BDC Technology Financing: How to Apply + What Projects Qualify

By GrantHub Research Team · · Lire en français

BDC Technology Financing: How to Apply + What Projects Qualify

If your business needs new software, hardware, or IT systems, paying upfront can strain your cash flow. BDC Technology Financing helps Canadian businesses by offering a repayable loan that covers the full cost of technology projects. This loan is designed for established companies that want to modernize or grow their technology without slowing down their daily work.


What Is BDC Technology Financing?

BDC Technology Financing, also called the BDC technology equipment loan, is a repayable loan from the Business Development Bank of Canada. It supports investments in information and communications technology (ICT). This includes software, hardware, and services needed to set up or improve your systems.

Main features:

  • Funding amount: Up to 100% of eligible project costs (loan)
  • Type of funding: Loan, not a grant
  • Jurisdiction: Federal (available across Canada)
  • Status: Open
  • Delivery organization: Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

The goal is to help Canadian businesses improve productivity, boost cybersecurity, and increase digital capacity.


Who Can Apply for BDC Technology Financing?

To qualify for BDC Technology Financing, your business must meet all of these requirements:

  • Located in Canada
  • Operating and generating revenue for at least 12 months
  • Actively earning revenue (startups without revenue usually do not qualify)
  • Good credit history and ability to repay

BDC will review your financial statements, cash flow, and overall business health before approving your loan.

This program is best for small and medium-sized businesses that are ready to upgrade their technology. Early-stage startups without steady revenue are not a good fit.


What Projects and Expenses Qualify?

BDC Technology Financing is meant for technology investments. It does not cover regular operating costs. Eligible expenses usually include:

  • Software
    • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems
    • Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms
    • Accounting and payroll software
    • Cybersecurity tools
  • Hardware
    • Servers and networking gear
    • Computers and point-of-sale (POS) systems
    • Data storage devices
  • Consulting and professional services
    • IT setup and support
    • Systems integration
    • Cybersecurity assessments

The loan can pay for up to 100% of these costs. This helps you keep cash available for other needs, like hiring or buying inventory.

You can use GrantHub’s eligibility matcher to see if BDC Technology Financing fits your business needs before you apply.


How Do You Apply for BDC Technology Financing?

Applying for this loan is more detailed than applying for a grant, but it is manageable if you prepare your documents.

Steps to apply:

  1. Prepare your project plan
    • List the technology you want to buy
    • Gather supplier quotes and set timelines
  2. Collect financial documents
    • Recent financial statements
    • Cash flow forecasts
  3. Apply through BDC
    • Use their online portal or talk to a BDC advisor
  4. BDC reviews your application
    • They check your credit and business stability
  5. Approval and funding
    • If approved, you receive the funds based on agreed terms

BDC may set up your repayment schedule to match the way your new technology helps your business.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Thinking this is a grant
    BDC Technology Financing is a loan. You must repay the full amount with interest.

  2. Applying too soon
    If your business has less than 12 months of revenue, your application will likely be turned down.

  3. Including costs that do not qualify
    Regular operating expenses, wages, or marketing costs are not eligible unless they are directly tied to your tech project.

  4. Incomplete financial records
    Missing or outdated statements can delay or stop your approval.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is BDC Technology Financing a grant or a loan?
It is a repayable loan, not a grant. You must repay the full amount under the terms you agree to.

Q: How much can I borrow?
You may be able to borrow up to 100% of your eligible technology project costs, depending on your business finances.

Q: Does my business need to be profitable to qualify?
You need to be earning revenue and able to repay the loan. Good cash flow is more important than high profits.

Q: Are consulting fees covered?
Yes. Technology-related consulting, such as IT setup or systems integration, is an eligible expense.

Q: Is BDC Technology Financing considered government assistance?
BDC loans count as debt, not grants. Ask your accountant how to record them for tax and reporting.


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