Looking for the best small business loan in Canada to take your company to the next level? Big banks aren’t your only option. Many private lenders offer flexible Canadian business loans with customizable terms, from merchant cash advances to loans for startups and established companies.
We break down the best small business loans for Canadian businesses. Plus, get tips for comparing business loans to find the right option for your needs.
Private business loans are a solid option if you’re looking for alternatives to bank business loans. Direct private lenders generally have easier eligibility criteria and faster approvals than banks. Rather than having strict requirements for your credit score or revenue, they take a more holistic approach and look at your overall financial situation.
Journey Capital offers a number of different loan options with different terms and repayment schedules, including term loans, lines of credit and merchant cash advances. You can typically access the funds in as little as 24 hours after filling out a 10-minute application. Its starting rate is 8%, but you can get a lower rate if your credit and business are strong.
Pros
Easy process, won't ever have to visit a branch or office
Speedy distribution of funds, so you can count on getting approved and accessing funds in as little as 1 business day.
High loan amounts of up to $300,000 with very little documentation required.
No need to put up collateral to secure your loan.
Several loan options available, including flexible and fixed repayment options, merchant cash advances and lines of credit.
Cons
Your business must pull in monthly revenues of at least $100,000, with many clients expected to earn more than this.
Credit score requirements start at 600, even if your business makes a significant amount of revenue.
You'll need to be in business for at least 6+ months.
Online lenders are faster at approvals and funding than banks because they require less paperwork and don’t need to conduct any in-person interviews. You can get a business loan from alternative lenders within 24 to 72 hours, but their rates will be less competitive than banks.
Online lender Merchant Growth specializes in helping businesses across a range of industries like ecommerce, restaurants, automotive, retail, salons and spas, and manufacturing. It offers various types of loans, including ecommerce financing that can be used for just about anything you need for your business. You can also choose from merchant cash advances, flexible financing repayment plans, and fixed loans that are similar to traditional business loans. Get quick access to funds within 24 hours.
Pros
Easy online application process with a quick decision on qualifying.
High loan amounts of up to $800,000.
No collateral required so you don't need to secure your loan with business assets.
Many loan types to choose from to suit your business needs.
No minimum credit score required to qualify.
Cons
Monthly sales of at least $10,000 to take out a loan.
No home-based business allowed. Your business must have a physical location with at least 6 months left on the lease.
Start-ups can't apply. Your business must be more than 6 months old.
APR Range
12.99% - 39.99%
Loan Amount
$5,000 - $800,000
Loan Term
6 - 24 months
Fees
No application fees.
Turnaround Time
24 hours
Loans Offered
Unsecured Term, Line of Credit, Merchant Cash Advance
When you’re a startup it can be more difficult to get a business loan than established businesses with years of revenue. Applying to loan search platforms will help because they can match you with offers based on your unique profile. These platforms typically work with a large network of lenders and can help narrow down financing for you.
Loans Canada lets you compare lenders with one simple application using its online platform. All you have to do is fill out some information about your business along with a handful of personal details to get started. You'll then be matched up to a hand-picked list of lenders that will reach out to you to discuss your loan options. Using the Loans Canada comparison platform lets you pick the best small business loan for your personal situation.
Pros
Easy online application process you can complete within a matter of minutes.
You'll get quotes from multiple lenders to give you as many options as possible so you can find the best loan for your needs.
You can apply for as much as $500,000 in financing with a single application.
Free service so you can use the Loans Canada platform without incurring any charges.
You can consider many loan types, including instalment loans, lines of credit, commercial mortgages and merchant cash advances.
Cons
Your business must make at least $120,000 in annual revenue.
Quotes come from affiliated providers so you'll only get to choose from lenders that are partnered with Loans Canada.
No physical locations so you won't get any in-person customer service.
No online quotes
instead you'll need to speak to lenders over the phone to consider your loan offers.
