national funding
...ent satisfaction rate: 93% • BDC Venture Capital: 78 direct investments valued at $118 million, including $22 million in technology seed investments. While equity markets have weakened, BDC plays an even more important role in pre-seed and seed stage. This year, these higher risk investments led to a loss of $56 million. • Consulting revenue: $18.9 million Other good news • Reaffirmation of BDC's core values: ethics, client connection, team spirit, accountability and work/life balance. • Lending commitment to women entrepreneurs: extended to $1.6 billion • Authorized financings to Aboriginal entrepreneurs: over $90 million in the past decade. • Partnership agreements with Community Futures Development Corporations: more than 150 as at March 31, 2005 General questions o What is the purpose of the BDC? BDC is a financial institution wholly owned by the Government of Canada. BDC plays a leadership role in delivering financial and consulting services to Canadian small and medium-sized businesses, with a particular focus on the technology and export sectors of the economy. o What is the difference between you and the other financial institutions? In brief: BDC offers you both financing solutions (long term financing, venture capital, subordinate financing) and consulting services. BDC's innovative term financing features fixed or floating rates and repayment schedules up to 20 years, tailored to your working capital needs. Project-based financing and a comprehensive approach to risk assessment allows BDC to help businesses whose financial needs exceed the parameters of traditional financing. o Do you offer grants or subsidies? No. BDC is a commercial bank offering long-term business financing, paid back with interest. For information on grants or subsidies, visit the Canada Business Service Centres Web site. o So you don't give money? Shouldn't a crown corporation be helping Canadians? BDC has been supporting Canadian businesses for 60 years. BDC's innovative financing and consulting services are specifically created to respond to the needs of today's Canadian businesses. It is important to note that our funds are borrowed on the money market like other commercial banks; we do not receive government funding for the money we offer in loans. o Why should I borrow from BDC when I can get lower rates elsewhere? If you look at your total financing package, and not just the interest rate, BDC is very competitive and offers flexible repayment terms as well as increased levels of financing. Find out more about BDC interest rates. o Can I open a chequing/savings account at your bank? No. BDC is a long-term commercial lender. It does not provide regular banking services nor does it accept deposits. o Do you provide loan guarantees? No. You may be looking for the Canada Small Business Financing program to cover fixed assets or leasehold improvements. This loan guarantee program is offered through chartered banks and other financial institutions across Canada, but not by BDC. We suggest you contact your financial institution for more information or consult strategis.ic.gc.ca. o Can you provide me with exchange rate information? Since we do not exchange money, we do not offer exchange rates. Your local bank or foreign exchange office can help you. The Bank of Canada offers a useful currency converter. o Do you issue letters of credit? No. We recommend you contact your financial institution for this service. If you are an exporter, you can also contact Export Development Canada or call them at 1-888-332-3320. o Do you offer line of credit facilities? Most companies already have a line of credit. BDC does not specifically offer a line of credit; however, ou...