BDC’s financial results: Record $11.6B in financing solutions for Canadian SMEs and $6B Defence Platform

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Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire BDC's financial results: Record $11.6B in financing solutions for Canadian SMEs and $6B Defence PlatformAuthor of the article:MONTREAL, Aug. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a challenging economic environment, more than 100,000 Canadian entrepreneurs continued to grow with the Business Development Bank of Canada’s (BDC) support, as the bank delivered a record $11.6 billion in financing solutions, contributing up to $28 billion in GDP over the next five years.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Account“Fiscal 2026 tested BDC on every front,” said Isabelle Hudon, President and CEO of BDC. “Despite a challenging environment, we advanced both sides of our mission: growing our core business while leaning further into our development bank role, backing entrepreneurs with record financing for SMEs and launching several new platforms to strengthen Canada’s economic sovereignty, like our Defence Platform. This meant more entrepreneurs could invest, grow and move forward with confidence in a more uncertain environment.”BDC also reported strong financial performance, with $1.04 billion in net income and declared a $75 million dividend, which was returned to the Government of Canada as BDC’s Shareholder. These dividends, totalling more than $1.5 billion since 2021, are a key benefit of BDC being financially self-sufficient, enabling it to deliver value to Canadian entrepreneurs while ensuring its performance directly benefits Canadians.Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againCore business: Supporting entrepreneurs at record scaleIn a more demanding environment for entrepreneurs, BDC delivered at record scale while remaining financially sustainable — ensuring it can keep stepping forward when Canadian businesses need it most.Record financing: $11.6 billion in new financing solutions for Canadian SMEs.Strong reach: 101,135 clients served through financing, investment, advisory services, and partnerships.Driving growth and innovation: nearly $550 million in venture capital equity investment authorizations for 70 companies and 18 funds.Economic impact: BDC’s fiscal 2026 activities are expected to contribute $28 billion to Canada’s GDP over the next five years.Development bank: Expanding impact where it matters mostBDC expanded its impact in fiscal 2026 with the launch of its $6 billion Defence Platform—a major step to strengthen Canada’s economic sovereignty and resilience. Through financing, investment and advisory support, BDC is backing Canadian SMEs developing defence and dual-use technologies, helping them scale and strengthen Canada’s industrial capacity and supply chains.Additional highlights of the fiscal year include:Pivot to Grow: launched to help businesses absorb trade shocks and preserve liquidity in a more uncertain environment, with $177M in loans.Softwood Lumber Guarantee Program: supporting a critical Canadian industry facing ongoing trade pressures, with $220M in loans and loan guarantees.Community Banking: expanded through partnerships such as Community Futures/SADC+CAE/CBDC to increase access to financing and advisory services for underserved entrepreneurs, including in rural and remote communities.Black and Indigenous entrepreneurs: expanding access to capital, with portfolios of $388M in loans and investments, and $1.5B in loans, investments and loan guarantees, respectively.Women entrepreneurs: supporting more than 21,000 businesses, with $8.2B in loans and investments from early stage to scale.This advertisement has not loaded yet.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Financial performance: Strong, sustainable and self-fundedBDC remained strong and sustainable, reporting net income of $1.04 billion and declaring a $75 million dividend. It continues to operate as a profitable, self-funded institution, allowing it to reinvest in its mission while returning value to Canadians.Taking on more risk where it mattersBDC continued to shift its overall portfolio toward businesses with elevated risk models and on smaller and younger businesses that fall outside standard lending models, including those underserved by traditional financing. In fiscal 2026, BDC authorized 21% more transactions (in dollar value) to these businesses compared to fiscal 2020, taking a leading role in helping more entrepreneurs start, grow and transition their businesses in Canada.About BDC, Canada’s bank for small- and medium-sized business ownersBDC focuses on small- and medium-sized business owners, providing them with financing, investment, and advice. As Canada’s development bank, we also support entrepreneurs who don’t fit the traditional mold, working with a network of partners to help develop underserved markets to unlock economic potential. Our mission is to build strong, resilient businesses that drive Canada’s economic growth. BDC is a perennial Canada’s Top 100 Employer and B Corp certified. Learn more at bdc.ca or connect with us on social media. Media contactmediainfo@bdc.ca 1 844 625-8321Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.