Finance your exports

Buyer Financing

Export Development Canada

EDC provides financing options to your international customers and protects you from the risk of non-payment.

How it works:

• You provide EDC with your export contract and credit information on your foreign buyer
• Once approved, EDC issues a loan agreement to your buyer
• EDC collects payment from the buyer, administers loans and makes the payment to you

Learn more Find contacts

EDC Direct Lending

Export Development Canada

You may apply for a secured loan for your international expansion plans or for your foreign affiliate.

A direct loan can support:

• Financing of equipment or facilities
• Establishment or expansion of a foreign affiliate

EDC lending support is priced based on the level of risk and the market involved.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Export Guarantee Program

Export Development Canada

You could get the working capital you need for export-related activities. By establishing a credit arrangement with your financial institution, the risk and security is then shared.

The program provides:

• Sufficient cash flow for business or capital expenses
• Financing to expand sales into new markets, buy equipment
• Support for international investment

Costs are based on the associated risks, the duration of the contract and the amount of financing required.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

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

SMBs and Large Corporations — Project Financing

Investissement Québec

You may be eligible for a loan, a loan guarantee, or funding in "quasi-equity" of $50,000 or more for business projects such as:

• Purchase of machinery and equipment
• Building modernization
• Business succession, transfer, or acquisition
• Increase in working capital
• Trademarks acquisition
• Export
• Innovation
• Commercialization

The maximum duration of funding is 25 years. Agricultural sectors, finance, real estate and retail are excluded.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts (in French only)

BDC Capital

Business Development Bank of Canada

Access a wide range of specialized financing to match the various stages of growth of your business, such as:

• Transforming your ideas into a business
• Growth initiatives such as R&D, and product and market development
• Buying or transferring a business, including family successions, management and partner buyouts, and management buy-ins

Options include:

• Venture capital
• Growth and Transition Capital
• Growth equity

Terms and conditions may be tailored to meet your unique needs.

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

SMBs and Large Corporations — Project Financing

Investissement Québec

You may be eligible for a loan, a loan guarantee, or funding in "quasi-equity" of $50,000 or more for business projects such as:

• Purchase of machinery and equipment
• Building modernization
• Business succession, transfer, or acquisition
• Increase in working capital
• Trademarks acquisition
• Export
• Innovation
• Commercialization

The maximum duration of funding is 25 years. Agricultural sectors, finance, real estate and retail are excluded.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts (in French only)

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 Capital

Business Development Bank of Canada

Access a wide range of specialized financing to match the various stages of growth of your business, such as:

• Transforming your ideas into a business
• Growth initiatives such as R&D, and product and market development
• Buying or transferring a business, including family successions, management and partner buyouts, and management buy-ins

Options include:

• Venture capital
• Growth and Transition Capital
• Growth equity

Terms and conditions may be tailored to meet your unique needs.

Learn more Find contacts

BDC Small Business Loan - for existing business

Business Development Bank of Canada

Keep your cash flow. Rather than using the money you need for day-to-day activities, consider applying for additional financing. With the BDC Small Business Loan, you could get up to $100,000 within 5 business days, no application fees or hassles. The entire process is completed online.

You need to have been operating your business for the past 24 months.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

BDC Xpansion Loan

Business Development Bank of Canada

If you are looking to expand into new domestic or foreign markets, this loan could provide you with funding to:

• Invest in technology or develop new products
• Launch a new marketing campaign
• Purchase licenses, patents or trademarks
• Hire and train additional employees
• Obtain a certification

Conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Buyer Financing

Export Development Canada

EDC provides financing options to your international customers and protects you from the risk of non-payment.

How it works:

• You provide EDC with your export contract and credit information on your foreign buyer
• Once approved, EDC issues a loan agreement to your buyer
• EDC collects payment from the buyer, administers loans and makes the payment to you

Learn more Find contacts

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

EDC Direct Lending

Export Development Canada

You may apply for a secured loan for your international expansion plans or for your foreign affiliate.

A direct loan can support:

• Financing of equipment or facilities
• Establishment or expansion of a foreign affiliate

EDC lending support is priced based on the level of risk and the market involved.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

FACTOR funding for the sound recording industry

Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings

As a Canadian recording artist, song writer, artist manager, record label owner, music publisher, distributor, or event producer of English language content, you could qualify for funding.

