There are many programs available for equipment financing. The BDC has a loan program, which under certain circumstances provides up to 125% funding on equipment purchases. This loan program is designed not only to finance 100% of the cost of the equipment but also to provide funds for installation and training.
 
The chartered banks and credit unions administer a loan program that is 85% guaranteed under the Canada Small Business Financing Act. Under this loan program the borrower can get up to 90% of the cost of equipment – up to a maximum of $250,000 – at interest that is no more than prime plus 3%, and a personal guarantee to a maximum of 25% of the loan.

There are several federal government-sponsored lending agencies in Canada that will lend up to 50% of the cost of equipment, interest free, amortized over 10 years. Each province has an economic development agency and an array of funding sources that also provide loans.

A good source for information on funding sources is the network of Canada Business Service Centres across Canada. There is one for each province, and each has links to a number of funding sources in that province.

Another good source for identifying financing is the Industry Canada website.