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BDC small business loan: what it offers, who it suits and what else exists.

A factual summary of BDC small business loan from its own public page, with a worked illustration in Canadian dollars.

✓ Checking what you qualify for does not affect your credit score.

What does the BDC small business loan offer, and who is it for?

Short answer: BDC's online small business loan goes up to $350,000, according to BDC's own page, with criteria that include minimum annual revenue, a personal credit score of 600 or higher, profitability and, for the lower tier, 24 months in business. It suits profitable, established firms; younger or lower-credit files often look at deposit-based funding instead.

Key facts

Up to $350,000, with two tiers split at $100,000
BDC lists a 600+ personal credit score and minimum revenue
Approval described in under 10 days (lower tier) or 30 days (higher tier)
Floating rate with interest-only periods, per BDC

What BDC small business loan publishes

From the public page at www.bdc.ca/en/financing/business-loans/small-business-loan, as of October 12, 2026. Terms change, so confirm on the provider's own site.

Describes an online small business loan of up to $350,000, with the approved amount depending on BDC's analysis.
For amounts up to $100,000, states approval in under 10 days, no application or prepayment fees, up to 6 months of interest-only payments and 5-year amortization.
For amounts over $100,000 to $350,000, states approval in under 30 days, that certain fees apply, up to 12 months of interest-only payments and up to 8-year amortization.
Lists criteria including minimum annual revenue of $100,000 (or $250,000 for the higher tier), a personal credit score of 600 or higher, current profitability and, for the lower tier, at least 24 months in business.
Describes the rate as a floating base rate plus a variance that depends on the client.
States that meeting the criteria does not guarantee approval.

What that design means in practice

BDC is a federal Crown corporation focused on entrepreneurs. Its online loan is designed for established, profitable businesses that want longer terms. That makes it a strong option to check first when you can wait and meet the criteria.

A worked illustration

A business with $400,000 in annual revenue, three years of history, profits and a 650 score fits the profile described. A two-year-old business with $240,000 in revenue, a 560 score and an urgent equipment failure does not, and a deposit-based review may be the faster route.

Every figure on this page is illustrative arithmetic in Canadian dollars. It is not an offer, a quote or a promise of approval.

Who it tends to suit

You have been operating at least two years, are profitable and have a credit score of 600 or more.
You can wait days to weeks for approval.
You want longer amortization and lower payments.

When another route may fit better

You need money within days.
The business is newer, not yet profitable or below the stated revenue minimums.
Your credit score is below the stated minimum.

BDC small business loan is a separate organization with no connection to Merchant Fund Express. Names belong to their owners; facts summarized October 12, 2026.

Questions worth asking

What rate would apply today, given the floating base rate and my file?
Would my business fall into the under-$100,000 or the higher tier?
How long would approval take for my application right now?
What security or guarantees would be required?

Comparing it with other offers

BDC's model rewards patience and a strong track record with lower payments spread over years. The useful comparison is not rate against factor but timeline against need: if your opportunity or problem can wait two to four weeks and your business meets the published criteria, apply there first and keep a faster option as a fallback. If a supplier deadline or repair cannot wait, the extra cost of speed may be justified, but only for the amount and period you actually need.

Sources and review

Reviewed by the Merchant Fund Express team on October 12, 2026. Official pages checked as of that date.

Common questions

Is a BDC loan cheaper than an advance?

Usually, for businesses that meet its stated criteria and can wait for approval. Compare total dollars repaid and how soon the money arrives.

Where did this information come from?

From BDC small business loan's own public page, checked October 12, 2026. Confirm current terms directly with BDC small business loan.