This is a loan program in collaboration with financial institutions. If you are looking for other government financial incentives including grants or general information for small businesses, please access the innovation.canada.ca.
What can loans be used for under this program?
Term loans can be used to finance the cost of:
- purchasing or improving land and buildings used for commercial purposes
- purchasing new or existing renovations to premises occupied by the business as a tenant
- purchasing or improving new or used equipment (including commercial vehicles)
- intangible assets and working capital
What are the maximum term loan amounts?
Lines of credit can be used to finance working capital costs, that is, day-to-day operating expenses of the business.
What is the maximum line of credit amount?
Who is eligible?
Small businesses or start-ups operating in Canada, with gross annual revenues of $10 million or less.
Not eligible under this program are farming businesses (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has a similar program for the farming industry — for information, visit the Canadian Agricultural Loans Act program).
For more information, visit the business eligibility section of our guidelines.
How do I apply?
Present your business plan directly to any bank, credit union or caisse populaire. Your financial institution is responsible for making the decision to approve your loan.
For more information, download the Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) pamphlet.
Legal and regulatory
- Canada Small Business Financing Act
(Department of Justice Canada) - Canada Small Business Financing Regulations
(Department of Justice Canada)
Please consult PDF document for updated content.
To access all documents, please visit our Documentation centre.
Questions and answers
Top 6 Frequently asked questions
- Where can I apply for a CSBFP loan?
- Do I need to communicate with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada for a loan?
- Why do some financial institutions choose not to participate in this program?
- What businesses are eligible to apply under the CSBFP ?
- What is eligible for financing under the CSBFP ?
- What is not eligible for financing under the CSBFP ?
View all Frequently asked questions
To access all documents, please visit our Documentation centre.
Reports and statistics
CSBFP documents
- Canada Small Business Financing Program: A Firm-Level Economic Impact Analysis, November 2024
- Canada Small Business Financing Program Evaluation Report (CSBFP), June 2024
- Incrementality Study of the CSBFP , May 2024
- CSBFP Cost-Benefit Analysis, March 2024
- Borrower Awareness and Satisfaction Study 2023-2024, August 2024
- SME Profile: CSBFP Program Borrowers, May 2023
- CSBFP Lender Awareness and Satisfaction Study, March 2018
- Key Risk Factors in the CSBF Portfolio, July 2013
To access all documents, please visit our Documentation centre.
Overview and Highlights
- Overview and Highlights 2024–25
- Overview and Highlights 2023–24
- Overview and Highlights 2022-23
- Overview and Highlights 2021–22
- Overview and Highlights 2020–21
- Overview and Highlights 2019–20
If you require a previous version of the Annual Report, please contact us.
To access all documents, please visit our Documentation centre.
Comprehensive reviews
- Comprehensive Review Report (2019-2024), February 2025
- Comprehensive Review Report (2014-2019), October 2020
To access all documents, please visit our Documentation centre.
The CSBFP is committed to its service standards.
The Government of Canada has numerous programs and services to help support your business at every stage, from start-up to growth and beyond. Choose a tool or resource from the Supports for Business page to get a list of programs customized to your needs, access professional advice or simply stay informed.