ClickCease

Business Loan in Canada

Business Loan in Canada

13
Apr 2023
12
May 2026

There is a wide array of services available to businesses in Canada seeking to bolster their cash liquidity. This article will explore some of the most popular options, as well as their best use cases. These financial solutions typically include a combination of bank loans, CEBA loans, government business grants, factoring, cash advances, payday loans, and microloans.

Businesses can utilize these financial options to optimize growth, gain liquidity, bridge emergency situations, or capitalize on opportunities.

Let's delve into our options:

1. Traditional bank loans

This is the most conventional form of financing that small businesses can utilize to obtain Typically, these loans are secured by collateral, and may offer lower interest rates, making them an appealing choice for businesses with strong credit. However, small and medium-sized businesses adhering to conservatism and GAAP principles might have lower perceived financial strength, which can make obtaining traditional financing more challenging, especially if the bank relies on financial statements as part of its due diligence process. This can be particularly problematic for new startups and businesses without a significant financial track record. Furthermore, liquidity provided might be limited if a business is relatively new or experiencing volatility, even with collateral in place.

2. CEBA loans

The Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loans are interest-free loans of up to $60,000 designed for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These loans are 100% backed by the government and do not require any collateral. Businesses can use these loans to cover operating expenses such as payroll and rent, as well as for purchasing equipment or expanding their operations. The CEBA loans offer flexibility and accessibility with a few caveats. Firstly, the loan forgiveness repayment date has been extended to December 31, 2023, for CEBA loan holders in good standing. This means that loan holders may have to start repaying their CEBA loans as early as 2024. Secondly, eligibility is only applicable to businesses that have had an active business account with their financial institution as of March 1, 2020, and can demonstrate a decline in revenue due to the pandemic.

3. Factoring

Factoring enables businesses to sell their accounts receivable (invoices) to a third-party (a factoring company) at a discount. The factoring company then acts as the agent to collect payments from the invoice customer, providing the business with liquidity (cash) based on a certain percentage of the invoice amount. Factoring can significantly improve cash flow for small and medium-sized businesses by offering liquidity and quick access to funds. It is also helpful that the factoring company will be the one taking care of ensuring invoices are paid, freeing up valuable resources for small businesses.

4. Government business grants

The Canadian government provides an array of business grants designed to help small businesses flourish and These grants typically target specific industries or business activities, such as clean technology, innovation, workforce development, and international trade, among others. A considerable number of grants currently emphasize research, development, and exporting. The application process for these grants can be intricate, requiring well-prepared grant proposals that effectively communicate the business's objectives, anticipated outcomes, and potential impact. This process is often competitive, as numerous businesses vie for the limited funding available. Newer businesses or those without prior grant writing experience may find this process daunting, and may benefit from seeking professional grant writing assistance or collaborating with experienced partners in their industry. Despite the challenges, securing a government grant can be a game-changer for small businesses, providing essential funding without the burden of repayment, and fostering growth, innovation, and competitiveness in the marketplace.

5. Payday loans or Microloans

Payday loans and microloans are small, short-term loans that are typically utilized to address unexpected expenses or navigate temporary cash flow gaps. While these loans may not be suitable for long-term financing needs due to their relatively higher interest rates and fees, they play a vital role in providing financial support during emergencies. By offering quick access to funds, payday loans and microloans help businesses remain afloat and operational during challenging times, allowing them to successfully weather temporary cash flow issues that are anticipated to improve in the near future. This targeted financial assistance can be a lifeline for businesses, enabling them to maintain stability and continue serving their customers as they work towards recovery and growth.

6. Cash Advance

A cash advance, particularly in the form of a Merchant Cash Advance (MCA), is an innovative financing solution that provides businesses with a lump sum of cash in exchange for a percentage of their future sales (typically credit card sales). Cash advances and MCAs can be exceptional financing options for businesses that need funds swiftly or require increased liquidity to seize opportunities that demand prompt. One of the key advantages of this financing option is its speed and flexibility. Cash advances can be processed more quickly than traditional loans, often within a matter of days, allowing businesses to address their financial needs without delay. Additionally, repayment terms are tailored to the business's sales volume, making it a more manageable solution for businesses with fluctuating revenues. MCAs are particularly valuable for new businesses and small enterprises that may face challenges in obtaining traditional bank loans due to a lack of financial history, inadequate financial book strength, or a dearth of collateral. By offering an alternative financing avenue, cash advances empower these businesses to overcome financial barriers and pursue their growth objectives. Ultimately, the various financing options available to Canadian businesses each have their own strengths and specific use cases. Traditional bank loans can be attractive for businesses with strong credit, while CEBA loans offer interest-free financing for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Factoring provides immediate liquidity to businesses with outstanding invoices, and government grants can support targeted industries and activities. Payday loans or microloans can assist in managing short-term cash flow gaps. And cash advances offer rapid access to funds for businesses lacking financial history or collateral. The choice of financing option will depend on the unique needs and circumstances of each business. By understanding the advantages and limitations of each option, businesses can make informed decisions about the most suitable financing solution to support their growth, liquidity, and success.

