.jpg)
1 hour ago
1
Article content
BDC’s Defence Platform will help SMEs drive innovation, growth, and readiness in the sector
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe 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 ARTICLES
Subscribe 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 ARTICLES
Create 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 account
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
- Enjoy additional articles per month
- Get email updates from your favourite authors
Sign In or Create an Account
or
Article content
MONTRÉAL, Dec. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is introducing its new Defence Platform to support Canadian companies working in defence and national security.
Article content
Article content
Through this platform, BDC will deploy up to $4 billion in financing, advice, and investment solutions to help businesses in the sector innovate and grow. The platform will also help attract additional private and allied country investment into Canada’s defence ecosystem.
Article content
Article content
The platform is intended to deliver a target of:
Article content
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
- $3.5 billion in financing and advisory services to help Canadian businesses scale, diversify, and participate in the value chains of major defence contracts and national projects focused on sovereignty. These efforts will support SME capacity building and the production of defence goods.
- $500 million in investments to accelerate defence innovation and strengthen the broader innovation ecosystem. The $500 million will be delivered through three streams:
- StrongNorth Fund: a new venture capital fund focused on deep technologies with dual-use applications
- Catalyst Innovation Fund: a second fund intended to serve as an innovation catalyst for the sector’s start up ecosystem
- Targeted indirect investments in private funds aligned with Canada’s defence and sovereignty priorities
Article content
BDC’s Defence Platform will contribute to the government’s commitment to reach NATO’s target of spending 5% of GDP on defence by 2035. It will drive innovation, strengthen resilience, and help expand and diversify defence partnerships. BDC has worked with government and industry experts to maximize the impact of its platform and will continue to collaborate with the new Defence Investment Agency.
Article content
Article content
BDC’s support will focus on supply chains and direct sales destined for Canadian defence and security entities and their allies. Priority will be given to businesses operating in sectors critical to national security, including manufacturing, critical minerals, robotics, quantum computing, aerospace, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and dual-use technology. The approach and allocations will evolve over time in response to market needs and strategic priorities.
Article content
BDC is also encouraging businesses from related industries to apply their skills to defence needs, especially if their technologies have both civilian and military uses. For example, advanced manufacturers can help fill gaps by supplying key parts for defence technologies.
Article content
Defence-aligned businesses are already accessing BDC support across financing, advisory, and investments, but the rollout of the new platform will enable the Bank to significantly expand the number of companies it can support – broadening access to financial solutions for businesses in the defence sector.
English (US)