Access to Financing
As the economy recovers, one of the greatest concerns for business is access to credit.

The Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF) Program makes it easier for businesses to obtain loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders. Annually, the CSBF Program delivers approximately $1 billion in financing through thousands of loans that support start-up businesses and help established enterprises improve and expand. As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the program's maximum loan amount was increased from $250 000 to $350 000. And for real estate, the maximum loan amount was raised to $500 000.

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) provides 28 000 clients across Canada with complementary financing, venture capital, and consulting and financial services tailored to SMEs. In this capacity, the BDC plays a key role in creating the right conditions for SMEs to grow and prosper.

The Small Business Internship Program (SBIP) enables SMEs to hire qualified student interns to assist with e-business and communications projects by reimbursing up to 75 percent of the students' wage and benefit expenses. At the same time, the SBIP offers promising post-secondary students valuable, hands-on job experience working on e-business and information technology projects under the guidance of entrepreneurs.

Tax Relief
The Government of Canada is providing tax relief measures to help SMEs invest more earnings in development and expansion, which helps to create more jobs. Canada's Economic Action Plan raised the amount of business income eligible for the small business tax rate of 11 percent to $500 000 from $400 000. It provided a two-year temporary 100-percent capital cost allowance rate for computers acquired after January 27, 2009, and before February 1, 2011. The government has also extended for two years the accelerated capital cost allowance for business investments in machinery and equipment.

Business Services
The Canada Business network consolidates business resources into one convenient service, providing a single point of access to relevant information from multiple levels of government and not-for-profit organizations to aid in the start-up and growth of small businesses. Renewed funding for Canada Business - $30 million over two years - ensures the continuation of this valuable resource and enhanced service, including the new national Canada Business website.

SMEs are the backbone of the Canadian economy. The government is working closely with entrepreneurs and business owners to strengthen this foundation and make Canada an innovative and competitive leader on the global stage.

Terri Plaxton Smith, Greater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre
(705) 720-2455 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it