If you’re looking to open or expand a restaurant in Canada, the Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP)might be the funding solution you didn’t know existed. Backed by the federal government and offered through banks and credit unions, CSBFP loans are designed to help small business owners—especially in capital-intensive industries like hospitality—get access to much-needed startup cash.
Here’s everything restaurant owners need to know.
What Is the CSBFP?
The Canada Small Business Financing Program is a government-backed loan that reduces the risk for lenders when issuing loans to small businesses. That means banks are more likely to lend, and borrowers have access to better terms.
Key Facts:
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Available to for-profit businesses with less than $10 million in annual revenue
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Loan amounts: up to $1 million (of which $500,000 can be used for equipment, renovations, and leaseholds)
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Offered through major banks like BMO, RBC, and TD, plus many credit unions
Why It’s Ideal for Restaurants
Opening a restaurant is expensive. Between equipment, buildouts, and hiring, costs can run into six figures fast. The CSBFP was made for situations just like this.
Restaurants use CSBFP loans for:
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Renovating dining rooms or kitchens
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Buying commercial kitchen equipment
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Setting up POS systems
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Covering working capital as part of a larger loan
What Lenders Want to See
Even though the government backs the loan, it’s banks that approve it—and they want to see:
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A professional business plan (20–30 pages)
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3-year financial projections with realistic assumptions
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A clear breakdown of how the money will be used
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Proof of a signed lease or location secured
How We Help
That’s where we come in. Based in Toronto and working across Ontario, B.C., and Alberta, we specialize in CSBFP loan consulting for restaurants. We build the full application package for you—from business plan to financial model—and work with your bank to speed up approval.
If you’re opening a restaurant in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary or anywhere in Canada, the CSBFP could be the smartest way to fund your launch. Let us help you build a lender-ready package that gets you funded, fast.
