CSBFL/Start Up Loans
Lantern Capital helps Canadian small businesses and start-ups access the Canada Small Business Financing Program — government-backed funding for equipment, premises, and growth, with the lending risk shared to make approval easier.
Government-Backed Financing To Start And Grow
Getting an early loan is hard when a business is young and its track record is thin. The Canada Small Business Financing Program exists to close that gap: the federal government shares the lending risk with financial institutions, so small businesses and start-ups can access financing they might not qualify for on their own.
It can fund equipment, leasehold improvements, and commercial premises — and, with recent enhancements, working capital through a line of credit. Lantern Capital helps you understand what you qualify for, prepare the request, and take it to a participating lender.
Benefits Of Using Term Loans For Your Business
Built for Newer Businesses
Because the government shares the risk with the lender, a short track record isn't the barrier it usually is — the program is designed to get small businesses approved.
Now Includes Working Capital
Recent enhancements added a line of credit, so the program can cover everyday operating costs, not just one-time purchases.
Room to Grow
The enhanced program raised the available amounts and extended terms, so the financing can scale with a growing business.
Funds What Gets You Started
Equipment, leasehold improvements, and commercial premises — the essentials of opening or expanding — are all covered under one program.
Government-Backed Confidence
Financing delivered through established lenders under a federal program gives both you and the lender added security.
Guidance Through the Process
We help you confirm eligibility, prepare the application, and position it with a participating lender, so you approach with a complete, credible request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Canada Small Business Financing Program?
It's a federal program that makes it easier for small businesses to get loans by having the government share the lending risk with financial institutions. That shared risk means lenders can approve businesses that might not otherwise qualify. Lantern Capital helps Canadian small businesses and start-ups navigate the program and access it through a participating lender.
What Can a CSBFL Be Used For?
The program can fund equipment, leasehold improvements, commercial property, certain intangible assets, and — since recent enhancements — working capital through a line of credit. It's built for the real costs of starting and growing a business. Lantern Capital helps you match what you're funding to what the program covers.
Who Qualifies For a CSBFL?
The program is open to most for-profit small businesses and start-ups operating in Canada, whether you're just launching or already growing. It's not strict about a long credit history — because the government shares the lending risk, first-time borrowers and newer businesses are exactly who it's designed to help. A few sectors, like farming, fall under separate programs.
Is A CSBFL a Loan Or A Line Of Credit?
It can be either. The traditional option is a term loan — a set amount for a specific purchase like equipment or premises, repaid on a fixed schedule. Recent enhancements added a line of credit for working capital, which you draw on as needed and repay as revenue comes in. A term loan suits a one-time investment; the line suits ongoing day-to-day costs.
The Program Is Government-Backed — Why Use An Advisor?
Because the program is delivered through financial institutions, and how you prepare and present your request still shapes the outcome. Lantern Capital helps you confirm eligibility, assemble a complete application, and take it to a participating lender, so nothing slows the process down. Our role is to make the path from idea to approval as clear as possible.