5 Low-Cost Ways to Market Your Small Business in Canada

Yes, Canadian businesses can finance equipment with bad credit. The main routes are vendor financing, equipment leasing, specialist equipment lenders, BDC, the Canada Small Business Financing Program and revenue-based funding such as a merchant cash advance. The right fit depends on your credit history, monthly revenue, time in business, the equipment itself and how quickly you need the funds.

The goal should not simply be to find a provider willing to approve you. It should be to understand why each provider is willing to finance the purchase, what it requires as security, how the financing is structured and what you will pay in total. That matters because equipment financing can work very differently depending on whether the provider is underwriting the asset, the business or both.

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How bad credit affects equipment financing

Bad credit can reduce your equipment financing options, but it does not necessarily prevent a Canadian business from getting financed.

Conventional equipment providers typically look at more than your credit score. Depending on the financing structure, they may also consider how long you have been in business, revenue and cash flow, existing debt, the available down payment, the type and age of the equipment, its useful life and resale value, and any collateral or guarantees available.

BDC explains that equipment is usually used as collateral for an equipment loan and that the repayment period is generally aligned with the lifespan of the asset. For larger purchases, a down payment may also be required. BDC, Equipment Financing 101

That is one reason the equipment itself matters. A relatively new truck, trailer or widely used piece of construction equipment may have a more predictable resale market than highly customized or older machinery. Credit history still matters, but it is only one part of the underwriting equation. The weight placed on it depends heavily on the provider and financing product.

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Your equipment financing options compared

Canadian businesses with imperfect credit have several potential routes. They should not be treated as interchangeable.

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The central distinction is what is being financed. Equipment loans and leases are tied directly to the asset. A merchant cash advance provides business capital that can then be used to buy, upgrade or repair equipment.

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Vendor financing

Vendor financing allows the business selling the equipment to arrange the financing at the point of purchase.

BDC notes that many manufacturers operate their own financing divisions, while other equipment sellers have relationships with external financial institutions that can provide either a loan or lease. The obvious advantage is convenience: the equipment purchase and financing can often be arranged together. BDC, Equipment Financing 101

Vendor financing is most relevant when you are buying new equipment from a manufacturer or dealer with an established financing program and can meet that program's credit requirements. It is still financing, however, so poor credit can affect eligibility or pricing. It is worth comparing the vendor's offer with outside financing rather than assuming the most convenient option is automatically the least expensive.

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Equipment leasing

Equipment leasing lets a business use equipment for a defined period instead of purchasing it outright at the start.

Under a typical lease, the business makes regular payments for the right to use the equipment. Depending on the agreement, it may be possible to return the equipment, renew the lease or purchase it at the end of the term. Leasing can be especially useful for equipment that becomes outdated quickly or that a business expects to replace regularly.

The main comparison point is total cost. Lower monthly payments do not necessarily mean the lease is less expensive overall, particularly if the business ultimately wants to own the equipment. The useful comparison is between total lease payments, upfront costs, fees, any end-of-term purchase price and the cost of financing the purchase instead.

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Specialist equipment financing

Specialist equipment lenders focus on financing business assets and usually evaluate both the business and the equipment itself.

These providers may assess the purchase price, equipment type, age, condition, expected useful life and resale value alongside the business's cash flow, credit history and available down payment. A business with imperfect credit may have more room to work with when the asset has a strong resale market. The reverse can also be true: older, heavily customized or highly specialized equipment may be harder to finance because its value is more difficult for the lender to recover if the financing defaults.

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BDC equipment financing

BDC offers equipment financing specifically designed for longer-term business assets.

BDC currently states that its equipment financing can cover up to 125% of the equipment purchase price, helping eligible borrowers finance related costs such as shipping, installation and training. Repayment can extend for up to 12 years, depending on the financing assessment.

BDC also lists general requirements for its equipment loan, including being based in Canada, generating revenue for at least 12 months and having a good credit track record. That makes it particularly relevant for established businesses making planned investments in equipment with a long useful life. BDC's own guidance recommends matching longer-life equipment with term financing rather than using short-term working capital for significant purchases.