Lenders with flexible financing can offer small to large loan amounts, short to long loan terms, fixed term or revolving credit, and unsecured or secured options. Applying to a lender with flexible loan options helps if your needs are unique and you’re looking for a tailored solution.
SharpShooter Funding Business Loan
SharpShooter is one of the best small business loan options for young companies because it considers applicants who have been in business for at least 100 days, instead of 6 months which is a more common eligibility requirement. Instead, its emphasis is on your monthly income – your business must pull in at least $4,166 /month. It offers a number of different loans based on the needs of your business, including traditional business loans and merchant cash advances.
Pros
Receive a decision on your loan application in less than 24 hours with funds deposited into your account in less than 3 days.
Terms of up to 5 years, providing businesses with flexibility on repayment options.
Decent interest rates, starting at as low as 5.49%.
No collateral required so you don't need to put up an asset to secure your loan.
Low minimum credit score of .
Cons
High interest rates for longer loan terms.
Administration fees, which will vary depending on factors like your credit history, type of business and how much you make each year.
Stricter criteria for long term loans. If you are aiming for a long-term business loan, you'll need to be in operation for 12 months to qualify.
With business term loans, you receive a lump sum that you’ll repay in installments over time. With alternative lenders, the longest loan term you can get is typically 24 months, though some may offer up to 60 months. Banks usually offer terms of up to 60 months.
Driven Business Loan
Driven, formerly known as Thinking Capital, is one of the largest alternative lenders of small business loans in Canada. It has been lending since 2006 and has supported over 17,000 businesses across Canada. You can fill out its application in less than 10 minutes and get pre-qualifed with no impact to credit. Choose between daily or weekly payments and a loan term between 2 - 24 months.
Pros
Established lender with years of experience
Fast approvals and financing
No hidden fees
No restrictions on how your loan is used
Save on interest by paying early
Cons
Fixed rate only
High rates for bad credit
APR Range
Starting at 4.00%
Loan Amount
$5,000 - $300,000
Loan Term
2 - 24 months
Fees
Fixed daily, weekly or bi-weekly loan payments Yearly fee of between 8% and 22% of your borrowed amount Late fees and non-sufficient funds fees
Turnaround Time
24-48 Hours
Loans Offered
Line Of Credit, Merchant Cash Advance
Minimum Revenue
$120,000 per year
Min. Credit Score
600
Minimum Time in Business
6 months
APR Range
Starting at 4.00%
Loan Amount
$5,000 - $300,000
Loan Term
2 - 24 months
Best bad credit business loan
If you have bad credit and need a loan for your business, it can be difficult to find a lender who’s willing to take on the risk of financing you. This is why it can be helpful to apply to a business loan broker or loan search platform that’s partnered with various lenders. By filling out one application, you can get matched with lenders who are open to giving you a bad credit business loan.
Loans Canada lets you compare lenders with one simple application using its online platform. All you have to do is fill out some information about your business along with a handful of personal details to get started. You'll then be matched up to a hand-picked list of lenders that will reach out to you to discuss your loan options. Using the Loans Canada comparison platform lets you pick the best small business loan for your personal situation.
Pros
Easy online application process you can complete within a matter of minutes.
You'll get quotes from multiple lenders to give you as many options as possible so you can find the best loan for your needs.
You can apply for as much as $500,000 in financing with a single application.
Free service so you can use the Loans Canada platform without incurring any charges.
You can consider many loan types, including instalment loans, lines of credit, commercial mortgages and merchant cash advances.
Cons
Your business must make at least $120,000 in annual revenue.
Quotes come from affiliated providers so you'll only get to choose from lenders that are partnered with Loans Canada.
No physical locations so you won't get any in-person customer service.
No online quotes
instead you'll need to speak to lenders over the phone to consider your loan offers.
