Sources of Financing

What funding programs are available? What are lenders looking for? You'll find the answers in this section.

Government Sources:

• The Info-Guides on Financing Info-Guide, Aboriginal Business Info-Guide and Young Entrepreneurs Info-Guide provide lists of the most popular Federal and Provincial government financial assistance programs available to individuals starting or expanding a business.
  
  
• Search in the Government Programs and Services database for other federal and provincial financing programs.
  
  
• The Sources of Financing section of the Strategis web site helps you find the lender that meets your needs by providing access to an extensive Canadian database of sources of debt and equity financing.

Private Sources:

• The Financing section of the Canadian Business Map provides a listing of all Canadian Banks and other Canadian Sources of Financing.
  
  
• The Small Business section of the Canadian Bankers Association provides direct links to the small business web sites of Canada's major banks.
  
  
• The Canadian Directory of Foundations and Grants contains information on foundations that are actively offering grants to non-profit organizations in Canada. Check with your regional library to inquire of its availability in your area.

Venture/Growth Capital:

Capital investments in a business can be needed at any stage of a company's life cycle, from seed to growth, from acquisition or expansion to turnaround. Becoming investor ready involves an objective evaluation of your company, your management team and your growth potential. You also need information that will give you a better understanding of what to expect as you go through the negotiating process and develop a long-term working relationship with an investor. The following sites will provide answers to your questions.

• Learn about Angel Activity in Atlantic Canada. Find out if you are a good candidate for venture capital? This site offers valuable information on venture capital.
  
  
• Steps to Growth Capital has been prepared to help companies increase their chances of obtaining risk capital.
  
  
• The Canadian Venture Capital Association Member List is a list of Canadian venture capital financing companies with funds under management and available for investment.
  
  
• The Investment Banking Channel's Entrepreneur Section provides unbiased, direct access to private capital resources and investment banking deals.