Related articles

February 16, 2021
May 12, 2026

Expanding Your Business through Merchant Cash Advance Benefits

Expanding your business is an exciting opportunity, but it can also present serious challenges. One of the most common is actually cash flow issues. How? If the business is growing, shouldn’t you have more money flowing in? Business may have increased, but you might need to pump money into equipment or hiring new staff so you can keep up with demand. Until you can get that new computer system or hire that extra person, your customers are experiencing a bumpy sort of service. Your income could be uneven as a result, as you might not have the products they want when they want them. You might have trouble getting invoices out on time. Does this sound like your business? A merchant cash advance could be just what the doctor ordered. The benefits of an MCA could help you manage the cash flow issues presented by an expanding business. Here’s how.

Merchant Cash Advances Help You Get the Cash You Need

A merchant cash advance, or MCA, gives you access to funding based on your future credit card or debit card sales. The lender will look at your past sales, then extend you an advance as a percent of estimated future sales. That means the more sales you’re likely to make, the bigger the advance can be. In turn, you can invest it into whatever you need it for. That’s because the MCA doesn’t have to be directed towards certain goals, unlike an equipment loan or a payroll loan. You can use the funds for what you need, when you need it.

MCA Repayment Terms Are More Flexible

Another bonus of a merchant cash advance for a growing business is that the repayment terms are more flexible. With a traditional loan, you’ll have a set payment that you have to make every month. With a growing business, income can be unpredictable. That, in turn, could lead to situations where you’re crunched for cash. You may feel squeezed needing to make your monthly loan payments. That could lead to bigger problems, such as a poor credit score or even defaulting on a loan. Since an MCA is made against your future sales, you pay it back as you make those sales. If your sales dip lower than expected, then your payment falls too. If you make more, then you can pay your loan back faster.

It’s Faster to Get a Merchant Cash Advance

If you find yourself in a pinch over payroll or other financial obligations, then you might wonder what choices you have to get the funding you need. A merchant cash advance is much faster than getting a traditional loan. That makes it the perfect stop-gap measure for a growing business. Whether an unexpected expense crops up or sales grew slower than you’d hoped, an MCA can help you make up the difference.

Need Some Cash?

If your growing business needs a quick influx of cash right away, then it’s time to get in touch with a merchant cash advance provider. With their help, you can keep your business growing the right way.

Read more
May 4, 2026
May 28, 2026

Which Industries Benefit the Most from Merchant Cash Advance?

According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), 2025 was a divided year for Canadian small business: while 37% of owners reported a good year in terms of revenues and profits, 35% reported a poor one. The smallest firms felt it most. Among businesses with fewer than five employees, only 35% described 2025 as a good year, compared to 42% of larger firms. Tariff pressures, high operating costs, and slowing business dynamism have left many owners caught in a difficult position.

For those who have turned to the bank for help, the options are often limited. The federal government's Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) issued just 6,409 loans totalling nearly $1.9 billion in 2024-25, a record in program history. But with approximately 1.2 million small businesses in Canada, the reach of traditional financing programs remains narrow. The average CSBFP loan size was $294,067, which is far more than what most small business owners need to solve a specific, immediate cash flow problem.

A Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) is one alternative worth understanding. It is not a bank loan. It is an advance on your future revenue, repaid as a percentage of daily sales, with a single fixed cost of capital disclosed upfront. There are no interest charges, no hidden fees, and no collateral requirements.

Some industries tend to benefit from this kind of flexible, short-term working capital more than others. Below are five industries which benefit from a merchant cash advance:

1. Restaurants and Food Service

Canada's foodservice sector added nearly 24,000 jobs between January and November 2025 according to Restaurants Canada, a sign that demand is holding up. Growth, however, requires capital, and restaurant revenue is inherently unpredictable. Equipment needs replacing without warning. A slow season can erode a cash position that looked healthy a few months earlier. Traditional lenders typically want two or more years of financial history and strong collateral before approving financing, which many independent restaurant owners cannot provide.

A merchant cash advance can provide working capital in the range of $5,000 to $300,000, with approval typically within one business day and funds deposited within 24 hours. Because repayments are tied to a percentage of daily sales, owners pay more when business is strong and less when it slows. This structure suits the seasonal and variable nature of restaurant revenue better than a fixed monthly payment.