Merchant cash advances are an alternative to traditional business loans. They are generally easier to get. With this type of financing, you get a lump sum upfront and repay it based on a percentage of your future sales (via credit card receipts). You’ll repay daily, weekly or monthly, and the cost of getting the loan is included in these payments.
2M7 Merchant Cash Advance
2M7 Financial Solutions is a business lender that offers Merchant Cash Advances as an alternative to traditional business term loans. It specializes in helping businesses that can't get standard business loans receive cash before they actually earn it. 2M7 assess you against your anticipated future credit and debit card sales in order to determine funding. It's a good option for businesses that haven't been operating for very long since they focus less on your credit history and instead emphasizes your company's future sales.
Pros
Fast funding
Offers cash advances of up to 125% of your average monthly sales
Soft credit check only
Your repayment amount will fluctuate based on your sales
Cons
This type of loan won't help build up your personal or business credit score
Unavailable in Quebec
APR Range
Varies
Loan Amount
$10,000 - $250,000
Loan Term
3 - 6 months
Fees
There is a one-time “factor rate” fee that’s between 1.18 and 1.48 and is multiplied by the amount of your cash advance to determine the total amount that must be paid back. This is the only fee you’re charged for your cash advance.
Turnaround Time
A few hours up to two business days, depending on how accurate and complete your application is
The major banks are a popular option for small businesses. They’ll work with you to customize a financing solution suited for your needs. They can offer better rates than alternative lenders, but they have stricter eligibility requirements and need more paperwork. You will also need to visit a branch for an interview.
CIBC Business Loan
Businesses may be able to qualify for a CIBC bank business loan if they can prove that they meet certain eligibility criteria, including having a significant amount of industry experience, a detailed business plan, a high credit score and a personal financial stake in your business. You'll need to prove that your business generates positive revenue, meaning your inflows exceed your outflows for at least 12 to 24 months. For this reason, established companies may be more likely to qualify for a CIBC small business loan. You'll also need to be able to show that your business has the capacity to earn enough money to allow you to pay back your loan on time.
Pros
Flexible loan options, including secured and unsecured business loans with fixed or variable interest rates.
Loan amounts starting at a $10,000.
Long amortization periods of up to 15 years.
Other borrowing options, including overdraft protection or a line of credit.
Cons
You can't apply for a CIBC business loan online
you must visit a branch to get your application started.
No loans for less than $10,000, which may be too much for some small businesses.
Interest rates aren't listed online so you'll have to visit CIBC in person to see what rate you qualify for.
Loan Amount
starts at $10,000
Loan Term
Up to 15 years
Fees
No monthly fee, $150 to $1,000 setup fee, $50 to $150 renewal fee, no prepayment fees for variable rate loans, $150 amendment fee
Turnaround Time
Not disclosed online
Minimum Revenue
Not disclosed online
Minimum Time in Business
You’ll need to prove that your business generates positive revenue, meaning your inflows exceed your outflows for at least 12 to 24 months.
Loan Amount
starts at $10,000
Loan Term
Up to 15 years
Best bank for a long-term business loan
Banks offer the best solutions when you need to make large purchases, such as equipment and real estate. Compared to alternative lenders, they offer larger amounts and longer loan terms at better rates. Banks are a strong option when you have good credit and positive revenue.
TD Small Business Loan
As one of the Big Five, TD is a strong contender when you need larger loan amounts and longer loan terms. If you have an asset such as real estate for collateral, TD offers amortization periods of up to 30 years. For comparison, BMO offers 15 years, CIBC offers 15 years, RBC offers 25 years and Scotiabank offers 20 years. To apply, you'll need to provide your Notices of Assessment, financial statements, personal net worth statements and an Agreement of Purchase and Sale if you're buying real estate.
Pros
Large, reputable lender
Competitive rates
Fixed and variable rates
Flexible financing options
Cons
Bad credit may not qualify
startups may not qualify
May require an in-person loan interview
Loan Amount
Min. $1,000 (no max.)
