In this article, we’ll discuss financing options and business loans for entrepreneurs and businesses with bad credit profiles. Remember, if you are struggling with high debt, looking into debt relief options may be a smarter idea than getting yet another loan that could sink you deeper into debt.

Lender Name	Loan Highlights
Big Five Banks (RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC)	Small business loans and lines of credit with lower interest rates, extended repayment terms; strict credit requirements, longer approval times.
Merchant Growth	Specializes in merchant cash advances and working capital loans; fast approval and flexible repayment; higher interest rates than traditional banks. Bad credit may be considered.
Swoop Funding	Provides equipment and asset-based loans, suitable for higher loan amounts; fees and terms vary by funding type. Bad credit may be considered.
LoansCanada.ca	Loan-search platform for businesses with bad credit, offering access to multiple lenders; potential broker fees and variable processing times.
MicroCapital.ca	Offers multiple funding solutions for Canadian businesses; options may include emergency and equipment loans. Terms and rates vary by product and eligibility.
Driven.ca	Digital platform for quick loans for entrepreneurs rejected by banks; shorter repayment terms and higher interest rates.
Journey Capital	Offers debt financing (and other funding solutions) for growing businesses; flexible terms for the right fit, but more selective criteria than some lenders.
SharpShooter Funding	Small business loans tailored for owners with poor credit; fast approval but higher interest rates.

The process of beginning and nurturing a small business is challenging, and it can be even harder when bad credit limits your financing options. A recent TransUnion Canada study reported that more than 1 in 4 Canadians said they can’t pay all of their bills. If you’re already feeling financial pressure, it’s worth focusing on financing that improves cash flow, rather than taking on another loan that makes the situation worse. In this article, we will review some financing loan options for small businesses, including choices that may be more flexible for borrowers with weaker credit.

1. Big Five Banks

Although a bad credit score is a barrier, the best option for getting a loan might be to reach your local bank. The most popular banks of Canada that provide small business loans are RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank, and CIBC. These banks give small business loans and lines of credit. Large banks provide convenience and accessibility and an array of financial services that may be very advantageous for your business in the long haul.

Pros: Lower interest rates, extended repayment terms, reliable service.
Cons: Strict credit requirements, longer approval times.

2. Merchant Growth

Official Name: Merchant Growth
Website: https://merchantgrowthcapital.com/
Phone Number: +1 866-240-3694
Email: clients@merchantgrowth.com
Google Reviews: 4.1/5 stars (100+ reviews)
Trustpilot: 4.8/5 stars (450+ reviews)
BBB Rating: A+

Merchant Growth specializes in serving small businesses with quick access to capital. They offer products such as merchant cash advances and flexible working capital loans. Merchant Growth has built a reputation for being adaptable, with loan amounts that range from $5,000 to $800,000. Their repayment plans are designed to align with a business’s cash flow, making them a viable option for small businesses. To learn more about the company, read the full review here.

Pros: Fast approval process, flexible repayment schedules.
Cons: Higher interest rates compared to traditional banks.

Customer Reviews: Merchant Growth receives overall positive feedback across various review platforms. On Trustpilot, it boasts a strong rating of 4.8/5 from over 450 reviews, with users often praising the quick funding process and ease of application. Google Reviews shows a slightly lower rating of 4.1/5 from over 100 users.

3. Swoop Funding

Official Name: Swoop Funding
Website: https://swoopfunding.com/ca/
Phone Number: 647 946 3001
Email: canada@swoopfunding.com
Google Reviews: 4.9/5 stars (8 reviews)
Trustpilot: 5/5 stars (370+ reviews)

Swoop Funding specializes in the provision of equipment and asset-based financing. They particularly fit well with businesses looking for high loan amounts. Swoop provides a range of financing options including working capital loans, term loans as well as other more specific financing solutions.

Pros: Specializes in equipment and asset-based loans, can provide larger loan amounts.
Cons: Fees and terms may vary based on the type of funding secured.

