Newcomer entrepreneur

Newcomer entrepreneur

Owning a business as a new immigrant to Canada

BDC is the bank devoted to Canadian entrepreneurs. We provide financing and advisory services to small and medium-sized businesses at every stage of growth. This includes access to the right tools and resources, such as training, networking, partnerships and more.

Succeed as a newcomer entrepreneur

Experienced as a business owner or not, BDC helps immigrants handle the typical challenges of building a company in Canada.

  • Little to no credit history
  • Limited knowledge of the local business environment
  • Cultural and language barriers

Not yet comfortable in English or French?

That’s okay. Some of our content is available in these languages:


Access between $25,000 and $50,000 to grow your company

No credit history? That’s okay—ask about our Newcomer Entrepreneur Loan*.

Apply now

*Subject to approval.

You are eligible if you:

  • Have been in operation for at least 12 months and generated revenues
  • Immigrated to Canada less than three years ago
  • Have a permanent resident status or protected person status
  • Have a viable business plan

Additional financing options

Futurpreneur Canada

Your business has been in operation less than 12 months and generating revenues

Entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39 may be eligible for up to $60,000 and two years of mentoring.

Find out more

MORE THAN $50,000?

Your business has been in operation at least 12 months and generating revenues

Financing tailored to your needs.

Find out more

Learn about starting a business in Canada

illustration of a stack of paper with the letters A and Z on the top sheet

Glossary

Get familiar with terminology

Browse the glossary to learn business terms regularly used in Canada.

Use the glossary

Article

3 tips for newcomers starting a business

Overcome challenges new immigrants face.

Read more

Article

Avoid common business plan mistakes

Build a plan that works.

Read more

Article

Questions to ask before starting a business

Are you ready for entrepreneurship?

Read more

Tool

How to write a business plan

Make sure it supports your loan application and serves as a management tool.

Read more

e-Learning

How to start a business

Take advantage of our video clips and practical advice to get your business off the ground.

Enroll now. It's free

Testimonial

Skicosmos

We had a lot to learn about how to do business in a new country! BDC helped us launch our business on time for ski season, which was essential for us!