Business Loans

Canadian Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) Loan

Get your small business growing with CSBFP.

The funding you need

Qualified entrepreneurs can apply for financing to establish a start-up or improve their small business.

Less risk, more opportunity

With ATB and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada working together to manage your risk, you can focus on what you do best—running your business.

The tools to build your dream

Get expert advice and connect with other Alberta entrepreneurs with ATB X.

Key product details

Maximum funding amount $1.15 million, including:

$1 million for term loans with up to $500,000 for equipment and leasehold improvements and $150,000 for intangible assets and working capital cost.

A $150,000 line of credit for working capital costs. (This is completely separate from the $150,000 portion of the loan mentioned above.)
Maximum loan term Term loan: Max term of 15 years. Terms will vary deal by deal and will be determined by your banker.

Line of credit: Max term of five years.
Interest rate Determined by your banker in accordance with program guidelines.
Fees 2% registration fee with the ability to finance.
Other loan application fees may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Any new or existing small business operating in Canada with gross annual revenue under $10 million qualifies for this loan. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations and qualifying cooperatives. In 2021 the Government of Canada updated the CSBFP definition of “small business” to include not-for-profit, charitable and religious organizations that carry on businesses. For more on eligibility, refer to the official CSBFP website.

The maximum loan amount for a borrower is $1.15 million which includes the following:

  • $1 million of this is a term loan, which includes up to $500,000 for equipment and leasehold improvements and $150,000 for intangible assets and working capital costs.
  • The remaining $150,000 is a line of credit for working capital costs. (This line of credit is completely separate from the $150,000 portion of the term loan mentioned above.)

Please note that the maximum amount that a borrower can have at any time includes the total of outstanding principal balances of all other CSBFA term loans. Also, if the registration fee is financed, the maximum loan amounts would include the amount of the registration fee.

To learn more, visit the Government of Canada’s CSBFP website.

Ineligible expenses include borrower's labour, pre-existing term loan, pre-existing line of credit, shares, vendor take-back financing, exchange or barter. Farming, and commercial or residential rental properties also don’t qualify for this loan. You can find more on the Government of Canada’s CSBFP website.

And don’t worry if your business is not eligible. Your ATB business banking team can help you find other sources of funding.

Connect with an expert.

Starting or growing a small business takes courage—and financing. Working with the federal government, we're here to help you thrive!

Find the right loan for your business.

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