Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF) Loan

This federal government guaranteed loan provides the financing you need to get a business started or help an existing business grow. The CSBF Loan is designed to help businesses purchase, install, renovate and modernize business equipment and other fixed assets.

How can this help my business?

1. The Canada Small Business Financing Loan can provide a Canadian business with up to $500,000 in financing for the purchase of land or business premises ($350,000 for leasehold improvements and equipment)
2. With assistance from the federal government, businesses can support their financing requirements without using personal assets as security
3. Term loans extend financing assets not normally covered by traditional financing options, for example, lease improvements

What else do I need to know?

1. Financing can be used to cover up to 90% of the eligible costs related to leasehold improvements and equipment
2. If the loan is for the purchase of premises, 50% of the floor space must be for your business activity
3. Current fiscal year gross revenues must not exceed $5,000,000
4. The maximum value of all CSBF Loans cannot exceed $500,000 ($350,000 for leasehold improvements and equipment)
5. Applications must be submitted with a business plan which includes financial statements or projections
6. Eligible purchases made within the past six months can be financed
7. Loan terms are generally 7-10 years depending on the asset being financed
8. Maximum interest rate on variable rate loans is Prime + 3.0%, fixed rate loans is Residential Mortgage Rate + 3.0% which includes an annual administration fee equal to an annual rate of 1.25% which is payable to the government
9. Personal guarantees are required but are limited to a maximum of 25% of the loan
10. A one-time up front government registration fee of 2% of the loan amount is payable to the government and can be added to the loan principal