Statement regarding eligibility criteria for the Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)

MONTREAL, April 6, 2020—Given the unprecedented economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, all legal businesses will be eligible for the Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP), for the duration of the program. This includes both the Canada Emergency Business Account and SME Loan and Guarantee program. For example, businesses in the cannabis sector and those in the hospitality sector operating bars and lounges will now be eligible.

The SME Loan and Guarantee program, backed by BDC, Canada’s bank for entrepreneurs, and Export Development Canada (EDC), Canada’s export credit agency, is delivered through private sector financial institutions. As part of the BDC co-lending program, eligible businesses may obtain incremental credit amounts of up to $6.25 million, 80% of which would be provided by BDC, with the remaining 20% by the financial institution.

To access these loans, business owners must contact their primary financial institution.