Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP)

Also known as: CSBFP

Federal loan-guarantee program (ISED) that shares lenders' risk so banks, caisses populaires and credit unions will finance small businesses. Delivered entirely by financial institutions — they approve, decide and disburse; ISED registers and backstops. Maximum $1.15 million per borrower: up to $1,000,000 for term loans (of which no more than $500,000 for leasehold improvements and new/used equipment, and within that no more than $150,000 for intangible assets and working capital), plus up to $150,000 for a line of credit. A 2% registration fee (financeable) applies. Interest rates are set by the lender within the program's stated maximums.

Who qualifies

• Small businesses or start-ups operating in Canada with gross annual revenues of $10 million or less
• ⚠️ Farming businesses are NOT eligible (see the Canadian Agricultural Loans Act Program instead)
• Term loans finance real property, new/used equipment, leasehold improvements, intangible assets and working capital; lines of credit finance day-to-day operating costs
• Applied for through any bank, caisse populaire or credit union — the financial institution reviews the proposal and decides
• Security must be taken on the assets financed; the lender may also take an unsecured personal guarantee

Typical applicant

An established or start-up Manitoba SME (annual revenue of $10 million or less, non-farming) seeking a bank term loan or line of credit for equipment, premises, leaseholds or working capital, wanting the lender's risk shared by the federal government

Verified against the official program page as of 2026-07-15. Programs change — always confirm current details with the program office before committing project spend.