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Business Loans

Start-up · Expansion · Stabilization

Flexible financing

The CDC offers term loans from $1,000 to $300,000 — and up to $750,000 through the Northeastern Ontario Investment Pool — for businesses at every stage: start-ups, expansions, and stabilization.

Loans are open (pay out early without penalty), stackable with other financing. Applications under $50,000 are typically approved within 10 business days.

Interest Rates
Prime + 2%
—
Prime + 4%
Rate is fixed for the life of the loan. Final rate based on application strength and risk profile.

Business Loans

$1K–$750K
Financing range
Flexible Financing Terms
Fast approval under $50K
Open
Prepay anytime, no penalty

Business Loans

Loan Products

Find the right fit for your needs.

CDC loans are designed for businesses at every stage — whether you're launching, expanding, or stabilizing an existing operation.

 

Core Product
$1,000 – $300,000
CDC Term Loans
Term loans are available for business related costs, including the purchase of equipment or buildings, leasehold improvements, inventory and working capital required to conduct business.
  • Fixed terms generally linked to the useful life of the asset or the cashflow profile of the business
  • Interest rate is fixed for the life of the loan — no variable rate risk
  • Loans are open — pay out early at any time without penalty
  • Loans are stackable — can be combined with other financing programs
  • Loans up to 50,000 have quick review process, typically within 10 business days, depending on the completeness of the information provided by the applicant
Rate: Prime + 2% to Prime + 4%  ·  Eligible: start-ups, expansions, stabilization
Large Capital
Up to $750,000
Northeastern Ontario Investment Pool (NEOIP)
For projects requiring capital beyond the standard CDC in-house limit, the NEOIP provides access to larger pools of regional investment funding. Eligibility criteria are the same as in-house loans.
  • Due to the scale, a third-party consultant conducts due diligence on behalf of the pool partners
  • Loan terms are fixed to the life of the asset or the cashflow profile of the business
  • Interest rate is generally fixed for the life of the loan
Same eligibility as in-house CDC loans  ·  Additional due diligence required

Who Can Apply

Built for every stage of business.

CDC loans are available to businesses at three stages — no minimum revenue or operating history required to start a conversation

Start-ups

Launching a new business and need capital for equipment, leasehold improvements, or initial operating costs.

Expansions

Growing an existing operation — new location, additional equipment, increased capacity, or change of ownership.

Stabilization

Addressing a financial challenge, restructuring debt, or bridging a cash flow gap to keep operations running smoothly.

 
Getting Started

How to apply.

01

Talk to Us First

Not sure which product fits? Start with a free Business Counselling session. CDC staff will help you identify the right loan type and strengthen your application before you submit.

02

Submit Your Application

Complete the online application. Have your business plan, financial projections, and supporting documents ready — a more complete submission means a faster decision.

03

Review & Approval

CDC staff review your file and may follow up with questions. Applications under $50,000 are typically reviewed within 10 business days of receiving complete information.

04

Funding & Ongoing Support

Once approved, your fixed rate is locked in and funds are advanced. You're welcome to return for additional counselling or financing as your business evolves.

 
Frequently Asked

Common questions.

What is the interest rate on CDC Loans?

Rates range from Prime + 2% to Prime + 4%, based on application strength and risk profile. The rate is fixed for the full term of the loan.

Can I pay off my loan early?

Yes — all CDC loans are open, meaning you can pay out the balance at any time without penalty.

Can I stack a CDC loan with other funding sources?

Yes CDC loans can be combined with other sources of financing allowing you to assemble a larger overall financial package

How quickly can I get approved?

Applications up to $50,000 are normally approved within 10 business days, provided all required information is submitted with the application.

What if I need more than $300,000?

Larger projects can be considered through the Northeastern Ontario Investment Pool (NEOIP), which offers financing up to $750,000. Eligibility criteria are the same as standard in-house loans, though a third-party due diligence review is required at that scale.

Do I need an existing business to apply?

No — start-ups are eligible. If you're pre-launch, a free Business Counselling session is a great first step to make sure your application is as strong as possible before you submit.

Business Loans

Local business owner working at their business

BUSINESS FINANCING

 

READY TO FINANCE YOUR NEXT STEP?

Whether you're starting, expanding or investing in your business, our team can help you explore flexible financing options designed for local entrepreneurs.

DISCUSS YOUR FINANCING  →