Eligible activities include:

• Sound recording
• Business development
• Marketing and promotion
• Business travel and tours
• Creation of a music video
• Workshops for songwriters

Depending on the program, the funding:

• Comes in the form of grants, or a combination of loans and grants
• Provides maximum amounts that range from $750 to $200,000
• Generally covers up to 50% of the cost of eligible activities

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

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)

FIJE Fund

Centre d'Aide aux Entreprises Haute-Yamaska et région

You may be eligible for up to $50,000 in funding to start or grow your business.

The program is aimed at:

• Women
• Youth between 18 and 39 years of age
• Immigrants, including:
  • Permanent residents
  • Qualified workers
  • Canadian citizens since less than 5 years

You must:

• Have a mentor
• Present a business plan demonstrating the viability of the project
• Have a good credit rating
• Create at least one full-time job
• Provide a down payment of 10% of the cost of the project
• Be in the Haute-Yamaska region of Quebec

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

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

NORTHSTAR Trade Finance Canada

NORTHSTAR Trade Finance Canada

Increase your chances of landing export sales by providing financing options to your buyer as part of an overall sales proposal.

Eligible foreign buyers could obtain financing to purchase your goods and services, including purchases of a relatively low dollar value.

Contact NORTHSTAR early in the export contract negotiations and they could issue you a complimentary letter of intent to assist in negotiations with your prospective customer.

Learn more Find contacts

Programme d'aide à l'exportation et au rayonnement culturel des œuvres cinématographiques, télévisuelles et interactives québécoise

Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)

You could get up to $125,000 in funding for export projects, if you are engaged in the production of film, television, or interactive works, or in commercial activities related to books, arts and crafts, music or variety shows.

The program has 5 components:

• Strategic development abroad — New markets, new works
• Support for one-time projects
• Sodexport — Collective presence in markets and trade fairs, and other export activities
  • Festivals and awards
  • Search for funding and partnership abroad
  • Support for innovative promotion strategies
• International relations

Other conditions apply.

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

SMBs and Large Corporations — Project Financing

Investissement Québec

You may be eligible for a loan, a loan guarantee, or funding in "quasi-equity" of $50,000 or more for business projects such as:

• Purchase of machinery and equipment
• Building modernization
• Business succession, transfer, or acquisition
• Increase in working capital
• Trademarks acquisition
• Export
• Innovation
• Commercialization

The maximum duration of funding is 25 years. Agricultural sectors, finance, real estate and retail are excluded.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts (in French only)

BDC Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan

Business Development Bank of Canada

As an Indigenous entrepreneur, you could get up to $150,000 to start a business, or up to $250,000 to grow your existing business.

Operations can be on or off reserve.

You can use the loan to:

• Acquire fixed assets
• Finance franchise fees
• Cover start-up costs
• Start exporting
• Replenish working capital to support your company's growth

Learn more Find contacts

Soft Landing program

Canadian Digital Media Network

Are you ready to introduce your ICT product or service to international markets? If you have existing revenues and are a client of the Canadian Digital Media Network's hub partners, you could be eligible for reimbursements of:

• Up to $4,000 towards transportation and accommodation costs
• Up to 3 months of desk space at a co-working location, accelerator or incubator

To be eligible, your ICT product or service must be market ready and there must be potential for growth in foreign markets.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Soutien aux exportations bioalimentaires

Agri-Food Export Group Québec–Canada

Do you want to speed up the development of your markets outside Quebec? You may be eligible for financial assistance that can cover up to 50% of your eligible expenses, such as those related to:

• Hiring an export specialist
• Designing or implementing an online marketing strategy
• Designing an international business plan
• Exhibition at a trade fair
• Protecting a trademark

 Your company must:

•  Be a biofood for-profit or social economy enterprise legally incorporated and established in Québec
• Market bio-food products or foods produced or processed in Québec 

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Tax credit for multimedia event or environment productions sponsored outside Quebec

Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)

You could get a tax credit of up to $350,000 to cover eligible labour costs and production expenses to help you showcase your multimedia projects outside Quebec.

