CBDC — Prêt commercial ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) - Business owners seeking to acquire or expand existing businesses - Entrepreneurs launching new ventures - Sole proprietors - Partnerships - Corporations - Businesses operating in rural regions of Atlantic Canadian provinces (primary eligibility requirement) - Businesses in various sectors (with some industry restrictions may apply) ### 💰 Funding Details - Loan Amount: Up to $150,000 CAD - Repayability: This is a loan, not a grant—funds must be repaid with interest - Interest Rate & Terms: Specific rates and repayment schedules determined based on creditworthiness and business plan - Matching Requirements: No matching funds typically required - Collateral/Security: May be required depending on lender assessment ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Business Acquisition: Purchasing an existing business or assets - Business Expansion/Growth: Scaling operations and increasing market presence - Market Development: Entering new markets or expanding geographic reach - Equipment Purchase: Acquiring machinery, tools, technology, or operational equipment - Working Capital: Supporting operational needs related to the above activities - Related Business Improvements: Infrastructure and capacity-building aligned with growth objectives ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Geographic Restriction: Applicant business must be located in rural regions of Atlantic Canadian provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador) - Loan Agreement: Full loan documentation and terms must be executed before fund disbursement - Business Plan Requirement: A credible business plan demonstrating viability and repayment capacity is typically required - Credit Assessment: Business owner credit history and financial statements will be evaluated - Repayment Schedule: Regular payments must commence according to the agreed loan terms - Use of Funds: Money must be used exclusively for approved purposes; misuse may trigger loan recall - Reporting: Ongoing financial reporting and business performance updates may be required