Frequently Asked Questions:
Before You Apply

1. I have a business proposal for consideration. What’s the next step?

If you’re between 18 and 35 years of age, review our applicant information for youth entrepreneurs.

If you’re 36 years of age or older, review our applicant information for new businesses or existing businesses.

If you represent an organization conducting research or advocacy activities designed to improve the business climate for Aboriginal enterprise review our information for Aboriginal organizations.

You can also contact us to discuss your project with a development officer in your area.

2. Whom could I talk to at ABC about my project idea and whether I would be a good candidate for receiving funds?

Contact us to speak to a development officer in your region.

3. What does eligible project costs mean?

These are the costs associated with implementing a business project that can be considered eligible for ABC support. Depending on the nature of the project, eligible costs might include:

• capital costs,
• costs associated with the purchase of shares and assets,
• operating costs,
• marketing costs,
• costs associated with obtaining financial services and business services, and
• costs associated with obtaining appropriate training and/or mentoring services.

4. Can I obtain funding to expand my business outside of Canada?

Yes. See expansion into new markets for more information.

5. I don’t have 100 percent ownership in my business. Can I still apply for support?

Yes, however:

• you must hold a majority interest in the ownership and control of the business (greater than 50 percent), whether it is a partnership, a joint venture or a corporation;
• ABC assistance will be pro-rated according to your percentage of ownership; and
• ABC will consider the extent to which you have the necessary expertise to carry out the business operation. It is expected that your expertise will be commensurate with your ownership and control position in the business.

Additional conditions may apply, depending on the nature of the business arrangement. Review ABC's Eligibility Policies for more information.

6. Are there other policies or information sources I should be aware of?

We have published the ABC policies and guidelines, which development officers and managers use to assess eligibility and appropriate funding options for business proposals submitted to us. Also visit the Canada Business website, for other regulatory and business information.

7. Is there a deadline for submitting my application in a given fiscal year?

No. You may apply to ABC for support at any time through the year.

8. I want to take training to develop specific management skills. Can ABC assist me?

ABC does not assist with general entrepreneurial training courses. If, through the development of your business plan, a need for specific management skills training (i.e. in bookkeeping) is identified, ABC can assist with the costs of such skill development.

9. I have a business opportunity linked to a major development, but my business is located outside the region where the sector development is based. Can I still apply for this support?

Yes. Business opportunities linked to one of the activities on ABC’s list of regional sector developments can be based anywhere in the country. However, as with other projects seeking support of this nature, you must demonstrate to the satisfaction of ABC that your business opportunity would:

• derive more than 60 percent of its revenues from one of the activities in the sector developments list or
• receive more than 60 percent of the value of its inputs from one of the activities in the sector developments list.