Canadian Entrepreneur’s Toolkit
Welcome to Loan-Ready Plans’ suite of essential resources, designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to succeed. While our core service is crafting professional business plans, we believe in giving you the resources to take control of your financial future. Use these tools to build a stronger, more confident business.
Access our curated library of free small business loan resources in Canada. While we specialize in writing your expert bank lender-ready business plan, these tools and documents guide you through key government programs, financing options, and essential requirements to help you secure the necessary capital in Canada.
Government Resources For Market Research
Government of Canada – Business and Industry
The central hub for a wealth of federal resources for entrepreneurs and established businesses alike. A must-visit for every new business owner, It provides comprehensive guidance on starting a business, including planning, naming, and registration, as well as information on securing financing and navigating various business taxes. You can also find details on government grants, loans, and other support programs, along with tools to identify necessary permits, licenses, and regulations for your industry.
Business Benefits Finder
The Government of Canada’s Business Benefits Finder is an easy-to-use online tool that helps you discover a list of government programs, services, and benefits your business may be eligible for. Canadian businesses can discover federal, provincial, and territorial programs and services, such as grants, loans, tax credits, and wage subsidies, that align with their specific needs. By answering a few questions about their business, entrepreneurs receive a personalized list of relevant support programs, making it easier to find the right resources to help them grow and scale.
Statistics Canada
Your source for in-depth market research, Statistics Canada is the Canadian national statistical agency, an official source of statistics and insights on Canada’s population, economy, society, and environment, established to provide Canadians with the trusted information needed for decision-making. It collects, analyzes, and publishes data through surveys and other methods, serving as a central authority for statistical information in Canada and upholding high standards for data quality and privacy. Use this site to find demographic data, industry trends, and economic statistics.
Provincial and Territorial Government Portals
Provincial and territorial government portals for businesses provide centralized access to government services, including business registration, licensing, permits, and information on provincial taxes, regulations, and financing programs to help businesses start, operate, and grow within their specific jurisdiction. These portals simplify compliance by reducing the need for businesses to navigate multiple government departments, offering streamlined processes and information tailored to the province or territory.
Building on your market research, now focus on the capital. Access direct links and introductions to key Canadian funding and financing resources like BDC, Futurpreneur, and EDC. We help you prepare the bank lender-ready business plan required to make a successful financing application for your commercial loan.
Funding and Financing Resources
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
A primary source of financing and advisory services for Canadian entrepreneurs, the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is a Crown corporation wholly-owned by the Government of Canada that provides financing, consulting services, and access to capital for Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs. It acts as Canada’s development bank, offering flexible financing solutions like loans and venture capital, alongside expert advisory services to help businesses grow, transition, and overcome challenges.
Futurpreneur Canada
Futurpreneur Canada is a national non-profit organization that supports aspiring young entrepreneurs aged 18-39 by providing them with financing, business mentorship, and other resources to start, buy, or grow their businesses. The organization offers collateral-free loans, matches entrepreneurs with experienced business mentors for up to two years, and provides access to educational resources and a national network of support to help foster inclusive economic prosperity across Canada.
Export Development Canada (EDC)
Export Development Canada (EDC) is a Canadian Crown corporation and the country’s export credit agency, dedicated to helping Canadian companies of all sizes succeed in the global marketplace. EDC provides a suite of financial, insurance, and knowledge-based services, such as trade finance, export credit insurance, and equity investments, to mitigate risks and foster Canadian export trade. If your business plan includes international sales, is a useful resource for financing and insurance to mitigate the risks of selling to foreign markets.
Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP)
A Canadian government initiative that provides funding, mentorship, business training, financial planning, and loans to support the growth of Black-led businesses and entrepreneurs. It has three main components: the National Ecosystem Fund, which supports organizations providing services like mentorship and training; the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, which offers loans up to $250,000 through a partnership with the BDC and delivered by FACE; and the Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, which conducts research to understand opportunities for Black entrepreneurs.
A strong network adds credibility to your funding application. Explore this section to understand how aligning your venture with key Canadian Business Associations and Networks strengthens your case. At Loan-Ready Plans, we ensure your commercial loan business plan clearly highlights these vital partnerships to enhance your appeal to lenders.
Business Associations and Networks
Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES)
A Canadian federal program launched in 2018 with nearly $7 billion in investments to help women entrepreneurs start, scale, and grow their businesses by increasing their access to capital, ecosystem support, and networks. It does this through initiatives like the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, the WES Ecosystem Fund which supports not-for-profit organizations, and the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, aiming to remove systemic barriers and advance women’s economic empowerment.
Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is Canada’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for and supporting small and medium-sized independent businesses. Founded in 1971, the CFIB provides members with resources like personalized business advice, practical tools, and savings on business services. It works to influence public policy and give the small business community a greater voice in government decisions affecting their operations.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC) is a national organization, a unified voice and a vast network of Canadian businesses, associations, and local chambers of commerce that advocates for policies and initiatives to promote a thriving economy and successful businesses across the country. It serves as a vital connector within a large network of businesses, chambers of commerce, and boards of trade, offering various programs, business services, and opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing to support its members.
Local Small Business Centres
Canada has a robust small business sector, with 97.8% of employer businesses classified as small (1-99 employees). Local small businesses in Canada provide essential goods, unique products, and personalized services to their communities while creating jobs and contributing to the economy. They operate across various sectors, including professional services, construction, retail, and healthcare, and often reinvest in local economies and support charitable causes. These businesses are known for their adaptability, playing a vital role in community vibrancy and local economic growth.