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Start-Up Financing and Grants

Have you come up with a great idea for a business but you’re stuck on how to finance it? Don’t worry, it’s a situation most new entrepreneurs are familiar with. The good news is, there’s plenty of ways you can secure the money you need to get your business off the ground.

This page is designed to take the mystery out of the process. You’ll discover how to prepare for meetings with lenders, what information they’re looking for, and whether lending or investing is the right fit for your business.

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Small Business BC’s team is here to assist. Contact Us, and we’ll help untangle the knot.

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Learn What Lenders are Looking for in a Business

When you approach a lender for finance, you’re hoping to enter into a mutually beneficial partnership that helps your business get off the ground. Learn how to prepare in advance and ensure your business meets the criteria for what they’re looking for,

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What are the Differences Between Lenders and Investors?

Unsure whether your business is suited to lending or investment? Discover how the process works when approaching lenders and investors, and the key differences between both. You’ll discover which path is more suited to your business.

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Glossary of Financial Terms

Doing research on financing can be a daunting prospect, especially with a whole new world of financial terms to unpack. If you aren’t familiar with terms like ‘Debt to Coverage Ratio’ and ‘Working Capital,’ you’ve come to the right place. Read our glossary of financial terms and understand what these commonly used words mean.

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Learn How Other Businesses Received Financing

Know your numbers and know your why. Lenders want to see that confidence from you that you believe in the business, and you know your plans inside out.

In five short years, Milena Canta has grown Vela Academy of Movement from an idea on a napkin, to a thriving dance studio and community in beautiful Port Moody. Discover how she navigated the start-up process and found early success.

Milena Canta

A strong business plan allows you to confidently articulate your business concept to people you don't know. Knowing your financials inside-out doesn't hurt either.

Learn how three Small Business BC clients navigated their Business Plan process and approached lenders for the financing they needed to get started. Businesses include, The Garden Strathcona, Hastings Overland, and Blanche Neige Laser.

Multiple Businesses


Read our simplified guide to each area of the start-up experience, highlighting the services and help you can lean on to achieve your goals.

10 Step Guide to Starting a Business


Small Business BC provides practical business education tailored for small businesses right here in BC. Whether you need help starting your business, hiring employees, managing operations, or anything else, Small Business BC is here to help. View our full calendar of business education.


Sign up for Small Business BC’s newsletter and be the first to discover our latest news, special offers, and practical resources for your small business. Sign up now, it’s free and easy!


Starting a business? Start with Small Business BC’s comprehensive list of free downloadable resources. We’ve got everything covered, from business plan templates, cash flow forecasting and our starting a business checklist. View Resources.


Join our free online hub of BC-based small businesses and reach a province-wide audience of engaged customers that are passionate about small business. Sign up now.


Our self-directed E-Learning courses are available anytime, anywhere. Each on-demand course consists of bite-sized topics filled with features like readings, handouts, videos and quizzes. Discover our range of E-Learning education today.


We respectfully acknowledge our place of work is within the ancestral, traditional and unceded territories of the Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ilwətaʔɬ/sel̓ílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and that we serve the Peoples of the many Nations throughout British Columbia.