Capitalization

Capitalization is all about giving the IT sector access to financial resources for start-up and expansion. The main goal is to attract more private venture capital to the province.

A number of provincial and federal government programs available to the IT sector in the area of capitalization are linked below and can be accessed by clicking on the program title. Each link will open in its own page.

BDC Financing Solution
BDC offers flexible term financing solutions for a variety of commercially viable projects, including expansion projects, plant overhauls, the purchase of existing businesses and the acquisition of fixed assets. In some cases, the financing may be used to reconstitute working capital depleted by capital expenditures or to finance sales growth.

BDC Venture Capital
BDC Venture Capital is a major venture capital investor in Canada, active at every stage of a company's development cycle, from start-up through expansion. Its stands behind commercially viable innovation with the aim of creating substantial value for all shareholders.

Canada Small Business Financing Program
The CSBF Program, under the Canada Small Business Financing Act, can assist businesses in obtaining term loans and capital leases of up to $250,000 to help finance fixed asset needs. The loans are made directly by a qualified lender (chartered banks, caisses populaires, Alberta Treasury Branches, most credit unions, many trust, loan and insurance companies) and the leases are issued by participating lessors.

Co-Vision Startup Financing Solution
For entrepreneurs at the start-up stage or experiencing their first wave of growth, the Business Development Bank (BDC) offers Co-Vision, a customized term financing solution up to $150,000 for new businesses demonstrating long-term viability.

FirstSask Credit Union Micro-Loan Program
Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) offers this Micro Loan Program in cooperation with the FirstSask Credit Union (SCU). The program is designed to improve access to financing for small businesses starting or expanding.

Productivity Plus Financing
BDC's Productivity Plus Financing is designed for manufacturing and processing companies that want to increase their productivity but need financial support to acquire equipment. These loans can range up to $5-million for manufacturers looking to increase their productivity. BDC can offer up to 100% of the cost of new and used equipment; an additional 25% can cover incidental costs such as installation, training and working capital.

Saskatchewan Government Growth Fund
Saskatchewan Government Growth Fund (SGGF) is seeking high quality investment opportunities in a wide range of companies located in Saskatchewan. SGGF raises and manages private funds through the federal Immigrant Investor Program. It invests these funds with the expectation of a commercial rate of return.

Women's Entrepreneur Fund
BDC has created a new $25-million fund targeted to women entrepreneurs. BDC has dedicated this amount to increase the availability of financing for fast-growing, women-owned firms in Canada. This fund will also serve to leverage additional private equity for the women in business market segment.