Business loans in Canada

By Tony Freanisco, Personal Finance Writer at BorrowNow.ca · Published August 18, 2026 · Last updated August 19, 2026

Business loans help Canadian owners cover working capital, equipment and growth. Compare licensed lenders in one quick application – matched on your business and ability to repay, with no impact to your personal credit to compare.

At a glance: Working capital, equipment & growth · Sole proprietors & incorporated · Matched on revenue & ability to repay · Compare multiple lenders at once · Costs disclosed before you sign


What a business loan is

A business loan gives your company a lump sum to invest in the business, repaid over an agreed term. Lenders look mainly at your business revenue and ability to repay – how long you’ve been operating and the money flowing through the business – rather than your personal credit score alone. BorrowNow helps you compare licensed Canadian lenders from one quick application instead of pitching each lender separately.

Business Loans in Canada

Whether you’re a sole proprietor or incorporated, the goal is the same: financing that fits your cash flow so the payments don’t strain the business.

What businesses use the funds for

Borrow against real, planned needs and match the term to how quickly the investment pays off. A short-term gap may only need a smaller, faster loan, while equipment might suit a longer term.

Business Loans: comparing your options in Canada

Types of business loans in Canada

Business loans come in a few standard shapes, and matching the shape to the need saves real money:

Established businesses with strong financials can also look at the government-backed Canada Small Business Financing Program, which shares the lender’s risk on loans for equipment, leasehold improvements and property. It runs through banks and credit unions with their own approval standards, so it complements rather than replaces comparing online business loans.

Get a business loan in three steps

Apply once and compare real offers from multiple lenders.

Choosing business loans with confidence

1

Apply quickly

Tell us how much your business needs and share basic details about your revenue.

2

Compare offers

We match you with licensed lenders so you can compare amount, term and total cost.

3

Get funded

Choose the offer that fits your cash flow and put the funds to work in your business.

Start my application →

Costs, terms and qualifying

The rate and term on a business loan depend on your revenue, time in business, the amount and the lender. Lenders in the network disclose the full cost of borrowing – including any fees and the annual rate – before you sign, so you can compare offers on the total cost, not just the payment. Reputable lenders never ask for an upfront fee to release funding or promise guaranteed approval.

Most lenders want to see that your business is operating and generating steady revenue. Strong cash flow can matter more than a perfect credit profile, which is why newer and rebuilding businesses are still often matched. Having the paperwork ready speeds every application for business loans: recent business bank statements, a picture of monthly revenue, your registration or incorporation details, and a clear number for what you need and why. Need personal financing instead? Compare a personal loan or installment loan.

One comparison habit separates cheap business loans from expensive ones: always ask for the total payback amount in dollars. Some products quote factor rates or weekly payments that hide the real cost, and two offers with similar payments can differ by thousands over the term. Licensed lenders will put the full figure in writing before you sign, and any lender that will not is telling you something.

Business Loans explained for Canadians

Frequently Asked Questions

What do lenders look at for business loans?

Mainly your business revenue, how long you’ve been operating, and your ability to repay. Strong, steady cash flow can matter more than a perfect personal credit score.

Can a new business qualify?

It depends on the lender, but many will consider newer businesses with steady revenue. Borrowing an amount your cash flow can clearly support improves your chances.

How much can I borrow?

It varies by lender and your revenue. Match the loan to a specific, planned need so the repayments fit your cash flow.

Will comparing affect my credit?

No. Comparing options on BorrowNow does not affect your credit score. A lender may only run a check if you move forward with a specific offer.

Sole proprietor or incorporated – does it matter?

Both can apply. The lender will simply assess the business’s income and your ability to repay based on how you’re set up.

How fast are business loans funded?

Timelines vary by lender and the amount, but online matching means you can compare offers quickly rather than waiting on one bank.

What will it cost?

Costs depend on the amount, term, your revenue and the lender, and the full cost of borrowing is disclosed before you sign. Always compare the total, not just the payment.

Ready to invest in your business? One quick application. No obligation. No impact to your personal credit score to compare.

See Your Options

About the Author

Tony Freanisco is a Personal Finance Writer at BorrowNow.ca covering borrowing, credit, and everyday money decisions for Canadians. He focuses on honest comparisons that help readers weigh every option before choosing what fits their budget. Read more from Tony Freanisco →

Disclaimer: BorrowNow.ca is a matching service, not a lender. Business financing terms and approval are set by licensed Canadian lenders and depend on your business and credit profile. All Canadian loans are subject to the federal 35% APR criminal interest rate cap. Borrow only what your business can afford to repay.