Expanding outside Canada takes more than ambition. You need the right capital, experienced partners, and enough funding to manage risk. BDC Growth Capital, delivered through BDC Capital’s Growth Equity Partner program, is designed for established Canadian companies that want to grow in Canada and abroad without taking on traditional debt.
BDC Growth Capital offers equity financing. This means BDC invests alongside you to support long-term growth, including international expansion.
BDC Capital — Growth Equity Partner provides minority equity investments to profitable Canadian companies with strong management teams and proven business models. The goal is to help you scale faster, including entering new international markets.
Key program details:
Because this is equity, you do not make monthly repayments. BDC usually exits later through a sale, recapitalization, or IPO.
BDC Growth Capital is a fit when international growth is a clear, near-term goal—not just a future idea.
You can use growth equity to fund:
BDC does more than provide money. As a growth equity partner, it often brings:
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can also help you find grants or advisory programs that work well with equity financing, filtered by province and industry in seconds.
BDC Growth Capital is selective. It is not for early-stage startups or pre-revenue companies.
You generally need:
International expansion makes your case stronger, but only if you show clear execution plans, target markets, and expected returns.
BDC Growth Capital investments take time. The process usually takes months, not weeks.
Typical steps include:
Because this is equity, you should be ready to share detailed forecasts, international expansion timelines, and exit scenarios.
Growth equity does not replace grants—it can work alongside them.
Many companies use:
Understanding how these tools interact is important. See also:
Applying to BDC too early
If your business is not profitable or lacks steady cash flow, you are unlikely to qualify.
Treating equity like a loan
BDC is a shareholder. Be ready for governance discussions and long-term alignment.
Weak international strategy
Saying you want to “enter the U.S. or Europe” is not enough. You need clear markets, timelines, and budgets.
Ignoring dilution
Equity funding means sharing ownership. Make sure founders and existing investors agree before applying.
Q: Can BDC Growth Capital be used for international expansion?
Yes. Supporting growth in Canada and internationally is a core objective of the program.
Q: How much funding can my business receive?
BDC Growth Capital typically invests between $3 million and $35 million, depending on your company’s size and growth plans.
Q: Is this funding repayable like a loan?
No. This is equity financing. BDC earns its return through an exit event, not monthly repayments.
Q: Will BDC take control of my company?
No. BDC usually takes a minority position and acts as a strategic partner, not an operator.
Q: How long does the process take?
The timeline varies, but due diligence and approval typically take several months.
If you are planning serious international growth, BDC Growth Capital can provide the funding and support that grants and loans alone cannot offer. Combining equity, grants, and advisory programs can make your expansion more sustainable.
To see which grants, loans, and equity programs fit your business and international goals, try GrantHub’s database. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active programs across Canada, making it easier to find the right mix for your growth plans.
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