National Programs

• Aboriginal Business Canada (ABC) provides support to Aboriginal entrepreneurs for a range of activities including business planning, start-up, expansion and marketing.
• Industry Canada is a federal government department that fosters a growing, competitive, knowledge-based Canadian economy.  Industry Canada’s services include developing industry and technology capability, fostering scientific research, setting telecommunications policy, promoting investment and trade, promoting tourism and small business development, and setting rules and services that support the effective operation of the marketplace.  Industry Canada also provides funding through:
  • Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is a financial institution offering flexible, long-term financing and consulting to small and medium enterprises. BDC also offers venture capital and subordinate financing to high-growth firms. The long-term loans can help businesses increase their working capital and purchase fixed assets.
  • The Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF) program can assist businesses in obtaining term loans of up to $500,000 to help finance fixed asset needs. The loans are made directly by a qualified lender (chartered banks, and most credit unions).
• Western Economic Diversification Canada is a federal government department whose mandate is to promote the development and diversification of the economy of Western Canada and advance the interests of the West in national economic policy. WD supports initiatives that contribute to innovation, business development and entrepreneurship and community economic development.  WD provides funding support to the following organizations as part of the Western Canada Business Service Network:
  •  Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDC)s are grassroots business and economic development organizations who provide technical and advisory services to businesses, loans to small and medium enterprises, self-employment assistance programs, and services targeted to youth and entrepreneurs with disabilities.  There are 13 CFDCs across Saskatchewan.
  • Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan is a non-profit organization that provides women entrepreneurs including advisory services, training options, networking opportunities, business loans and referrals to complementary services.   WE’s head office is currently in Saskatoon with a branch location in Regina.
  • Conseil de la Coopération de la Saskatchewan provides business services to Francophones including training, business and community economic development, access to capital, information services, marketing advice, networking and mentoring.  The Saskatchewan office is located in Regina, SK.

Need more financing information?  Try Canada Business (a federal-provincial business partnership) for a detailed list of funding and loans options for businesses.