Move forward with confidence
Adopt digital technologies and artificial intelligence that support your business goals and long‑term growth.
Set your priorities
Adopting AI and digital technology works best when your business is ready for what’s next.
Make the right choices
Get guidance to choose Canadian solutions that fit your goals and your digital and AI maturity.
Plan and implement
Technology consulting and financing to plan and implement your digital and AI investments.
Developing a plan together
Build a clear roadmap with the right technologies, timelines and recommendations to guide your digital or AI adoption. The plan includes:
IT roadmap and infrastructure
Including software, hardware, digital service providers, and AI options suppliers2.
Security and compliance
Boost security, manage risks and support compliance in the context of cybersecurity projects, with or without certification.
Timeline and roles
Identify activities, timelines and roles aligning stakeholders and ensuring efficient delivery.
Potential benefit analysis
Calculation of potential business gains and cost savings relative to project investments to validate assumptions and guide decisions.
Estimated project cost
Costs include software, hardware, integration, training, staffing and data needs.
You can finance...
- Data infrastructure
- Secure data platforms
- Cybersecurity tools
- Cybersecurity readiness
- Security audits
- ERP systems
- CRM systems
- System configuration
- AI use-case development and implementation
- Training and integration (adoption costs)
- Flexible financing Financing is available for loan amounts ranging from $25K to $2M, with the option to postpone capital payments for up to 12 months.
- More time to repay Loans can be amortized for up to 6 years, including a capital payment postponement, offering flexibility as you implement your project.
Minimum requirements
- Canadian-based businesses with at least $1M in revenue
- Strong financial foundation and solid credit history
- Investment focused on digital, data, AI, or cybersecurity
- Business is currently generating profits
- Up-to-date plan to implement AI and digital solutions with a clear roadmap
With LIFT, you must work with qualified Canadian AI, digital, or integration solutions for your transformation.
Resources
Access free guides, articles and tools on digital and AI technologies to set you up for success.
Frequently asked questions
Both. Adopting AI is critical for improving productivity and your bottom line. Consulting helps you assess digital maturity, build a roadmap and prepare your investment before applying for financing.
LIFT is for Canadian businesses with an annual revenue of at least $1M, seeking to improve efficiency or competitiveness through AI or advanced technology. Eligibility also depends on your financial health, industry, and the nature of your project.
Developing a plan with BDC Advisory Services is an important step, but financing approval remains subject to BDC’s standard eligibility criteria.
Yes. Your advisor can help you determine whether a supplier is Canadian when selecting AI, software, hardware or digital service providers and integrators.
Yes, a plan that identifies the investments you want to prioritize and clear roadmap for implementation is required.
For AI adoption, businesses with an annual revenue of $1M or more from any industry can qualify3.
The amount depends on your revenue, project scope, business profile and your company’s financial strength. In some cases, financing can exceed the base cost of equipment to include eligible implementation expenses, subject to review and approval.
Yes. BDC offers other financing and consulting options to support digital transformation and AI adoption. A BDC advisor can help you determine the best solution for your needs.
Ready to apply?
1. When technology solutions are provided by Canadian suppliers. Conditions apply.
2. Preferential rates available when AI and digital solutions are sourced from Canadian suppliers. Financing subject to conditions.
3. With some exceptions including supplier of premises, hotels and trucking companies with less than 10 vehicles.