Sources of private sector financing 

Find out about the financial services and assistance available for your business needs. Browse and locate members of these private sector associations who provide debt and equity financing to businesses.

Debt Financing

Debt financing means borrowing money. If you are looking to start your business, to finance your operations, to buy or lease equipment, or to expand, members of the following organizations may be able to help.

• Canadian Bankers Association

  For banking, commercial loans and other debt financing services, you can turn to Canadian chartered banks and foreign bank subsidiaries.

• Canadian Finance and Leasing Association

  Procure equipment, vehicles and related items or services by way of leases, secured loans or conditional sales contracts obtained through this association.

• Credit Union Central of Canada

  Find out about commercial loans, credit options and banking services that are available from your local credit union branch.

• Cooperatives — Desjardins Group
  Applies only to: Ontario, Québec, Manitoba, New Brunswick

  You can access financial services such as commercial loans and credit through this financial cooperative.

Equity Financing

Look beyond traditional banks. Private equity financing or capital funds represent an investment in your company and an alternative method to raise the money you need to innovate and grow your business. Members of these associations may help.

• Canada's Venture Capital and Private Equity Association

  Search for potential investors by category: life sciences, information technology, other technologies, and traditional.

• First Angel Network
  Applies only to: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador

  Need assistance to help grow your promising business? Find out more about requesting funding from a group of Atlantic angel investors.

• Réseau Capital - Québec Venture Capital and Private Equity Association in French only
  Applies only to: Québec

  Support the growth of your innovative small business with equity and venture capital from members of this organization.

• Golden Opportunities Fund Inc.
  Applies only to: Saskatchewan

  Are you looking for expansion capital for your growing business? You may qualify, if your business has no more than 500 employees and is located in Saskatchewan.

• Ontario Venture Capital Fund Finder
  Applies only to: Ontario

  Use this online tool to find sources of venture capital for your Ontario business.

• New Brunswick Innovation Foundation
  Applies only to: New Brunswick

  Find out how this independent corporation could help you get the research funding or venture capital you need to develop your innovative idea.

Other Private Sector Sources of Financing

There are other sources of private sector financing to consider. These include merchant bankers, international trade financing companies, and specialized financial institutions such as insurance companies, commercial mortgage lenders, and specialty equipment financing.