Loan Term
1 to 5 years
Loan Amount
Min. $1,000 (no max.)
Loan Term
1 to 5 years
How we selected the best small business loans in Canada
We’ve chosen the products on this page based on the providers available through Finder and online in the Canadian business loans marketplace. These loans are not representative of the entire market.
When choosing the best small business loans, we considered each lender’s loan amounts, turnaround time, APRs, fees, transparency, customer service, ease of application and perks. No single business loan will be the best choice for everyone, so compare your options before applying.
Where can I get the best small business loans in Canada?
Here are some of the most common types of business finance lenders where you can get the best small business loans in Canada:
Online direct lenders
Online direct lenders are becoming increasingly popular among businesses that have trouble getting small business bank loans. Online lenders often offer higher interest rates and fees, but it may be quicker and easier to get approved. Some lenders provide the best small business loans in as little as 24 hours.
Peer-to-peer lenders
Peer-to-peer lenders are similar to online lenders, except they don’t provide the funding themselves. Instead, they connect you to investors who will fund your loan through their online platform. Peer-to-peer lenders can provide some of the best small business loans in Canada for those who worry they may not qualify with more traditional lenders, like banks.
Online loan search platforms
Unlike peer-to-peer lenders that match you with lenders, online search platforms match you with lenders. This makes it super easy to compare a wide selection of lenders to find the best business loans in Canada. But you’re typically limited to the platform’s partners and aren’t exposed to all possible lenders and loan options.
Banks
Banks seem like an obvious place to go for a loan, especially if you’ve been borrowing for a long time. However, bank business loans can take more time to receive and sometimes require interviews or even in-person visits before you can even be considered for funding.
What banks offer business loans in Canada?
All big banks in Canada offer business financing options including small business loans. The best bank for small business loans in Canada depends on your financing needs and circumstances. To help narrow down your options, here’s a brief summary of some bank business loans in Canada:
Bank
Business loan features
Other sample business financing
Variable and fixed interest rates
Fixed-rate loan terms from 1 to 5 years
Amortization up to 30 years based on the asset
Overdraft Protection
TD business credit card
Business Line of Credit
Business Mortgage
CSBF Loan
Up to $1,000,000
Variable and fixed interest rates
Loan terms from 3 to 10 years
Amortization for real estate up to 20 years
Scotiabank business credit cards
Income Property Lending Program
Scotia Flex for business
Credit Line for business
Black-Led Business Financing Program
CSBF Loan
Starts at $10,000
Variable and fixed interest rates
Amortization up to 15 years
Secured and unsecured options
Lines of Credit
Overdraft Protection
Black Entrepreneur Program
Agriculture Loans and Lines of Credit
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
CSBF Loan
Starts at $5,000
Variable and fixed interest rates
Amortization based on the life of the asset
RBC business credit cards
Royal Business Overdraft
Royal Business Operating Line
RoyFarm Agriculture Business Mortgage
Commercial Mortgage
CSBF Loan
Loan amounts vary depending on the type of term loan
Variable and fixed interest rates
Amortization up to 15 years or based on the asset
BMO business credit card
Credit Line for Business
Small Business Homeowner Line of Credit
Agri ReadiLine® Line of Credit
CSBF Loan
Up to $100,000
Fixed interest rate
Loan term of 60 months
Start-up financing
Commercial real estate financing
Purchase Order financing
Equipment purchase financing
Business purchase or transfer financing
Working capital financing
Canada Small Business Financing Program
If you need money to establish or expand your small business, the Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) is one of the best business loan options to consider. These loans are backed by the government, so you can get access to funding you might not be able to qualify for on your own. They also come with some of the most competitive interest rates on the market.
Any small businesses or start-ups operating for profit in Canada are eligible as long as they have gross annual revenues of $10 million or less. The funds can be used to buy or improve land, buy or improve new or used equipment, or to take out a lease or pay for renovations made to a leased property. You can get the CSBFP loan from a participating financial institution.