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Canada Small Business Financing Program

The Canada Small Business Financing Program, or CSBFP, gives eligible Canadian businesses another route to financing equipment through participating financial institutions.

The federal government does not lend the money directly. Private-sector lenders make the credit decision, approve and disburse the financing, and administer the loan. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada administers the program and shares part of the eligible loss with lenders when program requirements are met.

Eligible Canadian businesses with gross annual revenues of up to $10 million can use the program for equipment and other qualifying purposes. The program permits up to $1.15 million in total financing, including up to $1 million in term loans and $150,000 in lines of credit. In 2024-25, equipment loans represented $350.9 million, or 18.6% of CSBFP financing. ISED, Canada Small Business Financing Program Overview and Highlights 2024-25

Government involvement does not mean approval is guaranteed. The participating bank, credit union or caisse populaire still applies its lending criteria and makes the credit decision.

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When a merchant cash advance makes sense for equipment, and when it doesn't

A merchant cash advance can make sense when the business has reliable revenue but conventional equipment financing is unavailable, too slow or poorly suited to the expense.

A merchant cash advance is not an equipment loan. It is an advance based on future business revenue. At 2M7 Financial Solutions, the funding can be used to buy, upgrade or repair equipment. 2M7 states that no collateral is required and that it evaluates the business based on revenue and performance. 2M7 merchant cash advance

That creates a different underwriting model. An equipment lender is primarily evaluating the business's ability to repay and the financeability of the asset. A revenue-based funder can place considerably more weight on how the business itself is performing.

This distinction can matter when revenue is steady but credit is weak, when equipment needs to be replaced quickly, when the expense is a repair rather than a new asset, or when used equipment does not fit an asset lender's criteria. Timing can matter as well. If waiting for a longer conventional approval process would keep a revenue-producing asset out of service, the speed of the financing becomes part of the economic comparison.

A merchant cash advance and conventional equipment financing are priced differently, so businesses should compare the total cost together with factors such as speed, flexibility, collateral requirements and qualification criteria. 

Secured equipment financing can usually be priced more favourably because the financing provider has an asset securing the transaction and can spread repayment over a longer period. With a merchant cash advance, the business is paying for a different combination of benefits, including speed, revenue-based underwriting and greater flexibility around credit and collateral.

If you qualify for affordable long-term equipment financing and have enough time to complete the process, that will often be the more economical choice for a large, long-life asset. For a repair, smaller purchase or time-sensitive need, the calculation may be different.

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Equipment funding examples by industry

Restaurants

Restaurant equipment can become a financing issue very quickly because a failed asset can directly affect the restaurant's ability to operate. A walk-in refrigerator, oven, dishwasher or POS system does not always fail on a convenient schedule.

One 2M7 restaurant customer reported using funding to purchase new kitchen equipment and continuing to upgrade the facility afterward. For a planned renovation or major equipment purchase, owners should still compare vendor financing, leasing, traditional equipment financing and the CSBFP before choosing a revenue-based option. For restaurants where a revenue-based option makes sense, see how 2M7 funds restaurant equipment and operations.

Restaurants are also significant users of the CSBFP. According to ISED, accommodation and food services accounted for $900.9 million, or 47.8% of total CSBFP financing in 2024-25. ISED, CSBFP Overview and Highlights 2024-25

Construction

Construction equipment purchases should be evaluated against both the useful life of the equipment and the cash-flow timing of the projects it will support. A contractor purchasing a major excavator that will be used for years may be better served by long-term asset-backed financing. A different issue arises when a contractor has signed work but needs a smaller piece of equipment, an attachment or a repair before mobilization. In that situation, the cost of financing needs to be compared with the business impact of waiting.

2M7 construction funding

Trucking

Trucking businesses should distinguish between financing a vehicle purchase and funding a repair that gets an existing revenue-producing truck back on the road. A new truck or trailer is a long-life asset and may fit naturally into conventional equipment financing. A major engine, transmission or other repair does not create the same new asset. In that situation, access to working capital can become more relevant than asset financing, and the comparison should include the effect of having the truck unavailable.

