivity of your business, for example:

• Land improvement
• Equipment purchase

You must:

• Be 18 to 40 years old
• Have received recognized training
• Hold at least 20% of the business' shares
• Have at least one year of relevant experience in agriculture

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Programme de soutien à la reprise collective

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Do you want to sell your business? Do you own a co-operative and want to buy a business? If so, you may receive financial assistance for up to 70% of eligible expenses.

The program includes 2 streams.

Stream 1 — Feasibility study

• Assess the investment potential of a group of workers
• Assess the organizational culture

Stream 2 — Implementation support

• Assess the value of the business and purchase price
• Conduct due diligence
• Complete a shareholder agreement or purchase contract

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Quebec Economic Development Program

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Find programs and services to help you  grow your business.

Find resources that can help you:

• Improve productivity
• Innovate,  adopt or transfer technologies
• Market or export your goods or services

Learn more Find contacts

Soutien à l'achat d'une première entreprise de pêche commerciale

Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec

Are you a young fisher looking to buy your first commercial fishing business? If so, you could receive funding up to a maximum of $25,000. Additional funding of up to $25,000 may be provided if you are a fisher less than 45 years of age.

You must:

• Live in Quebec
• Fish commercially
• Be registered with the Bureau d'accréditation des pêcheurs et des aides-pêcheurs

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (in French only)