How to compare the best small business loans in Canada
If you’re a business owner thinking about taking out financing to take your company to the next level, you may be wondering how to choose the best small business loan and lender to suit your needs. Here are the key factors to focus on:
Loan amounts. What do you need financing for and how much do you need to borrow? Some lenders offer small loans starting as low as $200 while others will lend you up to $5 million if you qualify. Identify the amount you’ll need to filter out options.
Interest rates. The interest rates a lender will qualify you for could be the make-or-break decision for you while shopping for the best business loans. Rates could run as low as 3% and as high as 30-40%, depending on these factors. Learn more about business loan interest rates.
Loan terms. How much time do you need to repay your loan? Loan terms can range from 6 months to 20 years, based on how much you borrow.
Fees. Many small business loans come with hidden fees that can drive up the cost of your loan. Make sure you understand how much you’ll have to pay for application and origination fees as well as any ongoing annual or monthly fees.
Repayment options. Some loans let you pay your balance back in regular fixed instalments over the lifetime of your loan while others take a portion of your monthly sales.
Loan type. While traditional business loans, which provide a lump sum of funding you need to repay in fixed payments, are the most common, other loan types are available such as business lines of credit and merchant cash advances.
How to get approved for the best small business loans in Canada
You’ll need to put your best financial foot forward as you’re making your case to lenders when applying for a business loan. Increase your chances of approval and get the best rates and terms with these tips:
Check your personal credit score to figure out which lenders your small business qualifies for. It’s also worth checking for mistakes on your report. If your business is more established, you may have a business credit score that lenders consider as well.
Know your business’s finances backward and forward. Get all of your documentation together ahead of time and have it on hand. Make sure you’re acquainted with your business’s net assets, debts, revenue and projected revenue.
Even if your lender doesn’t require it, a solid business plan means you’re on top of your business’s finances and future projections. Business plans make it easier to understand the types of financing you need, how much and what you might qualify for.
The best way to get an idea of what rates you might qualify for is by prequalifying or calling your lender.
Many small business lenders require business owners to put a lien on their personal assets as collateral. Securing your loan takes some of the risk off of the lender and can help you qualify for more competitive rates.
Lenders like to see that your business has a track record of steady revenue (typically at least $10,000) coming in to reassure them that you can afford to pay off your loan. For the most part, they require at least 6 months of business records.
How to apply for a business loan in Canada
These days, you can apply for a small business loan in person, over the phone or online in a matter of minutes depending on the lender you’ve decided to work with.
Find the best loan you and your business qualify for. Make sure your business fits the eligibility requirements for the loan you’ve set your sights on. If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible or not, contact customer service.
Complete your application. Some lenders require an loan application appointment while others let you apply online any time. Before submitting your application, review it carefully for errors to avoid delays.
Get approved. The timing depends on your lender. Some online lenders provide a decision instantly or within 1 business day, while others may take up to a week. Once approved, make arrangements to receive your funding.
Required information and documents
When you apply for one of the best small business loans in Canada, you may be asked to provide the following information:
Your full name, contact information and Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Your full business name, address, phone number and email address.
Your industry and the date you started your business.
The annual revenue of your business.
Your personal bank account information and income earned.
How much you’re looking to borrow.
How you intend to use your loan.
You may also need financial and legal documentation, including:
Bank statements
Revenue statements
Business and personal tax returns
Personal credit score
Insurance or collateral
Business plan
What affects the cost of the best small business loans?
For this reason, business loan costs are dependent on various factors, including your interest rate, extra fees, the lender, loan purpose, collateral, your business’s financial position, time in business and your personal finances.
Business loan calculator
Calculate the costs of the best small business loans in Canada
How much can I borrow with a Canadian small business loan?
Small business loans range from as low as $200 with a merchant cash advance to several million dollars with an asset-secured loan. The amount you can borrow depends on the lender and personal factors like your credit score, debt-to-income ratio and business revenue.