2M7 trucking business funding

Landscaping and seasonal businesses

Seasonal businesses may need to purchase equipment before the revenue generated by that equipment arrives. For a landscaping company buying mowers, trailers or other equipment ahead of its peak season, financing should therefore be evaluated partly on how repayment fits the business's seasonal cash flow.

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How to prepare before applying

Preparing the right financial and equipment information before you apply makes it easier to compare realistic financing options.

BDC notes that equipment lenders commonly ask for the equipment quote as well as company information, financial statements and projections. For most comparisons, it helps to have the equipment quote or purchase agreement, details on the make, model, age and condition if it is used, recent business bank statements, revenue history, existing financing obligations, the available down payment and, for larger requests, financial statements or projections.

Revenue-based providers may require a different set of documents. 2M7 currently asks applicants to have their last three months of bank statements, photo identification and a void cheque available. Check 2M7 qualification details

The most important comparison is not simply the weekly or monthly payment. Look at the amount received, total amount repaid, financing term, interest rate or fixed cost, fees, collateral requirements, any personal guarantee, early-repayment provisions, whether payments are fixed or variable, and who owns or controls the equipment during the financing period. For a broader checklist, see questions to ask a business funder.

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How 2M7 funding works for equipment

2M7 Financial Solutions is a Canadian direct funder that provides merchant cash advances businesses can use to buy, upgrade or repair equipment. 2M7 is not an equipment lender and does not structure its product as a loan.

To meet 2M7's current minimum qualification criteria, the business must be located in Canada, have operated for at least three months, generate at least $15,000 per month in revenue and have no open bankruptcies. Credit is considered, but 2M7 states that it looks at the broader picture, including monthly business revenue, rather than relying exclusively on credit history. Business funding with bad credit

1. Apply and speak with a 2M7 representative. Most approved applications receive a decision within one business day.
2. Review the cost before signing. 2M7 uses a fixed cost of capital rather than charging interest, and discloses that cost before the agreement is signed.
3. Receive the funds. For approved applications, funds typically reach the business within 24 hours of approval.
4. Choose the applicable payment structure. 2M7 offers fixed payments and a Flex option that adjusts with sales for businesses processing daily debit and credit transactions.

For more detail on how the product works, see 2M7's merchant cash advance guide.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I get equipment financing with bad credit in Canada?

Yes. Canadian businesses with bad credit may still have several equipment financing options, including vendor financing, leasing, specialist equipment financing, government-backed financing and revenue-based funding. The options available will depend on your credit profile, business revenue, operating history and the equipment being purchased.

How does equipment financing work?

Traditional equipment financing provides funds to purchase an asset and usually uses that equipment as security for the financing. BDC notes that repayment periods are generally matched to the useful life of the equipment.

How do I get equipment financing?

Start by getting an equipment quote and gathering your business and financial information. Then compare providers based on eligibility, total cost, repayment structure, collateral and the amount of the purchase each provider will finance.

What is equipment lease financing?

Equipment leasing allows your business to use equipment for a set period without purchasing it outright at the beginning. Depending on the lease, you may be able to return the equipment, renew the agreement or buy the equipment at the end.

How long can equipment be financed?

Equipment financing terms generally depend on the useful life of the asset and the provider's underwriting criteria. BDC currently offers equipment-loan repayment periods of up to 12 years for qualifying borrowers.

Can I finance used equipment?

Yes. Used equipment can be financeable, although the age, condition and resale value of the equipment can affect eligibility. If conventional asset financing is not suitable, revenue-based funding may provide another way to fund the purchase because it does not rely on the equipment itself as the basis of the advance.

Can a startup get equipment financing?

It depends on the provider and how long the business has been generating revenue. BDC currently lists at least 12 months of revenue generation among the general requirements for its equipment loan. 2M7 requires at least three months in business and at least $15,000 in monthly revenue.

Is a merchant cash advance a loan?

