Financement BDC — Prêt entrepreneuriat inclusif ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in Canada - Business owners from underserved groups, including: - Women entrepreneurs - Indigenous peoples - Visible minorities and racialized persons - Persons with disabilities - LGBTQ2S+ individuals - Recent immigrants - Youth (under 35 years old) - Rural entrepreneurs - Sole proprietors with established businesses - Partnerships and corporations (federal or provincial incorporation) - Businesses must be for-profit and commercially viable - Must demonstrate commitment to business success ### 💰 Funding Details - Maximum loan amount: $350,000 CAD - Loan structure: Repayable financing (not a grant) - Interest rates: Competitive rates set by BDC based on creditworthiness and risk profile - Repayment terms: Flexible repayment schedules (typically 5-10 years depending on use of funds) - Collateral requirements: May vary; flexible security arrangements available - No matching funds required from the business owner - BDC assumes additional risk to support underserved entrepreneurs ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Working capital (inventory, accounts receivable management) - Equipment and machinery purchases - Technology adoption and digital transformation - Facility expansion or leasehold improvements - Business acquisition or buyout financing - Marketing and business development initiatives - General business operations and operational expenses - Training and professional development (owner and staff) - Real estate or property-related investments ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Business plan requirement: Submission of a viable business plan demonstrating viability - Financial statements: Personal and business financial records must be provided - Credit assessment: BDC will conduct creditworthiness evaluation - Personal guarantee: Often required from business owners - Ongoing compliance: Regular financial reporting and business updates