You’ll qualify for more money with the best small business loans in Canada if you have an established business, a strong credit rating and a decent amount of disposable income. You’ll qualify for less if you run a startup or have poor credit.
When should I get a small business loan in Canada?
Whether you want to hire more staff, buy more equipment or take out a lease on a new property, there are endless reasons to get a small business loan.
Ultimately, you should only apply for one of the best small business loans in Canada if it is absolutely necessary. Your business should not shoulder more debt if it doesn’t need to.
The most common reasons why businesses take out a loan include:
Starting a new business
Buying or expanding office and retail space
Buying equipment or inventory purchases for daily operations
Hiring staff
Investing in a business opportunity
Building business credit history as you pay off your loan
Buying marketing or advertising materials
Types of loans for small businesses in Canada
Click on one of the following loans to find out which type of financing might work best for your small business.
How it works: Your business takes out a lump sum to cover a one-time expense. Pay it back in monthly repayments plus interest and fees. Term loans typically don’t come with many restrictions as long as you use them for business purposes.
How much you can borrow: You can generally borrow up to $1.25 million and pay it off between 1 and 7 years, sometimes longer.
Best for: Covering one-time expenses like hiring new staff, buying office supplies or technology or other costs that your business doesn’t need to cover regularly.
How it works: Similar to a credit card, opening a line of credit gives your business access to cash when it needs money. You only pay interest on what you actually borrow and have a certain time frame to pay it off. You can borrow up to your credit limit and then pay it off and continuously borrow as long as the line of credit is open.
How much you can borrow: Your business can typically get access to between $2,000 and $500,000 with repayment periods of 6 months to a few years.
Best for: Covering recurring expenses, picking up the slack during an off season or paying for ongoing projects where costs are difficult to predict.
How it works: Business owners get an advance on their future sales, which they pay back with a percentage of their profits plus interest and fees.
How much you can borrow: Typically around 20% of your business’s monthly profits.
Best for: Retail or other businesses that rely on credit card sales.
Compare business loans in Canada
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Bottom line
There is no one “best” small business loan for everyone. Many businesses that don’t qualify for bank small business loans may get funding from private online lenders, which often offer more convenient approval and more flexible terms. Check out our guide to learn more about business financing and find lenders your business qualifies for.
Frequently asked questions about Canadian small business loans
The most common type of small business loan is a term loan, where a lender gives you a lump sum that you pay back plus interest and fees.
However, there are plenty of other small business loans that could better fit your business's needs, so be sure to compare your options before signing for a loan.
Yes. While many business lenders ask for a lien on your business assets as collateral — especially those with more lenient credit requirements — it's possible to find an unsecured business loan.
Collateral isn't necessarily bad, however. You can often get lower rates when your loan is secured, since it's less risky for the lender.
Getting a business loan to start a business can be difficult, and it's not always a good idea. New businesses are extremely risky: If you can't pay back your loan, which is a high possibility, it could ruin your personal finances.
That doesn't mean you can't get financing to launch your new business through other means. Sources like angel investors, venture capitalists and crowdfunding platforms might be better, less risky places to start.
The short answer: It depends on the type of loan you want and the lender you ultimately decide on. Online lenders can get you funding as quickly as the next business day, while bank loans typically take at least a couple of weeks.
It can vary, but generally lenders will ask for the following documents:
A personal bank statement
A business bank statement
Your business's most recent tax return
A business plan including financial projections
Your business's license and information
If you apply through a bank, your business might ask for many more documents, including a schedule of your business's debts, proof of collateral and even your personal resume.
Carmen Chai is a freelance writer at Finder, specializing in financial products. She is an award-winning Canadian journalist who has lived and reported from major cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, London and Paris. She has reported on personal finance, mortgages, and banking products for nearly a decade.
Compare business startup loans in Canada to grow your new business.
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