No. A merchant cash advance is an advance against future business revenue rather than a conventional loan. 2M7 charges a fixed cost of capital disclosed before signing rather than interest.

Does a merchant cash advance cost more than equipment financing?

Usually, yes. A merchant cash advance will generally cost more than secured equipment financing. The tradeoff is that revenue-based funding can offer faster access to capital, different credit criteria and, in 2M7's case, no collateral requirement.

Does bad credit automatically disqualify me from 2M7 funding?

No. Bad credit does not automatically disqualify a business from 2M7 funding. 2M7 says it considers credit but also evaluates monthly revenue and the broader performance of the business.

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Choosing the right equipment financing option

The right financing structure should match the equipment, the economics of the purchase and the financial position of the business.

For expensive equipment with a long useful life, start by comparing conventional equipment financing, leasing, BDC and CSBFP-backed financing. For used equipment, repairs or time-sensitive purchases where conventional asset financing is unavailable or impractical, revenue-based funding may be worth including in the comparison.

The key is to compare total cost, repayment structure, collateral and timing, not simply whether the business can get approved.

If revenue-based funding is one of the options you are considering, a 2M7 funding specialist can explain the cost and payment structure for your specific equipment purchase before you decide.

Check if I qualify

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Restaurant equipment financing lets a restaurant pay for ovens, refrigeration, hoods, dishwashers and POS systems over time instead of in one payment. Canadian restaurants have six main routes: leasing, vendor financing, bank or specialist equipment financing, BDC, the Canada Small Business Financing Program, and a merchant cash advance.

The right one depends on four things: how long the restaurant has been operating, its credit history, how quickly the equipment is needed, and whether the equipment is new or used. A planned kitchen upgrade gives you time to compare offers. An emergency replacement does not.

Restaurant margins leave little room for the wrong choice. Statistics Canada reports that food services and drinking places earned a 4.1% operating profit margin in 2024. Cost of goods sold took 35.9% of expenses, and salaries, wages and benefits took another 33.6%. A walk-in cooler that fails in July has to be paid for out of what is left.

This guide explains how each option works, what each provider looks at, what each costs, and where each one fits.

Your restaurant equipment financing options compared

These routes overlap. A dealer may arrange its financing through a bank or a specialist, and BDC is itself an equipment financing provider. The table separates the routes you will meet when you shop.

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Need to replace equipment and keep your operating cash intact? See 2M7's restaurant equipment and operations funding, including who qualifies and how payments work.

How much does restaurant equipment financing cost?

There is no single rate for restaurant equipment financing in Canada. Your quote depends on the provider, your restaurant's finances, the equipment, the amount and the length of the agreement.

To compare offers fairly, ask every provider the same six questions about the same purchase:

1. How much cash do I pay up front, including any deposit or down payment?
2. What is each payment, and how often is it collected?
3. What is the total I will pay, including all financing charges and fees?
4. Is there a final payment or a buyout before I own the equipment?
5. What happens if I pay the balance early?
6. Do the payments change if my sales fall?

A longer term lowers each payment and raises the total you pay. A low lease payment can also leave out the buyout you need to take ownership.

The CSBFP is the one route with a published ceiling. The maximum floating rate is the lender's prime rate plus 3%, and the maximum fixed rate is the lender's single-family residential mortgage rate plus 3%. The registration fee is 2% of the loan. These are limits, and your own quote may be lower.

A merchant cash advance carries no interest rate, but it does carry a cost. Ask for the dollar amount you will receive and the dollar amount you will repay, in writing, before you decide.

Restaurant equipment leasing

Restaurant equipment leasing lets you use equipment for a fixed term in exchange for regular payments, without buying it at the start. Many leases include an option to purchase the equipment when the term ends.

BDC's guidance is that leasing suits equipment with a shorter lifespan or equipment that needs frequent updating, while buying suits equipment that will last. In a restaurant, that points to leasing for POS hardware and other technology, and to buying for ranges, hoods and walk-in coolers that stay in service for years.