One restaurant owner who used 2M7 funding for a kitchen equipment upgrade described the experience this way: "Highly recommend 2M7 if you are planning any big purchases. They helped us get funding for the new kitchen equipment and we continue to upgrade our facility."

2. Construction and Trades

Construction businesses routinely face a timing problem: materials, equipment, and labour costs arrive before client payments do. Payment terms of 30, 60, or even 90 days are common, which means contractors are often funding project costs out of their own cash flow while waiting for invoices to clear. Banks are generally reluctant to lend against this kind of irregular, project-based revenue, which leaves many contractors with limited options when they need capital quickly.

A merchant cash advance can help bridge the gap between project start and payment receipt, allowing contractors to cover immediate costs without waiting on a lengthy approval process or pledging personal assets.

Sean Morales, who needed funding for a demolition project, noted: "We need funds for a demolition project for our office. These guys got it done in less than 24 hrs."

More information on how working capital applies to the construction sector is available on 2M7's construction and trades funding page.

3. Retail and E-Commerce

Canadian e-commerce orders rose 20% in 2025 according to Omnisend, reflecting continued growth in both online and in-store retail. Sustaining that growth requires inventory investment well ahead of actual sales. Retailers need to order stock months before peak seasons, and suppliers often require payment before goods are delivered. A bank approval process that takes weeks is rarely compatible with those timelines.

Merchant cash advances allow retailers to access the capital they need for inventory, seasonal staffing, or store improvements without lengthy documentation requirements or the need to pledge collateral.

Morgan Lowe, a boutique retailer who used an MCA to expand her store, said: "I am a small business owner that just recently expanded and was struggling to find funding. 2M7 came through and has been wonderful to deal with."

For businesses where inventory is the core challenge, the impact can be ongoing. Visionary Hydroponics noted: "We are a small business and maintaining inventory can be a challenge. These types of [advances] help keep product on the shelf."

Details on how 2M7 works with retailers are available on the retail inventory and growth funding page.

4. Trucking and Transportation

BMO's Fall 2025 Canada Truck Transportation update describes the Canadian trucking industry as still in a fragile state, with trade barriers and tariff uncertainty continuing to weigh on domestic and cross-border freight volumes, rates, and fleet fundamentals. For owner-operators and small fleets, this means running lean while still needing to cover fuel, maintenance, and payroll between loads.

Traditional financing in this sector often requires an established credit history and years of documented revenue, which can be difficult to demonstrate during a period of industry-wide softness. A merchant cash advance offers a more accessible path to short-term working capital, with repayments that adjust alongside revenue rather than remaining fixed regardless of conditions.

More detail on how this applies to transportation businesses is available on 2M7's trucking funding page.

5. Landscaping and Seasonal Businesses

Seasonal businesses face a structural cash flow challenge that most financing products are not designed for. Revenue arrives in concentrated bursts, while costs related to insurance, equipment upkeep, and preparing for the next season continue year-round. A lender evaluating a landscaping company's winter financials will often see a picture that looks worse than the underlying business actually is.

The CFIB's December 2025 survey found that smaller firms are the most vulnerable to sudden cost pressures and disruptions. For seasonal operators, that kind of pressure is predictable and recurring rather than exceptional.

A merchant cash advance with flexible repayment can work with this pattern rather than against it. When revenue is strong in peak season, repayments reflect that. When it drops in the off-season, repayments decrease proportionally. Owners are not locked into a fixed payment schedule that ignores the realities of how their business operates.

Who Qualifies

Businesses interested in a merchant cash advance through 2M7 need to meet a straightforward set of criteria:

  • The business is located in Canada
  • The business has been operating for at least 3 months
  • Monthly revenue is at least $15,000
  • There are no open bankruptcies

No collateral is required. Approval decisions take into account overall revenue and business activity, not credit score alone.

How Repayment Works

2M7 offers two repayment structures. Fixed payments mean the same amount is debited on a regular schedule, with the option to request a reduction if revenue drops significantly. Flex payments are tied directly to a percentage of daily sales, so repayment amounts naturally rise and fall with business activity. The flex option is available to businesses that process daily credit and debit transactions.

Before signing, the total cost of capital is presented clearly. There are no origination fees, application fees, interest charges, brokerage fees, annual maintenance fees, or early repayment penalties. The cost disclosed upfront is the only cost.

Once a business is an existing client, requesting additional funding is straightforward. Clients can contact their dedicated representative directly by phone or text, and if approved, funds can be deposited within 30 minutes.

