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Webinar Wednesday: Applying for a business loan-What is the bank looking for?

March 18 @ 2:00 pm 3:00 pm

Starting a business is hard. Finding fair financing should not be. In this active and welcoming session from BMO, we will walk new and existing business owners through a clear path to getting a startup loan in Canada. You will learn how to choose the right product for your need, how lenders decide on approvals, and what simple steps can strengthen your application. We will explain key terms in plain English. 

Access to funding should never be out of reach, especially for entrepreneurs who have historically been underserved. 

We will break down the different types of loans available, explain what lenders look for, and share practical steps that can help improve your chances of approval.

This session is designed to be active and engaging. We will use real examples, open discussion time, and simple explanations that make the loan process easier to understand. Whether you are starting something new or growing your current business, you will learn what you need, why lenders ask for certain documents, and how we can work together to help you access the capital you deserve.

Our goal is to make the process less confusing, more inclusive, and more successful for Canadian 2SLGBTQIA+ founders.

Key takeaways:

Leave this session with a clear, simple path to get your startup financed in Canada. 

You will learn how to choose the right product for your need, how much to borrow and why, and how lenders make approval decisions. We will show you, in plain English, how to prove repayment and present your business with confidence. You will hear/practice a short lender pitch.

You will understand what is different for startups and how to turn that into strengths. We will focus on the people, the plan, and proof that customers want what you sell. We will show you how owner equity, early traction, and collateral can improve your odds. We will also explain when a line of credit fits working capital, when a term loan or lease fits equipment, and when a government backed option like the Canada Small Business Financing Program may help a new business qualify.

Our Team

Photo of Kevin Cao (He/Him)
Kevin Cao (He/Him) Senior Relationship Manager, Business Banking BMO Bank of Montreal