Before you sign a lease, ask four questions. Who pays for maintenance? Can you swap the equipment during the term? What does the end-of-term buyout cost? What happens if the restaurant moves or closes?

Leasing also changes how the cost is treated at tax time. The Canada Revenue Agency lets a business deduct the lease payments incurred in the year for property used in the business. If the leased property has a total fair market value above $25,000, you and the lessor can jointly elect to treat the lease as a purchase. You would then deduct the interest portion and claim capital cost allowance on the equipment. Ask your accountant which treatment fits your restaurant.

What a lessor looks at: the equipment itself, the length of the term, and your restaurant's ability to make the payments.

Vendor and dealer financing

Vendor financing means the company selling the equipment also arranges the financing. BDC describes it as financing provided through a manufacturer's financing division or a partner financial institution.

The appeal is convenience. You choose the equipment and arrange payment in the same conversation, and BDC notes that vendor financing is fast and carries lower upfront costs.

The trade-off is flexibility. BDC describes vendor financing as shorter term and less flexible than a traditional term loan. Before you sign, compare the total you will pay against at least one other option on this page.

Ask for the equipment's cash price separately from the financing offer, so you can see what the financing itself costs. Choose the equipment first, on the model, warranty and servicing your kitchen needs. A supplier's financing offer should not decide what you buy.

What a vendor looks at: this varies by dealer and by the financing partner behind it. Ask who the actual financing provider is and what happens if you want to pay the balance early.

Bank and specialist equipment financing

Banks and specialist equipment financing companies fund the purchase of business equipment and assess both the business and the asset. According to BDC, the equipment is used as collateral most of the time, and the repayment period is matched to the equipment's lifespan.

This route suits an established restaurant buying equipment that will last. The paperwork is heavier than with a vendor. BDC lists what equipment financing providers commonly ask for:

• Financial statements for the past two years
• A monthly cash flow forecast for the rest of the current year and the following 12 months
• Background on the company, its operations and its management
• An explanation of how the equipment will increase sales, profitability or efficiency

Requirements vary with the provider and the size of the request. Ask whether the offer covers delivery and installation. Financing that covers only the equipment can leave a cash gap before the kitchen can use it.

What a bank or specialist looks at: the restaurant's financial history, its forecast, and the resale value of the equipment.

BDC equipment financing

The Business Development Bank of Canada offers an Equipment Loan for new or used equipment. Its terms are among the longest available to a Canadian restaurant:

• Financing of up to 125% of the purchase price, which leaves room for shipping and installation
• Repayment over up to 12 years
• The option to postpone capital payments for up to 24 months at the start

Eligibility is the constraint. BDC requires the business to be based in Canada, to have generated revenue for at least 12 months, and to have a good credit track record.

Postponing capital payments delays the principal. It does not remove the cost of financing, so check what the payment becomes once principal repayment starts.

What BDC looks at: revenue history of 12 months or more, and credit record. A restaurant that opened this year, or one with damaged credit, will need a different route.

Canada Small Business Financing Program

The Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) is a federal program that shares the risk of a loan with the financial institution that makes it. You apply through a bank or credit union, and that institution alone decides whether to approve the loan. Most start-ups and existing small businesses with gross revenues of $10 million or less can apply.

The program allows a business to borrow up to $1.15 million: a maximum of $1 million in term loans and $150,000 in lines of credit. Term loans can pay for new or used equipment.

The full $1 million is not available for kitchen equipment alone. The program sets a lower limit for equipment and leasehold improvements, so confirm the current figure with your financial institution before you plan a purchase around it.

The program also caps the cost. The maximum floating rate is the lender's prime rate plus 3%, and there is a registration fee of 2% of the loan.

Restaurants use this program more than any other sector. In 2024-25, accommodation and food services received $900.9 million, or 47.8% of the total value of CSBFP loans. Equipment loans made up 18.6% of the total.

What the financial institution looks at: the same things it would for any business loan, including financial statements, forecasts and credit history. The program reduces the institution's risk. It does not remove its approval process, so allow time for it.

