The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is the country's only financial institution devoted exclusively to entrepreneurs. Founded in 1944 and wholly owned by the Government of Canada as a Crown corporation, it provides financing, consulting services and venture capital to small and medium-sized businesses in every industry and region, with the stated aim of helping them start, grow and succeed.
Its work falls into three main areas: Financing, consisting of capital extended to Canadian small and medium-sized businesses; Consulting services, comprising advisory work tailored to entrepreneurs across industries; and BDC Capital, which offers equity, venture capital and growth capital to help innovative companies scale. The bank operates more than 110 business centres across Canada, giving it a nationwide footprint after more than 80 years of operation.
BDC describes its culture in terms of a public economic-development mandate carried out with the agility and innovation of a modern financial institution. Its stated commitments include building a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable Canadian economy, and supporting entrepreneurs beyond individual transactions. The institution works with businesses of all kinds, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized enterprises.