You must:

• Provide an informative and cultural experience for entertainment purposes, not for advertising purposes
• Showcase your production in a place of entertainment based outside Quebec
• Comply with a scoring grid for Quebec-based employees who hold a creative position in the production of the event

Other conditions apply.

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

Aboriginal Initiatives Fund III

Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones

If you run an eligible Aboriginal organization, you can receive funding for your project to:

• Start-up, expand or develop a business
• Conduct the necessary studies to finalize a project
• Help the Nation or community better structure its economic development
• Develop the Aboriginal workforce
• Enhance the social economy

The sponsor must demonstrate the financial needs to be met and provide a business plan supporting the project's validity and relevance.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

AgriAssurance: Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Component

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

If your business operates in the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector, including fish and seafood, you can apply for funding in the form of a non-repayable contribution of up to 50% of project costs to help you implement assurance projects that address market and regulatory requirements.

You will receive assistance implementing third-party assurance certification projects that address international market requirements, thereby increasing export opportunities for Canadian agricultural and agri-food products.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Business Assistance — Immigrant Investor Program

Investissement Québec

You could benefit from a non-repayable financial contribution of up to $250,000 to help pay for most growth projects, such as:

• Increasing, modernizing or improving production
• Getting certified for conforming to a standard
• Technological innovation or design
• Marketing products outside Québec

You must:

• Obtain the recommendation of an accredited financial intermediary that is recognized by Investissement Québec
• Have less than $35 million in total assets
• Submit a project with a cost of at least $300,000

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Canada Book Fund

Canadian Heritage

If your business publishes books, you may qualify for a financial contribution toward:

• Production, marketing and distribution of Canadian-authored books
• Publishing and technology internships
• Business planning activities

To qualify, your business must be Canadian-owned and controlled. Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Canada Council for the Arts — Funding

Canada Council for the Arts

If you are an artist, or arts organization, you may be eligible for grants and prizes for your works. You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and recognized as a professional by other artists in your field.

Grants may be used for the creation, production, and presenting of works as well as:

• Professional development
• Residency
• Travel
• Development of the sector

Other conditions may apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Canada Feature Film Fund

Telefilm Canada

If your film production business is a Canadian-owned and controlled corporation, you may be eligible for financial assistance.

Funding is available through a variety of programs, including the following:

• Development Program
• Production Program
• Theatrical Documentary Program
• Marketing Program
• International Festivals and Events Support Program

Various Canadian content conditions apply. See the website for financing details. You may submit your application online at any time during Telefilm's fiscal year.

Learn more Find contacts

Canada Music Fund: Aid to Canadian Music Publishing Firms

Canadian Heritage

Your music publishing firm could receive a yearly contribution of up to $75,000 for projects that cultivate and promote Canadian music talent.

To qualify for this non-repayable contribution, your business must have operated for a minimum of 3 years.

Your business must also be:

• Canadian-owned and controlled
• Headquartered in Canada
• Financially sound
• Registered with SOCAN

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

CanExport program

Global Affairs Canada

You could get up to $50,000 to reimburse up to 50% of eligible expenses to promote your business in new international markets. Your for-profit business must:

• Be incorporated or a limited liability partnership
• Employ between one and 250 full-time employees
• Have an annual revenue between $200,000 and $50 million

Eligible activities include:

• Business travel
• Trade fairs
• Market research
• Marketing tools updates

Eligible expenses include travel costs, contractor or consultant fees, and legal fees.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

FACTOR funding for the sound recording industry

Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings

As a Canadian recording artist, song writer, artist manager, record label owner, music publisher, distributor, or event producer of English language content, you could qualify for funding.

Eligible activities include:

• Sound recording
• Business development
• Marketing and promotion
• Business travel and tours
• Creation of a music video
• Workshops for songwriters

Depending on the program, the funding:

• Comes in the form of grants, or a combination of loans and grants
• Provides maximum amounts that range from $750 to $200,000
• Generally covers up to 50% of the cost of eligible activities

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts

Financial assistance for music production and variety programming

Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)

You could get a grant to cover up to 50% of eligible costs for activities linked to the production of records or variety shows, or for the management of artists.