Financing used restaurant equipment

Used restaurant equipment can be financed. BDC's Equipment Loan and CSBFP term loans both cover new or used equipment, and other providers set their own rules.

A used range or dishwasher costs less up front, which shrinks the amount you need to finance. It also gives a financing provider less security, because older equipment is worth less if it has to be resold.

Before you pay a deposit on a used purchase, ask each provider four questions:

1. Is there a limit on the age or condition of the equipment you will finance?
2. Do you need an appraisal, an inspection report or proof of ownership?
3. Will you finance a purchase from a private seller or an auction, or only from a dealer?
4. Are delivery, installation and any repairs included?

Compare the installed cost of the used unit against a new one, including warranty and servicing. A lower price helps less if the unit breaks down soon after it goes in.

If the answers rule out conventional financing, a merchant cash advance is one way to fund a used purchase, because the funding is based on your sales and not on the equipment.

Restaurant equipment financing with bad credit

Bad credit narrows your options without closing all of them. BDC notes that there is no specific credit score needed to get a business loan, and that financing can still be obtained with a suboptimal score when other factors, such as projections and collateral, are strong.

In practice, a weak credit history makes bank-delivered options harder to secure and pushes restaurants toward providers that weigh revenue more heavily. 2M7 bases approval on recent sales activity, and credit score is one factor among several.

For a full comparison of what each provider checks and what each option costs, read Bad Credit Equipment Financing in Canada.

Financing equipment for a new restaurant

A restaurant that has not opened yet, or has just opened, has fewer options because it has no revenue history to show.

Without revenue history, a provider relies on your business plan, your forecast and your personal credit. Have all three ready before you approach a lessor, a vendor or a bank.

When a merchant cash advance makes sense for restaurant equipment, and when it does not

A merchant cash advance is an advance on your restaurant's future sales. You receive a lump sum and repay it from revenue, with the total cost set before you sign. It is not secured against the equipment.

It has no interest rate, but it has a cost: a fixed amount set at the start. Compare that cost against the sales you lose each day the kitchen is down.

It makes sense when:

• The equipment has failed and the kitchen cannot run without it. A dead walk-in cooler or range costs you sales every day it is out, and a bank process measured in weeks does not help.
• The cost is a repair, an installation or a compliance fix. Conventional equipment financing is built around buying an asset, and these costs do not always qualify.
• You are buying used equipment from a private seller or an auction that an equipment financing provider will not fund.
• Your credit history or time in business rules out BDC and bank options, but your sales are steady.

It does not make sense when:

• The purchase is large, planned and long-lived. If you qualify for a BDC Equipment Loan or a CSBFP loan and can wait for approval, a term of up to 12 years will usually cost less than a merchant cash advance.
• Sales are too thin to carry the repayments. Funding tied to revenue only works if the revenue is there.
• The restaurant has been open less than 3 months or brings in under $15,000 a month. It will not qualify with 2M7.

The practical test is whether your restaurant can carry the repayments and still cover food, wages and rent. Run the numbers against a slow month, not your busiest one.

How to prepare before applying

Having the right documents ready shortens every one of these processes. What you need depends on the route.

For leasing, vendor financing, specialist financing, BDC or the CSBFP:

• A written quote or purchase agreement for the equipment
• Financial statements for the past two years
• A monthly cash flow forecast
• A short explanation of what the equipment will do for the restaurant: more covers, lower energy bills, fewer breakdowns
• Your premises lease, since a provider may want to know how long you can stay at the location

For a merchant cash advance from 2M7:

• Three months of business bank statements
• Photo ID
• A void cheque

Get two quotes for the equipment before you apply anywhere. A lower purchase price reduces the amount you finance under every option.

Then budget for the whole project: the equipment, delivery, installation and removal of the old unit.

How 2M7 funding works for restaurant equipment

2M7 Financial Solutions is a direct funder that provides merchant cash advances of $5,000 to $300,000 to Canadian businesses. Restaurants use the funding for ranges, walk-in coolers, POS systems, dining room furniture and compliance repairs.