Customer Reviews: Swoop Funding also enjoys the approval of its customers on various platforms, which shows the firm’s effectiveness in providing funding for businesses. On Trustpilot, Swoop has a 5/5 rating from more than 300 customers who noted its effectiveness, open communication, and helpful assistance throughout the funding process. To learn more about Swoop Funding’s services, read our full comparative review here.

4. LoansCanada.ca

Official Name: LoansCanada
Website: https://loanscanada.ca/
Phone Number: 1 (877) 995-6269
Email: info@loanscanada.ca
Google Reviews: 3.9/5 stars (review count changes over time)
BBB Rating: A+

Loans Canada is a loan-search platform intended for businesses with bad credit ratings. As one of Canada’s largest loan brokers, LoansCanada.ca partners lenders to secure the best financing terms for their clients. Businesses can also opt for LoansCanada to build credit and then apply for loans through formal institutions like banks. To learn more about this lender, read our full review here.

Pros: Access to a wide network of lenders, competitive rate comparisons.
Cons: Broker fees may apply, processing times can vary.

Reviews: LoansCanada.ca garners generally positive feedback across multiple platforms for its extensive lender network and ease of use. Many users highlight efficient service and helpful support, while some report occasional delays during high-demand periods.

5. MicroCapital.ca

Official Name: MicroCapital
Website: https://www.microcapital.ca/
Email: bonjour@microcapital.ca
Trustpilot: 4/5 stars (Limited reviews)

MicroCapital.ca offers multiple funding solutions for Canadian businesses. The loan options can include business emergency loans, business equipment financing, and general small business loans. 

Pros: Multiple financing options, flexible criteria depending on the product.
Cons: Rates and terms can vary depending on eligibility and the type of financing.

Reviews: MicroCapital.ca has limited public review volume on some platforms. The available feedback tends to mention a straightforward application process, but you should still compare total cost, repayment structure, and terms before accepting any offer.

6. Driven.ca

Official Name: Driven
Website: https://www.driven.ca/
Phone Number: 1-866-889-9412
Email: customerservice@driven.ca
Trustpilot: 4.6/5 stars (860+ reviews)

Driven.ca specializes in business loans for Canadian entrepreneurs who have been turned down by traditional lenders. Driven is also an all-digital platform. From application to loan processing and approvals, all is done online. The company accepts early payments without imposing severe penalties. Driven’s payback period is commonly just 3-18 months (could be extended to 24 months, depending on the eligibility).

Pros: Fast funding, simple online application.
Cons: Interest rates are typically higher than traditional bank loans.

Reviews: Driven.ca receives favorable reviews for its straightforward business loan offerings, particularly for Canadian entrepreneurs who have faced rejections from traditional lenders. On Trustpilot, it holds a 4.6/5 rating from around 860 reviews, where customers often commend the user-friendly loan process.

7. Journey Capital

Official Name: Journey Capital
Website: https://www.journeycapital.ca/
Phone Number: +1 877-781-0148
Google Reviews: 4.7/5 stars (130+ reviews)
Trustpilot: 4.9/5 stars (93 reviews)

Journey Capital offers financial services focusing on providing equity investments and debt financing solutions to growing companies. We encourage you to read the review of company’s services and offerings compared to Merchant Growth here.

Pros: Flexible investment terms.
Cons: Limited to mid-sized businesses, more selective criteria.

Reviews: Journey Capital has garnered positive feedback across platforms, reflected in its strong rating of 4.7/5 stars from over 130 Google reviews and 4.9/5 stars from 93 Trustpilot reviews. Many reviews highlight the flexible investment terms and the value-added partnerships that have aided companies in scaling effectively.

8. SharpShooter Funding

Official Name: SharpShooter Funding
Website: https://sharpshooterfunding.ca/
Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Phone Number: +1 855-742-7774
Email: funds@ssfunds.ca
Google Reviews: 4.3/5 stars (60 reviews)

SharpShooter Funding offers loans to small business owners with poor credit. They provide flexible and customized credit facilities tailored to small business needs. The loan amount which is provided to small businesses normally falls between $1,000 and $300,000.

Pros: Fast approval, flexible loan offer.
Cons: Interest rates may be higher compared to traditional options.

