BDC Advisory Services — Leadership and Management ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across all industries - Private corporations (federally or provincially incorporated) - Sole proprietors and self-employed individuals - Partnerships with established business operations - Businesses must be Canadian-controlled and operate in Canada - Minimum viability: Business should demonstrate operational history and genuine need for management advisory support - Non-eligible: Non-profit organizations, government entities, and businesses primarily engaged in real estate speculation ### 💰 Funding Details - Grant Structure: Subsidized advisory services (not direct cash grants) - Cost Coverage: BDC typically covers a portion of advisory fees; business owner pays remaining balance - Typical Subsidy: Generally 50-70% of advisory service costs depending on program stream - No Repayment Required: This is a non-repayable grant/subsidy for advisory services - Budget Range: Projects typically range from $5,000 to $50,000+ in advisory service value - Payment Model: Fees paid directly to qualified BDC advisors; business invoiced for co-investment portion ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Management Coaching: One-on-one executive and leadership coaching - Business Strategy Development: Strategic planning and business model refinement - Operational Improvement: Process optimization and workflow efficiency - Financial Management: Accounting practices, cash flow management, financial controls - Human Resources: Team structure, hiring practices, employee retention strategies - Marketing & Sales Management: Sales strategy and customer acquisition approaches - Governance & Compliance: Board governance, risk management, regulatory compliance - Succession Planning: Leadership transition and business continuity planning - Specialized Consulting: Industry-specific management best practices - Training Programs: Customized training delivery to management teams ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Advisor Selection: Must use BDC-approved or BDC-employed advisors - Engagement Agreement: Formal agreement required outlining objectives, timeline, and deliverables -