To qualify, your restaurant needs to:

• Be located in Canada
• Have been operating for at least 3 months
• Bring in at least $15,000 a month in revenue
• Have no open bankruptcies

Meeting these minimums does not guarantee approval. 2M7 reviews each application.

Approval takes one business day, and funds arrive in your account within 24 hours of approval. No collateral is required.

You see the total cost before you sign. There is no interest, and there is no penalty for paying early. You choose between two repayment structures. Flex payments move with your daily card sales. Fixed payments stay the same unless you call 2M7 to request a lower amount when revenue drops.

2M7 has funded more than 5,000 small businesses and issued more than $650 million since 2008.

See how this applies to your kitchen on the restaurant equipment and operations funding page, or check if you qualify.

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Frequently asked questions

What is restaurant equipment financing?

Restaurant equipment financing is any arrangement that lets a restaurant pay for kitchen, bar or front-of-house equipment over time. In Canada the main forms are leasing, vendor financing, bank or specialist equipment financing, a BDC Equipment Loan, a CSBFP loan and a merchant cash advance.

How much does restaurant equipment financing cost?

There is no single rate. Ask each provider for the upfront cash, the payment amount, the total you will repay and any buyout. Under the CSBFP, the floating rate cannot exceed the lender's prime rate plus 3%, and there is a 2% registration fee.

Is it better to lease or buy restaurant equipment?

Lease equipment you expect to replace or upgrade, such as POS hardware. Buy equipment that will stay in service for years, such as ranges and walk-in coolers. Check who pays for maintenance and what the buyout costs before you sign a lease.

Can I finance used restaurant equipment in Canada?

Yes. BDC's Equipment Loan and CSBFP term loans both cover new or used equipment. Other providers set their own limits on age, condition and seller, so ask before you pay a deposit.

Can I get restaurant equipment financing with bad credit?

Yes, though the options narrow. BDC notes that no specific credit score is required for a business loan. Providers that base approval on revenue, including 2M7, can fund restaurants that a bank would decline.

Can a new restaurant get equipment financing?

A restaurant with no revenue history can apply for leasing, vendor financing or a CSBFP loan, which is open to most start-ups. BDC's Equipment Loan requires 12 months of revenue. 2M7 requires 3 months in operation and $15,000 in monthly revenue.

Does the CSBFP provide $1 million for kitchen equipment?

No. The program allows up to $1 million in term loans, but a lower limit applies to equipment and leasehold improvements. Your financial institution decides the amount it will approve.

How long can I take to repay a BDC Equipment Loan?

Up to 12 years. BDC also allows capital payments to be postponed for up to 24 months at the start of the loan.

Are restaurant equipment lease payments tax deductible?

The Canada Revenue Agency lets a business deduct lease payments incurred in the year for property used in the business. Confirm how this applies to your restaurant with your accountant.

How fast can I get funding to replace broken kitchen equipment?

It depends on the route. 2M7 approves applications within one business day and deposits funds within 24 hours of approval. Bank-delivered options take longer because they require financial statements and forecasts.

Does a merchant cash advance have a cost?

Yes. It carries a fixed cost of capital in place of an interest rate. Compare the amount you receive, the total you repay and how often payments are collected before you accept an offer.

What documents do I need to apply?

For most equipment financing: an equipment quote, financial statements and a cash flow forecast. For a merchant cash advance from 2M7: three months of bank statements, photo ID and a void cheque.

Choosing the right option

Start with how much time you have. If the purchase is planned and your restaurant has at least 12 months of revenue and sound credit, begin with BDC or a CSBFP loan through your bank. The terms are the longest available.

If you are buying from a dealer and want one conversation, ask for the vendor's financing terms and compare the total cost against a second option.

If the equipment has already failed, your credit is damaged, or your restaurant is too new for BDC, look at funding that is based on your sales. Check if your restaurant qualifies with 2M7.

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What is a business line of credit?

