Steel and Aluminium Industries Support Program

If rising tariffs are putting pressure on your bottom line, BDC can help. We support viable Canadian businesses with working capital to offset higher costs, protect jobs and productive capacity, while creating the flexibility to adapt and strengthen operations amid ongoing trade challenges.

Is your business eligible?

Check out some of the general requirements.

New to Financing? Take a look at our FAQ.

Minimum requirements

Location	Based in Canada
Industry	Manufacturers of steel, aluminium, copper and fabricated products, or products mostly or entirely made of steel, aluminium and copper
Exports	to the United States
Annual revenues	$1M or more
Years in operation	3 years or more
Financial viability	Sufficiently covered your obligations, including loan payments and other fixed costs, before 2025.

How to apply

Submit a loan request online

Tell us a little about your business and your needs. To prepare for step 2, it’s a good idea to begin assembling your financial statements for the past three years.

Talk to a representative

We will call you to discuss your project in depth, including the documents needed for our analysis (see FAQ below for more details).

Get a tailored solution

If you’re approved, we’ll send you a loan offer based on your financial needs and capabilities.

Get working capital to…

Ease cost pressures
Stabilize operations
Cover operational expenses
Preserve cash flow
Manage market disruptions

You're in good hands

Choosing a loan is about more than just interest rates. The fine print is just as important—and our terms and conditions are designed to give you more flexibility and financial control over your business.

We’re there in good times and in bad

We’ve supported our clients through market downturns and other events beyond their control.

We're not one size fits all

We take the time to review your business needs and offer solutions that leave you enough breathing room to realize your goals.

We’re committed to you long-term

We won't change our terms and conditions or demand early repayment without a valid reason.

Preferred rates so you can take action

Take advantage of preferred interest rates to help you quickly pivot your business.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Steel and Aluminium Industries Support Program?

BDC has been mandated to implement a $1 billion financing program to support companies in the steel and aluminium industries in addressing the impacts of tariffs, particularly with respect to liquidity and their ability to maintain operations.

Companies can obtain $250,000 to $50 million in financing to provide temporary liquidity support. The objective is to give otherwise sound businesses the breathing room needed to navigate this period, protect jobs, maintain operations and adapt.

How can my business qualify for this loan?

Support is targeted to Canadian businesses in the steel, aluminium or copper value chain that have been materially impacted by U.S. tariffs.

Eligibility crieteria include:

Canadian-based and headquartered commercial entities;
Financially viable before 2025: notably able to meet their operating expenses and financial obligations;
Material exposure to steel, aluminium or copper tariffs;
Minimum revenue thresholds of $1M annually.

What documents do I need to provide?

Once you have completed the BDC online application form, a representative will contact you to request additional documentation. You should prepare*:

An organizational chart
3 years of financial statements (including interim FIs, if applicable)
Recent financial statements including cash-flow statements
Borrowing based information and compliance certificate
Tariff-related requirements and supporting information

_{*More detailed documents could be required.}

What can the loan be used for?

Loans are intended to fund operational cash-flow needs (working capital), including regularly scheduled monthly debt or lease payments. The intent is to provide liquidity to continue operations while companies work through the tariff-driven disruption.

Are copper producers eligible?

Yes, copper producers are eligible under this program.

What other financing options and consulting services are available if I don’t qualify for the Steel and aluminium Program?

If you don’t meet the eligibility criteria for the Steel and Aluminium Industries Support Program, visit our solutions page to explore tools, insights and financing options designed to help businesses navigate economic uncertainty and support growth. You can also contact your local Regional Development Agency (RDA) to learn about financing programs and support measures available in your region.

Beyond financing, our consulting experts can help you strengthen your business through financial management, operational efficiency and strategic planning. Explore our consulting services.

What does “material exposure” mean?

Material exposure includes companies that either export products directly subject to tariffs or sell goods that contain steel, aluminium and copper components where the full good is now tariffed.

Can I apply even if my company has another BDC loan?

Yes. Eligible companies may also use other BDC and/or Government support programs, where permitted, to meet their needs.

Ready to apply?

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*Conditions apply. Subject to loan approval. Businesses must demonstrate direct negative material impact on their operations and profitability due to U.S. tariffs. Loan must be used to address potential impacts from tariffs. The business must have been viable before the implementation of tariffs. Business viability under this program is determined based on multiple considerations, including, but not limited to, whether the business was able to meet its operating expenses and financial obligations prior to 2025. The Steel and Aluminium Industries Support Program is available until December 31, 2026, or the full utilization of the envelope allotment – whichever occurs first.

Steel and Aluminium Industries Support Program Financial support to help manage rising tariffs