Direct Lending (EDC)

Direct Lending (EDC) is sponsored by Export Development Canada (EDC). EDC provides direct loans to mid-sized and large Canadian exporters to help them scale production, invest in new markets, and seize global opportunities.

Where are the biggest export opportunities? How do I expand beyond the U. S Which Incoterm reduces my logistics risk?

Get short-term coverage for occasional exports Portfolio Credit Insurance Maintain ongoing coverage for active exporters Compare trade credit insurance solutions Coulson Aviation’s growth Coulson Aviation’s growth See how portfolio credit insurance helped this Canadian innovator expand.

Increase borrowing power for exports Account Performance Security Guarantee Free up cash tied to contracts Foreign Exchange Facility Guarantee Protect profits from exchange risk Trade Expansion Lending Program Unlock more working capital Explore working capital guarantees Access funding and resources to reach new markets. Find out how access to working capital fueled their expansion.

Secure a loan for global expansion Get financing for international customers Structured and Project Finance Access funding for capital-intensive projects Find out how direct lending helped this snack brand go global. Miovision’s sustainable path Miovision’s sustainable path Learn how a Canadian tech firm turns sustainability into global opportunity.

Get equity capital for strategic growth Find opportunities in agri-food trade Expand your cleantech business Grow your defence exports Explore solutions for domestic oil and gas Explore more sectors and businesses Discover the top cleantech trends influencing exporters in 2026 Business Connections Program Business Connections Program Build relationships with global buyers to help grow your international business.

Explore strategies to enter new markets Understand trade tariffs and how to manage their impact Learn ways to protect your business from uncertainty Build stronger supply chains for reliable operation Access tools and insights for agri-food exporters Find market intelligence for mining and metals exporters Get insights to drive sustainable innovation Explore resources for infrastructure growth Discover practical tools for first-time exporters Grow your export business Unlock strategies to manage risk and boost growth Expand your global presence Leverage insights and connections to scale worldwide Strategic pricing for exporters Strategic pricing for exporters Learn how pricing strategies help you enter new markets, manage risk and attract customers.

Get expert insights and the latest economic trends to help guide your export strategy.

Asia-Pacific market intelligence Track trade trends in Asia-Pacific Europe market intelligence Uncover European market opportunities Access insights on U.S. trade Browse countries and markets Learn about our solutions for market diversification Get expert analysis on markets and trends Discover stories shaping global trade See what’s ahead for the world economy Monitor shifting global market risks Read exporters’ perspectives on global trade Get answers to your export questions Research foreign companies before doing business Find trusted service providers EDC | FITT Lite Learning Series Gain export skills with online courses Access all tools and resources with a free MyEDC account Discover resources for smarter exporting Get insights and practical advice from leading experts Listen to global trade stories Learn how exporters are thriving worldwide Explore export challenges and EDC solutions See how we help exporters Explore the companies we serve Learn about our commitment to ESG Organizational governance Understand our governance framework See the results of our commitments Access funding and resources to reach new market Canadian coffee exporter scales sustainably Where are the biggest export opportunities?

How do I expand beyond the U. S Which Incoterm reduces my logistics risk? Manage your finance and insurance services.

Get access to export tools and expert insights.

Trade Partnership Insurance Financial Institutions Risk Manager Brokers and service providers Portfolio Credit Insurance Trade Partnership Insurance Financial Institutions Risk Manager Brokers and service providers Get short-term coverage for occasional exports Portfolio Credit Insurance Maintain ongoing coverage for active exporters Compare trade credit insurance solutions Coulson Aviation’s growth Coulson Aviation’s growth See how portfolio credit insurance helped this Canadian innovator expand.

Increase borrowing power for exports Account Performance Security Guarantee Free up cash tied to contracts Foreign Exchange Facility Guarantee Protect profits from exchange risk Trade Expansion Lending Program Unlock more working capital Explore working capital guarantees Access funding and resources to reach new markets. Find out how access to working capital fueled their expansion.

Secure a loan for global expansion Get financing for international customers Structured and Project Finance Access funding for capital-intensive projects Find out how direct lending helped this snack brand go global. Miovision’s sustainable path Miovision’s sustainable path Learn how a Canadian tech firm turns sustainability into global opportunity.

Get equity capital for strategic growth Find opportunities in agri-food trade Expand your cleantech business Grow your defence exports Explore solutions for domestic oil and gas Explore more sectors and businesses Discover the top cleantech trends influencing exporters in 2026 Business Connections Program Business Connections Program Build relationships with global buyers to help grow your international business.

Explore strategies to enter new markets Understand trade tariffs and how to manage their impact Learn ways to protect your business from uncertainty Build stronger supply chains for reliable operation Access tools and insights for agri-food exporters Find market intelligence for mining and metals exporters Get insights to drive sustainable innovation Explore resources for infrastructure growth Discover practical tools for first-time exporters Grow your export business Unlock strategies to manage risk and boost growth Expand your global presence Leverage insights and connections to scale worldwide Strategic pricing for exporters Strategic pricing for exporters Learn how pricing strategies help you enter new markets, manage risk and attract customers.