What Business Owners Have Said

"2M7 greatly guided us through the entire process of funding for our small business. We're extremely pleased with their clear explanations of what to expect and their steady commitment to helping us." -- Kotryna Zis

"Had the pleasure of dealing with 2M7 and Yakov, who helped our business get approved with funds in my account the next day. Greatly appreciate their help. Everything that we talked about was provided." -- Brady Douglas

"2M7 has been so wonderful to work with. Every employee I speak with is incredibly helpful and kind. I would never have been able to get back on my feet after COVID-19 if not for them." -- Jenny Watson

Is a Merchant Cash Advance Right for Your Business?

A merchant cash advance is not the right fit for every situation. It works best for businesses that have consistent revenue, need capital quickly, and want repayment terms that reflect how their business actually performs rather than a fixed schedule set by a lender.

Canada's government financing programs reached fewer than 6,500 businesses last year in a country with over a million small businesses. For many owners who fall outside the criteria those programs require, alternative working capital solutions are worth exploring.

If your business is based in Canada, has been operating for at least three months, and brings in at least $15,000 per month in revenue, you can check your eligibility with 2M7 without a lengthy application process.

Related reading: What is a Merchant Cash Advance? 2M7 vs. Other Merchant Cash Advance Options The Truth About Small Business Loans 5 Ways to Market Your Small Business on a Budget

Sources: CFIB: A Divided Year, Small Business Performance in 2025 ISED: Canada Small Business Financing Program, Overview and Highlights 2024-25 Retail Insider / Restaurants Canada: Foodservice sector added nearly 24,000 jobs in 2025 BMO: Industry Update, Canada Truck Transportation, Fall 2025 Retail Insider / Omnisend: Canadian E-Commerce Orders Rose 20% in 2025

Read more
September 24, 2021
May 12, 2026

5 Most Common Reasons Businesses Look for Funding

Funding is the only way to turn startups into successful businesses. Getting funding is easier said than done. However, it’s a fact that you need sufficient money to get your business to the next level. Investment and funding are required to raise the necessary capital to either initiate or run a business. The working capital is the option on which companies rely for the smooth running of affairs and uncalled crisis. Funding coupled with motivation, determination, and brilliant ideas can kick start the business off the ground. Lack of proper and timely funding can collapse business strategies and decrease capital, which ultimately causes failure. If you’re wondering why businesses consider looking for funding, you’re at the right place. Following are some reasons due to which funding becomes essential for companies.

Development

Growth and development are the foremost motives of a business before seeking funding. Acquiring new clients, local businesses, and marketing to improve outreach are all the prospects of growth. Establishing additional branches and expanding services is also the result of the funding sought for the sake of growth.

Working Capital

Another significant reason for obtaining fundings is working capital. Working capital is the monetary assets that provide the companies with sustainability. Managing regular affairs and retaining the quality of services are done through the working capital. It can be used to stock the inventory and carry out successful purchases by efficient expenditure. Insufficient working capital can cause detrimental effects to the business in the longer run. The current affairs and prospects depend on the working capital, which is provided through funding.

Acquiring Assets

To hold a firm position in the market and among the competitors, businesses need to purchase assets. Eliminating the competitors in the market is the feature of having more assets. Businesses can emerge out as a winner when they become the sole provider of a service. Companies can either buy shares or completely acquire other businesses. Assets not only strengthen the company but also enhance its market value.

Initiating New Ventures

Companies use funding to plant new ventures. These endeavours can promote the business and increase its progress. To conduct these strategic ventures companies, need ambition and funding. They can articulate ambition in their employees, but for funding, they need help.

Boosting Startups

Funding is vital to support startups in the fierce market. Startups usually have scant resources that can soon become insufficient, leading to a business catastrophe. Startups need financial help and investments to accomplish their goals and thrive among the competitors.

Getting an MCA

Companies can find investors that either work independently or with an organization to gain the required funding. They can also opt for loans from banks. However, the much better alternative is a merchant cash advance that focuses on the growth of a business. Companies prefer MCA as the conditions of the loan are appropriate to their predicament. The best part about getting an MCA is that paying it back is extremely convenient. You’ll only be paying back a specific percentage of your monthly earning. And, if there’s a month where you don’t generate revenue due to whatever reason, you won’t need to pay the finance company back anything. Receiving timely fundings can save companies from derailments. If you’re looking for a financial organization that can get you the resources you need to boost your business, 2M7 is just the company you should work with. We’ve helped hundreds of companies like yours in the past with our incredible 97% approval rating. We offer merchant cash advances to businesses in all industries and of all sizes. Gain an edge over your competition and contact us today.

Read more