BDC Women Entrepreneur
Financing
The Short Answer: Access Business Development Bank of Canada financing specifically for women-owned businesses.
"Am I Eligible?" Micro-Quiz
Take 10 seconds to answer these questions and instantly see if you meet the baseline criteria for this funding.
BDC Financing Programs
A fast, unsecured loan for working capital, marketing, or small equipment.
- Up to $100,000
- 100% online application
- 24 months in business required
- No collateral needed
The world's largest investment platform destined for women-led tech firms.
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💡Ready to Secure Your Funding?
Women-owned business? Our funding specialists help you access the right grants, loans, and support programs.
How to Apply
Check Eligibility
Ensure you have been generating revenue for at least 24 months. This is the #1 rejection reason for the online loan.
Prepare Financials
For loans >$100k, you need Accountant-prepared financial statements. For the online loan, simply linking your bank account often suffices.
Submit Online
The process takes about 15 minutes. You will need your SIN and business incorporation number.
Get Funded
Approvals can happen in as little as 48 hours for small loans. Disbursement is directly to your business bank account.
Common Questions About BDC Financing
1. Is my credit score impacted?
Yes. BDC will perform a hard credit check on all major shareholders. A score above 650 is generally required for the online loan. If your score is lower, they may ask for a co-signer or additional collateral.
2. Do I need to sign a Personal Guarantee?
For the $100k Online Loan, yes. All beneficial owners must sign a personal guarantee. This means if the business defaults, you are personally liable for the debt.
3. Can I use the loan to buy real estate?
The Online Loan is for working capital. If you want to buy commercial real estate, you should apply for a Commercial Real Estate Loan which has longer terms (up to 25 years) and different rates.
4. What is "Principal Postponement"?
This is a key feature of BDC loans. You can often delay paying the principal for the first 6-12 months, paying only interest. This helps cash flow significantly during the startup or expansion phase.
5. Is BDC cheaper than a bank?
Usually, no. BDC takes on higher risk than traditional banks (TD, RBC, etc.), so their rates are slightly higher. However, they offer more flexible terms and are more willing to lend based on cash flow rather than just assets.
6. How helps me on the Advisory side?
BDC has a network of 500+ consultants. They can help with operational efficiency, sales strategies, and digital transformation. You can verify their programs on the BDC Advisory page.
BDC FAQs
What is the interest rate?
BDC rates are typically higher than prime but lower than credit cards. They reflect the higher risk BDC takes on. Expect Base Rate + Variance (often 6-10% total).
Can I pay it off early?
Yes, BDC loans are generally open for prepayment without penalty, which is a huge advantage over some commercial leases.
Does BDC do personal credit checks?
Yes. Even for business loans, BDC will check the personal credit of major shareholders.
Scale Your Vision
BDC has the capital you need. We help you package your application for approval.
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