BDC

Business Development Bank of Canada made its first defence-linked investments, co-leading a $6.2-million seed round in Toronto-based Canada Rocket Company and joining a pre-seed round for Sherbrooke, Que.-based semiconductor startup Irréversible. The Crown corporation also partnered with Creative Destruction Lab on a program for dual-use technologies spanning defence, national security, and critical infrastructure.

In December, BDC unveiled a $4-billion platform, including $3.5 billion for financing and $500 million for investments. Executive vice-president Geneviève Bouthillier said the deals used BDC’s $100-million seed fund. The strategy supports sovereignty-focused national projects across Canada.

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BDC is rethinking entrepreneurship: instead of building companies from scratch, its new $50 million Thrive Fund backs women to buy profitable firms and step in as CEOs. The model, called entrepreneurship through acquisition, targets mid-sized companies earning $1M–$5M annually—many run by retiring owners.

$40M will go to direct investments in women-led acquisitions; $10M will flow through private equity funds committed to female CEOs. Today, only 19% of SMEs are women-owned. “There’s a huge opportunity to rebalance equity,” said Sévrine Labelle of BDC.

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The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has launched its second Industrial Innovation Venture Fund, capitalized at $200 million, to invest in early-stage Canadian companies modernizing legacy industries.

Building on the first $250 million fund established in 2019, which supported more than 20 firms such as Acerta Analytics and MineSense Technologies, the new fund expands its mandate to include critical minerals. These resources, essential for semiconductors, batteries, and other strategic technologies, are increasingly seen as vital to Canada’s sovereignty and economic ambitions amid China’s sector dominance. The initiative reaffirms BDC’s role as Canada’s largest venture capital investor.

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The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has added RBC to its list of partner lenders for its Business Accelerator Loan Program, aimed at supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs. The program offers loans between $25,000 and $500,000 to businesses under $10 million in revenue and over one year old.

BDC guarantees up to 85% of the loan, with RBC determining rates up to prime plus five percent. The Crown corporation has pledged $800 million in loan guarantees and hopes to grow that number. BDC reports strong uptake from marginalized founders and aims to reverse Canada’s declining entrepreneurship rates.

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The First Nations Bank of Canada (FNBC) and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) have launched a $100-million joint initiative to help Indigenous communities finance business acquisitions. The loans, issued by FNBC and guaranteed by BDC, aim to support Indigenous-led purchases of established companies as a wave of small business owners prepare to retire.

BDC President Isabelle Hudon called the fund a step toward economic reconciliation. FNBC CEO Bill Lomax highlighted the opportunity for Indigenous ownership to increase competitiveness, particularly through procurement advantages. The fund is part of BDC’s broader Community Banking strategy.

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The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has shuttered its intellectual property financing program and slashed staff in its deep-tech fund amid a worsening capital crunch. The bank, which reported $220 million in venture losses in 2024, is struggling to recoup investments as early-stage firms delay returns.

BDC’s deep-tech fund, once Canada’s largest, will no longer seek new deals. Remaining capital will support its 12 current portfolio firms. Meanwhile, BDC is redirecting $1 billion toward lower-risk, later-stage investments. The restructuring reflects broader early-stage funding challenges, as investors shift focus away from high-risk innovation.

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BDC has launched its Data to AI Program, designed to help Canada’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations. The program provides guidance, tools, and financing to enhance productivity, streamline processes, and boost cybersecurity.

A recent BDC study revealed only 39% of SMEs recognize their AI usage, though 66% unknowingly rely on AI-integrated tools. Success stories like Vortex Aquatic Structures show how AI-readiness roadmaps can drive growth and efficiency. “Every small business deserves the opportunity to benefit from AI,” said BDC COO Véronique Dorval. The program aims to empower SMEs in the evolving digital landscape.

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BDC launches the $100M Thrive Lab, pledging equity, training, and support for 100 women-led businesses addressing social challenges.

In its first phase, BDC and 25 partners invest up to $35M in early-stage ventures, targeting the most challenging fundraising stages.

Selected partners, including accelerators and angels, were chosen for their expertise in supporting women entrepreneurs and commitment to social impact. A united front is formed to empower women where they are, especially in underserved communities.

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