The program includes the following components:

• Industrial sector
  • Comprehensive assistance
  • Business assistance
• Management support
• Para-industrial sector — Project assistance
• Additional tour support
• Additional support for new media activities

The maximum amount of support offered under this program is $300,000. To be eligible your business must meet both the general and specific terms and conditions of the components.

Other conditions apply.

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

Industrial agreement programs

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

You could receive financial assistance and support for your industrial, technological or service agreement projects in Europe. The programs can help you plan short-term missions for your business' directors or senior technical staff.

You could obtain:

• Local support in identifying and organizing meetings with potential partners
• A fixed payment of $1,500 for assistance with logistics

Your business must have been established for at least one year and have the technical and financial capacity to carry out the planned project.

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

MUSICACTION

MUSICACTION

As a French-language songwriter, composer, artist, or recording business owner, you may be eligible for financing to help pay for:

• Recordings and production
• Artistic development
• Marketing and promotion
• Domestic and international business development

Financing amounts range, depending on the activity.

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

Programme d'aide à l'exportation et au rayonnement culturel des œuvres cinématographiques, télévisuelles et interactives québécoise

Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC)

You could get up to $125,000 in funding for export projects, if you are engaged in the production of film, television, or interactive works, or in commercial activities related to books, arts and crafts, music or variety shows.

The program has 5 components:

• Strategic development abroad — New markets, new works
• Support for one-time projects
• Sodexport — Collective presence in markets and trade fairs, and other export activities
  • Festivals and awards
  • Search for funding and partnership abroad
  • Support for innovative promotion strategies
• International relations

Other conditions apply.

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

Programme d'appui aux fromageries

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

Is your cheese factory registered in Quebec? Does it process less than 5 million litres of milk annually? If yes, you could receive financial assistance to optimize the production capacity of your cheese factory and enhance its profitability.

The financial assistance covers 50% of the eligible costs, to a maximum of $100,000 for projects identified as priority in the diagnostic, and $45,000 for the implementation of a basic quality control system.

To be eligible, your business must also:

• Have a licence to produce dairy products
• Provide a complete diagnostic approved by the Ministère

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)

Programme Exportation — Volet Entreprises

Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation

Want to increase your business opportunities? You could get financial assistance to cover up to 40% of eligible expenses, to:

• Hire an export specialist
• Develop an international business plan
• Exhibit at a trade show

Businesses in the following sectors are excluded:

• Personal services
• Accommodation and food services
• Performing arts, entertainment and recreation
• Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only) Find contacts (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

Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — CED

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Your Quebec organization could be eligible for a contribution to fund growth, or to help create and nurture inclusive regional ecosystems that support business needs and foster innovation, growth and competitiveness.

Funding is available in 2 streams:

• Business scale-up and productivity — expand your business, adopt and commercialize innovative technologies and processes, and diversify your markets.
• Regional innovation ecosystems (not-for-profits) — enhance business support networks, as well as regional strategic clusters, accelerators and incubators, and projects that attract foreign investments.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more Find contacts Form(s)

Soutien aux exportations bioalimentaires

Agri-Food Export Group Québec–Canada

Do you want to speed up the development of your markets outside Quebec? You may be eligible for financial assistance that can cover up to 50% of your eligible expenses, such as those related to:

• Hiring an export specialist
• Designing or implementing an online marketing strategy
• Designing an international business plan
• Exhibition at a trade fair
• Protecting a trademark

 Your company must:

•  Be a biofood for-profit or social economy enterprise legally incorporated and established in Québec
• Market bio-food products or foods produced or processed in Québec 

Other conditions apply.

Learn more

Support for market diversification and international trade

Emploi Québec

As a Quebec-based business are you looking to expand your product and service offerings and diversify your markets? If so, you could get financial assistance to train your employees.

The program has two streams:

Stream 1: Market Diversification and Expansion of Product and Service Offerings

• Strategic training including needs analysis, market studies and change management

Stream 2: International Trade

• International shipping and logistics, financing and currency exchange rates training

Eligible expenses include the base salary of trainers and expenses related to training material.

Other conditions apply.

Learn more (in French only)