British Columbia is one of Canada’s most attractive provinces for entrepreneurs; fast-growing cities, diverse industries, strong immigration, and a business-friendly ecosystem. But whether you're starting a daycare, a tech startup, a consulting practice, a restaurant, or a construction company, one challenge is universal:
The truth is that BC’s funding landscape is rich, but extremely fragmented. Between government loans, grants, credit unions, First Nations programs, youth programs, regional trusts, angel investors, and crowdfunding, countless opportunities exist; but most entrepreneurs don’t know how to navigate them, let alone prepare a bank-ready business plan or pitch deck.
This guide brings everything together.
It outlines every major source of business loans and funding in British Columbia, including:
Government loans & grants
Private lenders
BC-specific programs
First Nations financing
Youth & women entrepreneur funding
Regional economic development trusts
Angel investors, venture capital, and crowdfunding
Links to directories with hundreds of opportunities
And most importantly how StartCan Business Consulting helps you get approved with lender-ready business plans, financial models, and pitch decks.
A top program for startups and small businesses looking for loans up to $1M through banks and credit unions.
Covers:
Equipment
Leaseholds
Real estate
Improvements
What lenders require:
A clear business plan
Financial forecasts
Owner experience
Industry analysis
StartCan regularly prepares CSBFP-approved business plans for entrepreneurs in BC.
BDC is the largest entrepreneurial lender in Canada.
They offer:
Working capital loans
Startup loans
Equipment financing
Technology adoption loans
Indigenous, youth, and women entrepreneur programs
BDC requires a strong business plan, cash flow forecast, and clear repayment strategy—which we prepare for clients.
A powerful source of grants and contributions for BC businesses, especially in innovation and regional development.
For technology and R&D-driven companies.
Provides wage subsidies, innovation grants, and commercialization support.
Helps businesses identify the right federal funding programs.
Supports businesses expanding into international markets.
Use these searchable databases to find federal, provincial, and private funding:
A comprehensive database of grants in BC.
Funding, permits, and business information.
A free tool that matches entrepreneurs to grants, tax credits, and loans.
A major database for science & tech companies.
Investor data and company funding rounds.
British Columbia has some of Canada’s strongest First Nations entrepreneurship support networks.
Each lender offers:
Business loans
Business plan support
Advisory services
Grant programs (varies by region)
StartCan prepares Indigenous-focused business plans that meet lender requirements.
Offers financing + mentorship for ages 18–39.
Skills training & incubation programs.
Training + support for new entrepreneurs.
Impact investing for youth-led ventures.
A major lender offering loans up to $150K for women in BC.
Available through Vancity’s small business programs.
StartCan develops bank-ready business plans specifically tailored to WEC and women-focused lenders.
BC’s regions offer their own trusts, loans, and grants.
Funding for Vancouver Island & Sunshine Coast.
Known for:
Small Business Recovery Consulting Rebate
Business support funding
Loans, business plan advice, and self-employment support.
Great option for startups and social enterprises.
Many offer startup loans, including:
Vancity
Coast Capital
Interior Savings
Integris Credit Union
Credit unions often have more flexible lending criteria than banks.
BC’s tech ecosystem is one of Canada’s strongest.
Here are major investor networks:
Non-dilutive financing for SaaS companies.
Startup incubation + investor access.
StartCan creates pitch decks & financial models investors expect.
For small businesses, social enterprises, and startups:
Kickstarter
Indiegogo
GoFundMe
StartSomeGood (social projects)
SeedUps Canada
Kiva (microloans)
FinanceIt (customer financing programs)
Community Micro Lending BC
Crowdfunding works best with a strong story + compelling pitch deck.
StartCan helps prepare both.
Most loan and grant applications fail for one simple reason:
Banks, credit unions, BDC, WEC, IRAP, Futurpreneur, Community Futures, and angel investors all want:
StartCan Business Consulting specializes in lender-ready business plans for BC entrepreneurs, including:
Our team has worked with entrepreneurs across Metro Vancouver, BC, and Canada in industries such as:
Childcare & education
Healthcare & clinics
Hospitality & food businesses
Construction & trades
Tech startups
Consulting & professional services
Retail & eCommerce
Non-profits & social enterprises
StartCan incorporates local BC market data, ensuring your business plan reflects real conditions investors and lenders expect.
If you’re searching for business loans in BC, StartCan can help you navigate the funding landscape and prepare winning lender-ready documents.
Book a Free Consultation (30 Minutes)
Get expert guidance on the right funding programs for your business.
Need a business plan for a BC lender?
StartCan creates professionally written, financial-model-backed plans trusted by lenders.
Need a pitch deck for investors?
We design clean, compelling presentations that capture attention.
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