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BDC's 2026 Playbook: Capital for AI, Tech & Inclusive Founders

BDC is Canada's government-backed bank that helps small and medium businesses grow with loans, investments and advice. Its Corporate Plan Summary for 2026 - 2030, approved March 6, 2025, shows exactly how it will spend billions from April 2025 to March 2030. The plan tackles big issues like slow economy growth, low productivity and 350,000 businesses short on funding.

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Key 2026 Highlights Explained

• $500M AI Help Program: Kicks off in 2026 for 4 years. It gives loans and advice so small businesses can buy and use AI, data tools, automation and cybersecurity. Fact: 97% of businesses using AI say it cuts costs, boosts speed and grows sales. BDC has already put $473M into companies building these AI tools.​

• Tech Investment Funds: BDC manages $7.2B and backs over 800 tech companies mostly funded by VCs. In 2026, more money goes to tough areas like deep tech ($200M fund for quantum, AI basics), climate tech ($500M fund), factory upgrades ($450M funds) and early startups ($50M seed fund).​

• Funding for Everyone + Community Support: A test program since late 2023 has guaranteed 475 loans worth $43.7M - about 70% went to founders from underrepresented groups. This grows in 2026 with tiny loans through local groups. Plus: $500M Thrive Platform for women-led tech companies, $50M loans for women/Indigenous/Black-owned businesses under $3M in sales, and a new $100M fund for Indigenous-led startups.​

BDC expects $1.5B in yearly profit by 2030, with extra cash for growth starting 2027.​

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🛠️ BUILDERS PERSPECTIVE

Picture this: As 2025 draws to a close, it is the perfect moment to reflect on our wins, lessons, and gratitude; fueling bold 2026 plans and a strong start to the year.

TechTO co-founder Jason Goldlist captures the resilient human story behind every milestone.

Pause now: What is one 2025 win you are proud of? One lesson for 2026? One community member to thank? Share your answers - together, we turn reflection into momentum. 

🗓️ UPCOMING EVENTS

• Together Toronto: Monday, January 12 @ 6:00pm - LAST TICKETS

• Commerce Toronto: Wednesday, January 21 @ 5:30pm - EARLY-BIRD TICKETS HERE

• Together Toronto: Monday, February 2 @ 6:00pm - EARLY-BIRD

• Sales Toronto 2026: Wednesday, February 09 @ 6:00pm - EARLY-BIRD TICKETS HERE

• Health Toronto 2026: Wednesday, February 25 @ 6:00pm - EARLY-BIRD TICKETS HERE

Don’t forget to lock in your year of TechTO! Subscribe to our full events calendar

🎤 Know Someone Who Should Be on the TechTO Stage?

We’re always looking to spotlight founders, operators, and builders with powerful stories; the kind that inspire, teach, and move the Canadian tech community forward.

If you know someone whose journey deserves the mic - from early stumbles to breakout momentum - we want to hear from you.

Help us bring fresh voices and new perspectives to future TechTO events and podcasts.

NEXT BIG GIGS 💼

Check out the next big gigs in tech we think you’ll love:

1. AiiM Partners is hiring a Senior Associate, Investments (Part-time, Remote Toronto) to drive research, modeling, and deal flow for a private equity firm backing digital transformation in infrastructure and supply chains. You will leverage data tools for sector analysis, support portfolio companies with analytics, and produce diligence reports alongside a team with deep expertise. Strong candidates transition to full-time, this role suits grad students or pros with AI/deep tech fluency and financial modeling skills.​

2. Wealthsimple is looking for an Intermediate & Senior Software Developer, Crypto (Remote) to build non-custodial crypto products at Canada’s largest fintech. You will architect on-chain integrations with DEXs and DeFi protocols, optimize for security and user control, and shape decentralized finance for millions of users. Ideal for blockchain experts with full-stack experience in Ethereum, smart contracts, and Web3 libraries who thrive in fast-evolving crypto landscapes.​

3. Cohere is hiring a Solutions Architect (Full-time, Remote Toronto) to design agentic AI solutions using frontier models for enterprise workflows. You will architect scalable NLP systems, deploy custom agents via Kubernetes and cloud services, and bridge customer needs with product feedback at the cutting edge of AI adoption. Perfect for AI/ML architects with hands-on Python experience, model fine-tuning, and a passion for production-grade generative AI.​

Looking to hire or get hired? Check out the TechTO Job Board to see 1,000+ opportunities and learn how to get your companies jobs featured.

👀 OPPORTUNITIES TO WATCH

🎉 Last Days: Get 20% Off TechTO Membership

TechTO membership unlocks the connections that fuel real breakthroughs in Canadian tech. Co-founders, funding leads, and career leaps happen here every day. These are the last days to claim 20% off annual plans with code RESOLUTION to get your TechTO membership.

Key Benefits

• Unlimited Events: Free entry to all Together Toronto and vertical events with top founders and investors.​

• VIP Perks: Priority seating, exclusive lounges, early invites to high-impact workshops.​

• Slack Network: Join private channel with operators, VCs, and builders for daily collaborations.​

• Newsletter Reach: Spotlight your story to 60K+ subscribers for leads and visibility.​

• Hiring Boost: Post jobs to attract elite talent directly.​

Secure it in these last days with RESOLUTION. Propel into 2026 with real momentum.

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