Get expert insights and the latest economic trends to help guide your export strategy.

Asia-Pacific market intelligence Track trade trends in Asia-Pacific Europe market intelligence Uncover European market opportunities Access insights on U.S. trade Browse countries and markets Learn about our solutions for market diversification Get expert analysis on markets and trends Discover stories shaping global trade See what’s ahead for the world economy Monitor shifting global market risks Read exporters’ perspectives on global trade Get answers to your export questions Research foreign companies before doing business Find trusted service providers EDC | FITT Lite Learning Series Gain export skills with online courses Access all tools and resources with a free MyEDC account Discover resources for smarter exporting Get insights and practical advice from leading experts Listen to global trade stories Learn how exporters are thriving worldwide Explore export challenges and EDC solutions See how we help exporters Explore the companies we serve Learn about our commitment to ESG Organizational governance Understand our governance framework See the results of our commitments Access funding and resources to reach new market Canadian coffee exporter scales sustainably Direct loans to fuel your international growth EDC provides direct loans to help mid-sized and large Canadian exporters scale production, invest in new markets and seize global opportunities.

What makes EDC direct lending different Choose from a range of financing options, including syndications, clubs, bilateral term loans and guarantees tailored to your needs. Unlock extensive follow-on capacity to pursue new opportunities without needing to secure additional funding. Access long-term, non-dilutive funding with flexible repayment terms that ease financial pressure and protect your ownership.

How exporter financing works Define your international growth strategy Set clear expansion goals and estimate how much capital you'll need to support your plans. Connect with EDC loan experts Talk to your EDC account manager about your objectives—they’ll help identify the right structure to support your growth. Once approved, we'll underwrite and finalize your loan so you can access funds and move forward confidently.

Find out if an EDC export loan is right for your business EDC offers direct loans to Canadian companies pursuing international growth. You may be eligible if: Your annual revenue is $10 million or more. You’re seeking at least $1 million in funding.

You are investing in global expansion. You need support to boost your export capacity. If you don’t meet the criteria for a loan, an EDC working capital guarantee may help you secure additional funding through your financial institution.

For companies with annual revenue under $10 million, the Business Development Bank of Canada offers financing solutions to support every stage of growth. Managing marketing in the U.S. and our working capital and inventory position—that’s really where EDC’s direct lending program was a great support for us. Frequently asked questions <b>Is an EDC loan right for my international growth strategy?

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</b></p> Is an EDC loan right for my international growth strategy? If your company has at least $10 million in annual revenue and you're investing in international growth, you may be eligible for a loan from EDC. <b>What can the funds be used for?

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A loan from EDC can help you acquire international businesses, invest in new equipment or facilities, increase production capacity or bridge cash flow gaps tied to export contracts. <b>How much scalable financing can I access and for how long?

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</b></p> How much scalable financing can I access and for how long? Loans typically start at $1 million and are structured to match your business needs. Terms vary based on the size, scope and purpose of your growth plans.

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</b></p> How much does an EDC loan cost? Our direct loans are priced in line with commercial market rates. We’re not a subsidized lender, but we offer competitive terms and flexible repayment options—including penalty-free prepayment under our standard terms.

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</b></p> How do EDC loans compare to traditional bank financing? Our loans are designed to complement the financing you receive from your financial institution. While some lenders may have limits around export-related risk or large-scale international growth, we offer flexible structures, deep export expertise and the ability to step in when your bank can’t fully meet your needs.

<b>What industries or sectors benefit from EDC’s direct lending? </b></p> " role="region" aria-expanded="false" data-stay-open="false" data-event-component="New Accordion" data-event-action="main body" data-event-text="<p><b>What industries or sectors benefit from EDC’s direct lending?

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<b>Can I combine EDC loans with other business expansion funding? </b></p> " role="region" aria-expanded="false" data-stay-open="false" data-event-component="New Accordion" data-event-action="main body" data-event-text="<p><b>Can I combine EDC loans with other business expansion funding?

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Our direct loans are designed to complement your existing financing. We work collaboratively with your financial institution and offer flexible structures like syndications and bilateral loans. <b>What documents or financials are required to apply?

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To apply, you’ll typically need: Annual financial statements or interim financials A signed loan agreement and any amendments An authorized credit write-up from your financial institution An exporter declaration and consent form Ready to diversify and grow your business? Answer a few quick questions about your business to get started or call us at 1-800-229-0575.

EDC’s partnership has been incredibly valuable to us as an entrepreneur business in Canada, and we’re very focused on ensuring our export numbers continue to grow. Bruce Constantine President and co-founder, Espro Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia Coffee and tea-making equipment Not sure if this product meets your needs? Find out which EDC product is right for your business by answering a few quick questions, Date modified: 2026-01-23