What government financing is available?

There are many government financing programs for businesses, generally targeted to specific industries, geographical areas or particular groups of entrepreneurs. Almost all financing programs consist of loans. There are very few grants available. However, they do exist for the arts/culture industry. One of the more common financing programs is Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF), a loan that is guaranteed by the Government of Canada in the event of a default on the loan.

There is an extensive list of government financing programs for business at the Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre (COBSC) Web site which may be of help. See also the Sources of Financing database at Industry Canada's "Strategis" Web site.

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