BDC Pivot to Grow Loan

Overview of the BDC Pivot to Grow Loan program:

The Pivot to Grow Loan is a specialized trade support financing initiative from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)—Canada’s bank for entrepreneurs. It aims to help Canadian companies that export to the United States or are indirectly affected by trade-related uncertainty, tariffs, or the resulting economic volatility. Through this program, eligible businesses can secure up to $5 million in financing to stabilize operations, sustain employment, and pivot their business models to adapt to the evolving trade landscape. This loan is designed to help businesses manage immediate liquidity challenges, maintain production capacity, and strengthen their supply chains. Funds may be used to cover operational expenses, purchase equipment, revise supply chain models, offset increased costs, or implement resiliency and diversification plans. The Pivot to Grow Loan is part of BDC’s commitment to flexible, responsible financing that helps entrepreneurs preserve long-term financial health. BDC provides preferred interest rates, flexible repayment options, and advisory support, emphasizing the long-term relationship with clients rather than short-term gains. With its flexible structure—offering up to 24 months of interest-only payments and repayment periods of up to 84 months—the program gives business owners the breathing room needed to recover from market disruptions and invest in sustainable growth strategies.

Benefits of the BDC Pivot to Grow Loan program:

• Up to $5 million in financing.
• Total BDC loan commitment must exceed $350,000.
• Interest-only payments available for up to 24 months.
• Repayment term of up to 84 months (7 years).
• Preferred interest rates provided to help businesses pivot quickly.
• No prepayment penalties borrowers can repay early at any time.
• Financing available for a variety of business needs:

Eligibility criteria of the BDC Pivot to Grow Loan program:

• To qualify for the Pivot to Grow Loan, applicants must meet BDCs standard credit and operational criteria, as well as trade-specific requirements:
• Canadian business in good standing.
• At least 15% of sales derived from exports to the United States, or proof of significant adverse effects from U.S. tariffs, trade uncertainty, or economic downturn.
• Annual sales of $2 million or more.
• Positive cash flow and demonstrated profitability.
• Business must have been viable before the implementation of tariffs.
• Must present a plan to adapt or pivot to current market conditions and demonstrate capacity to execute that plan.
• Loan must be used to address direct or indirect negative impacts from tariffs, uncertainty, or the downturn (not for unrelated business activities).
• Open to for-profit enterprises across all sectors.
• Subject to standard BDC due diligence and credit approval.