A business line of credit (LOC) is designed to meet the short-term financing needs of businesses. Basically, it is a revolving sum of money lent to a business owner. The borrower pays interest on the borrowed amount while the interest rate may be at a fixed or variable rate, depending on the borrower’s financial state. LOC is a type of debt financing, which is offered by traditional financial institutions in Canada. A business line of credit is often referred to as a “corporate line of credit”. As a debt instrument, they are both the same.LOC is very much like a credit card for your business. The business owner will be given a pre-approved credit amount from which he can draw capital as needed. Once the funds are used, the borrower will need to repay the amount including the interest over the repayment term as agreed. A business line of credit is one of the many options to fund your business or to get funds for a new business. It gives access to affordable credit if the borrower qualifies. The LOC provides ready cash flow, that could help solve the liquidity problems that small businesses tend to suffer the most.

What is a small business line of credit?

Lending providers offer a small business line of credits to small-sized businesses with different combinations of rates and qualifications. These may include the following:  

• An unsecured line of credit (up to $50,000)
• Secured credit (up to $1,250,000)
• Floating interest rates
• Business insurance
• Shorter approval/processing times
• Low monthly fees

A small line of credit under $300,000 can be approved online. For small business owners, a line of credit is one of the easiest ways to secure cash flow for their business operations. The application for a small business line of credit is typically short, and approval can be granted within one business day.

How to get a line of credit for your business?

Banks in Canada have a variety of LOC products for small and mid-sized businesses. You should consider applying for a business line of credit at a bank you’re already registered to. Make sure to apply for a line of credit ahead of time as, unlike loans, it can take up to a month to get approved. In order to apply for a line of credit, you should open a business bank account. Below is a list of documents that you would need to provide for your LOC application:

• Two pieces of government-issued IDs
• Proof of income
• Business financial statements, including income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
• Other personal- and business-specific information such as an address, license number (if applicable), and how long you’ve been in business

How to get approved for a business line of credit?

Whether or not your line of credit is approved depends on your credit score and your business qualifications. The higher your credit score and the more stable your business income, the more likely it is that you will be approved for a line of credit, and the larger it will be. It is very important to have a good credit score and to keep your business financial documents in order. If a bank is unable to adequately assess your business potential, it will lower the chance of receiving a line of credit. With a private lender, things are a bit easier as the lender may adopt different criteria and qualifications to advance the line of credit. Also, private lenders are more open to lending to businesses with lower credit scores. Remember, when looking for a small business loan line of credit, make sure to evaluate several options. The majority of small businesses prefer to choose private lenders as they are able to receive more flexible offers. Check out how merchant cash advance works to see if your business qualifies.

Why is a business line of credit better than a loan?

A business loan is typically obtained and disbursed only for a specific purpose. It is meant to provide access to capital for a one-time, major financial expenditure. Therefore, to manage your operating cash flow, you will have to apply for multiple business loans – each of which will negatively affect your credit score.However, a business line of credit allows you to improve your credit score. You only borrow the money you need and pay interest based on that amount. A business LOC allows for greater financial planning and resolves cash flow problems that small businesses often experience.

Why you may be denied a line of credit?

There are a number of reasons why you may be denied a business LOC. Most likely, your bad credit score will lead to a refusal, but that is not the only reason. The line of credit may be refused for a number of reasons, including:

• Purpose of LOC does not meet the required criteria
• Your industry is too risky
• The commercial bureau reports negative performance
• Business revenues indicate insufficient ability to handle monthly payments

Having a low credit score doesn't mean you can't take any type of loan. Check out some ways to get a business loan with a bad credit score.

Approaching a private lender for a small line of credit

If you require a moderate-sized line of credit, it is worth approaching a private lender. A small lender will not require as many documents as the bank, and the approval process will be faster as well. Also, private lenders accept applications for LOCs online and you can get request a quote online. Private lenders will help you understand why your line of credit has been denied by the bank and can provide the necessary funding in a shorter time with less hassle and stress and treated as bad credit debt help. If you are interested in an alternative solution made for small businesses, talk to one of our experts today for the best business cash advance loans.