BDC Small Business Loan: compare the published tiers
BDC advertises online small business loans up to $350,000. The repayment terms and application criteria differ by amount.
Two published tiers
| Amount | Published repayment features |
|---|---|
| Up to $100,000 | Up to six months interest-only; five-year amortization. |
| Over $100,000 to $350,000 | Up to 12 months interest-only; up to eight-year amortization; certain fees apply. |
BDC’s current page lists Canadian location, profits, credit history and operating or financial history. Its tier-specific guidance includes revenue and personal credit indicators, and BDC notes that meeting them does not guarantee approval. Businesses with 12–24 months of operations may face different criteria and timelines; ask BDC which route applies.
Compare the offer, not a promised approval date
BDC advertises faster approval targets for complete applications, subject to conditions. Do not commit to a delivery deadline based on a marketing turnaround. Ask for the actual interest rate, fees, security, use-of-funds restrictions and repayment schedule before accepting an offer.
For an AI project, include implementation, training, support and subscriptions in the business budget, then ask which costs the proposed loan can finance. Compare LIFT if its project and revenue requirements fit; one product is not automatically cheaper or faster for every borrower.