Sources of Private Sector Financing

Find out about the financial services and assistance available for your business needs. Browse and locate members of these private sector associations whose members provide debt and equity financing to businesses.

Debt Financing

Debt financing means borrowing money. If you are looking to start your business, to finance your operations, to buy or lease equipment, or to expand, members of the following organizations may be able to help:

• Canadian Bankers Association
  
  http://www.cba.ca/?lang=en
  For banking, commercial loans and other debt financing services, you can turn to Canadian chartered banks and foreign bank subsidiaries.
• Canadian Financing and Leasing Association
  
  http://www.cfla-acfl.ca/
  Procure equipment, vehicles and related items or services by way of leases, secured loans or conditional sales contracts. Members of this association specialize in this type of asset-based financing.
• Credit Union Central of Canada
  
  http://www.cucentral.ca/
  Commercial loans, credit and banking services are available from your local credit union branch.

Equity Financing

Look beyond traditional banks. Private equity financing or capital funds represent an investment in your company and an alternative method to raise the money you need to innovate and grow your business. Members of these associations may help:

• Canadian Venture Capital Association
  
  http://cvca.ca/
  If you are looking for long-term investment for your business, venture capital can be the solution. While not involving themselves in the day-to-day operations of your business, these investors will expect a say in terms of significant decisions you make.
• National Angel Capital Organization
  
  http://www.angelinvestor.ca/For_Entrepreneurs.asp
  Obtain capital and seed money in exchange for shares or equity ownership from angel investors to support the early-stage funding of your innovative and high-growth business.
• Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada
  
  http://www.iiroc.ca/
  Raise capital through the primary issue of securities or common stock (shares) with help from Canadian investment dealers.

Other Private Sector Sources of Financing

There are other sources of private sector financing to consider. These include merchant bankers, international trade financing companies, and specialized financial institutions such as insurance companies, commercial mortgage lenders, and specialty equipment financing.