Empowering Entrepreneurs: BDC’s Journey Toward Impact and Inclusion
« At BDC, we believe entrepreneurship can be a force for good—and we’re proving it every day. »
The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is much more than a financial institution. As the only bank in the country exclusively dedicated to entrepreneurs, it has been supporting Canadian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for over 80 years, offering financing, advisory services, and capital. A financially sustainable Crown corporation, BDC operates independently from its sole shareholder, the Government of Canada, while working closely with local partners to fill market gaps and stimulate economic growth. With over 107,345 clients, and 109 business centres across the country, BDC plays a central role in Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
A Vision for Impact and Inclusion
BDC is committed to supporting entrepreneurs and contributing to a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable economy. The organization firmly believes that equitable access to financing is an economic driver and actively seeks to reach underserved communities, including young entrepreneurs, remote regions, and those with limited credit history. Through targeted programs — such as its $200-million initiative for Indigenous and Black-led businesses — BDC aims to create a future where everyone has the tools to reach their full potential.
Recent Milestones in Inclusive Growth
In 2025, BDC deepened its commitment to economic reconciliation and diversity by launching a $100-million initiative with First Nations Bank of Canada to accelerate Indigenous business acquisitions. It also introduced two $100-million platforms for Indigenous and Black-led businesses and expanded Community Banking partnerships to reach entrepreneurs in underserved regions. These initiatives are expected to support hundreds of Indigenous entrepreneurs and create thousands of jobs over the next decade, contributing to long-term economic reconciliation. And they reflect BDC’s B Corp commitment to equity and sustainability, ensuring that growth benefits all communities.
A Pioneer in the B Corp Movement
BDC demonstrated its leadership in responsible business practices early on by becoming a certified B Corp in 2013, at a time when the movement was just gaining traction in Canada. This certification signaled more than just external recognition; it marked a concrete pledge to embed sustainability principles into every aspect of its operations. Recently, BDC achieved its fifth recertification with an impressive score of 108, reflecting a steadfast commitment to advancing impact. By intensifying efforts to reach underserved markets — through initiatives like Community Banking and the Climate Action Centre — BDC has amplified both its social influence and its B Corp performance. As a result, BDC continues to be a driving force for small- and medium-sized businesses in Canada, helping to foster their growth and sustainability for the long term.
Reducing Its Environmental Footprint
Sustainability is also reflected in concrete actions. Since 2020, BDC has achieved a 47% reduction in operational GHG emissions compared to the 2020 base year. Although the bank only occupies leased spaces, it prioritizes LEED®-certified workspaces, designed to be both environmentally responsible and conducive to employee well-being. It also maintains an active Green IT Committee, focused on extending the life of IT equipment, recycling e-waste, and offsetting the lifecycle emissions of laptops.
Tangible Benefits for Communities
BDC’s initiatives are purposefully crafted to empower small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), strengthening communities across Canada in the process. In 2025, the Bank achieved milestones such as supporting a record number of women-owned businesses and assisting more than 1,541 Indigenous clients. Since 2018, BDC has invested $1.6 billion in clean technology companies and funds, driving innovation and environmental progress. Recognizing the importance of well-being, BDC also champions entrepreneurs’ mental health by providing research, educational resources, and free virtual therapy in partnership with GreenShield Health. These achievements underline BDC’s unwavering commitment to helping businesses flourish, while advancing a more resilient and sustainable Canadian economy.
For BDC, being part of the B Corp community is first and foremost about belonging to a network of passionate people who believe that businesses can be a positive force. This conviction guides the organization in supporting entrepreneurs and inspires it to build a more inclusive and resilient Canada every day.
Looking ahead, BDC plans to finance 100,000 new entrepreneurs over the next decade, driving inclusive growth and reinforcing its leadership in impact-driven banking.