Canadian businesses exposed to U.S. trade disruptions continue to face uncertainty around tariffs, cross-border costs, and supply chain volatility. In response, the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has renewed and expanded its tariff support programming from its 2025 offering, making it available to more businesses and increasing the maximum financing available.
Quick Summary: What’s New in BDC Tariff Support
BDC’s updated tariff support reflects a broad expansion across several key areas, including program duration, maximum financing available, eligibility criteria, repayment flexibility, and the scope of advisory services that may qualify for subsidy support.
Pivot to Grow Loan (BDC Tariff Support Financing)
The Pivot to Grow Loan is BDC’s primary financing program under its tariff support initiative. It is designed to help eligible Canadian businesses respond to U.S. tariff impacts through improved cash flow flexibility and longer-term investment capacity. The standard interest rate for the program as of March 25th, 2026 is 4.55% (BDC Base Rate minus 2% variance).
BDC has now expanded this program significantly compared to earlier versions.
Pivot to Grow Loan: Direct Comparison Table
| Feature | Updated Program | Previous Program |
| Maximum Loan Amount | Up to $5 million | Up to $2 million |
| Program Expiry | Extended to March 31, 2027 | Previously time-limited |
| U.S. Sales Threshold | 15% of revenue | 25% of revenue |
| Interest-Only Period | Up to 24 months | Up to 12 months |
| Repayment Term (Working Capital) | Up to 5 years (+ interest-only period) | Up to 5 years |
| Equipment Financing | Now qualifies with up to 12 year repayment | NA |
If your business already has a Pivot to Grow loan, BDC has confirmed that existing loan holders can reapply for additional funds under the expanded $5 million limit.
BDC Advisory Services (Expanded Subsidy Support)
BDC has also expanded its advisory support under the tariff initiative.
Previously, the program emphasized a limited list of subsidized advisory offerings. Under the updated structure, as long as a business meets the U.S. sales threshold (15%), any BDC advisory service may qualify for subsidy support.
This change is meaningful for businesses looking to invest in enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM), AI and robotics, sales and marketing or strategic planning, while keeping advisory costs manageable.
Application Process: How to Access BDC Support
Eligible business owners can contact their existing BDC advisor or Steve Joseph, Senior Account Manager. Learn more and apply: BDC’s Tariff Support Page.
What Business Owners Should Do Next
Engaging expert guidance early, whether through BDC’s official support hub or through proactive accounting and tax planning, can help businesses identify risks, preserve cash flow, and adapt their structures to remain competitive. Together, these supports not only address short-term challenges but also lay the foundation for long-term operational stability, improved financial performance, and sustainable growth in a complex global trade environment.
Contact us today to discuss how proactive tax and accounting services can help your business overcome any challenges it may face now or in the future. Subscribe to our blog and follow us on LinkedIn for additional updates on tax, accounting, and business advisory matters.