Reviews: SharpShooter Funding is known for its quick and personalized approach to providing funding for small businesses for people with bad credit. The customers enjoy high quality customer service and more flexible loan terms compared to other lenders.

9. FundThrough

Official Name: FundThrough
Website: https://www.fundthrough.com/
Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Phone Number: +1 800-766-0460
Email: info@fundthrough.com
Google Reviews: 4.6/5 stars (180+ reviews)

FundThrough is an invoice factoring company that provides financing based on outstanding invoices, helping businesses with credit challenges access working capital.

Pros: No credit check required, funding based on invoices.
Cons: Limited to businesses with unpaid invoices.

Reviews: Many small business owners find FundThrough’s invoice-based financing to be a lifeline, especially for bridging gaps in cash flow without a high credit score requirement.

10. Borrowell

Official Name: Borrowell
Website: https://borrowell.com/
Headquarters: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Email: info@borrowell.com
Google Reviews: 4.4/5 stars (1000+ reviews)

Borrowell is best thought of as a credit + lending marketplace (plus free credit score tools), where you can compare offers matched to your profile. Some Canadians use personal-loan style financing for business needs (often in smaller amounts), but it’s not the same thing as a traditional commercial term loan or line of credit. The amounts commonly shown for these types of offers are typically smaller (often up to about $35,000), so this can be more of a starter option than a long-term business funding solution.

Pros: Credit-building options.
Cons: Lower loan amounts compared to other lenders.

Reviews: Users praise Borrowell for its credit rebuilding features and ease of application.

Government Resources for Small Business Financing

Here are some Canadian government resources you can explore if you’re looking for financing options for your small business or startup, even with bad credit:

1. Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP)

The CSBFP is one of the most accessible government-backed programs for small business owners in Canada. This program helps businesses obtain loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders. The loans can be used to purchase equipment, renovate or improve leased properties, and finance commercial real property improvements. Program maximums commonly listed by participating banks include: up to $1,000,000 for real property purchase or improvements, and up to $500,000 for leasehold improvements and/or equipment, with up to $150,000 within that $500,000 limit potentially used for intangible assets and working capital costs. Always confirm eligibility and final terms with the financial institution.

2. Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

The BDC offers flexible financing options for small businesses, including those with less-than-perfect credit. BDC specializes in providing loans that consider business viability and cash flow over credit score alone. They offer a range of solutions from working capital loans to equipment financing and even expansion loans.

3. Regional Development Agencies (RDAs)

Canada has various Regional Development Agencies that provide targeted support based on the province or region you operate in. RDAs often have tailored programs that offer financial aid, including grants and low-interest loans. For example:

• PacifiCan (British Columbia)
• PrairiesCan (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba)
• FedDev Ontario (Southern Ontario)
• FedNor (Northern Ontario)
• CED (Quebec)
• ACOA (Atlantic Canada)
• CanNor (Territories)
• Check your local agency here: Canada’s Regional Development Agencies

4. Canada Job Grant

If you’re planning on using financing to develop and train your staff, the Canada Job Grant offers funding to help cover training costs. While not a direct business loan, this grant can reduce training expenses if you plan to use a loan to grow your business.

5. Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)

Though CEBA was primarily launched as a pandemic relief measure, it provides an excellent example of how the government has supported small businesses in challenging times. New applications are closed. If a CEBA loan remained outstanding after January 18, 2024, interest of 5% per year generally applies starting January 19, 2024, and the remaining principal is typically due by December 31, 2026 (administration and payment mechanics can vary by financial institution).

These resources offer various types of support to small business owners, even if you’re facing bad credit. Exploring these programs can help you find the right mix of loans and support for your business goals.

Final Thoughts

It may not be easy to find small business financing with bad credit, however there are many Canadian lenders and brokers to address this need. Whether you’re looking for a more conventional bank loan with slightly lower rates or more freedom with companies such as Merchant Growth or Swoop Funding, it is critical to know the benefits and drawbacks of each option. It’s important to always check each lender’s terms to make the best choice for your business financing needs.

Struggling with debt? Avoid more loans.

If you are already under heavy debt, you can potentially lower it by 30%-50% with a debt relief agency like Consolidated Credit Canada.