The BDC LIFT Program Canada is designed for growing businesses ready to invest in AI, digital transformation, ERP, CRM, Automation, and advanced equipment with access to expert advisory support and funding.
LIFT is a BDC program that helps Canadian businesses invest in advanced technology, boost productivity, and stay competitive through expert advisory support and flexible financing. It supports AI, digital tools, automation, robotics, and modern equipment. Empowering productivity growth for 1,000+ Canadian entrepreneurs.
With $500 million dedicated to the LIFT program, BDC is set to support more than 1,000 SMEs in adopting AI, helping them boost productivity, improve efficiency, and create measurable impact on their bottom line.
LIFT helps Canadian businesses modernize operations with tools, planning, and support for digital growth.
Get funding for AI, ERP, CRM, cybersecurity, robotics, automation, and advanced equipment through the BDC LIFT Program.
ThinkTech helps identify opportunities, prepare applications, and implement growth-focused technology solutions.
BDC LIFT Program combines advisory support and financing to help businesses confidently plan and implement digital transformation and AI projects.
Businesses must have a minimum annual revenue of $1 million.
Strong financial standing with profitable operations.
Investment focused on AI, digital transformation, data, or cybersecurity funding
LIFT supports businesses looking to invest in advanced equipment that drives measurable productivity gains.
Minimum annual revenue of $5 million
Strong financial capacity with a productivity improvement plan
Operates in eligible sectors such as manufacturing, wholesale, construction, transport, agriculture, engineering, or mining.
According to BDC, businesses using AI were found to be more productive.
LIFT was launched to help Canadian small and medium-sized businesses move from interest in AI to real implementation.
In 2025, only 30% of Canadian SMEs were using AI.
SMEs that adopted AI were 24% more productive than those that did not use it.
From planning to implementation, we simplify the entire funding journey.
We understand your growth goals, systems, and operational gaps.
We help prepare your project roadmap, documentation, and strategy.
Once approved, we help execute your digital transformation successfully.
We determine where AI, automation, or equipment investments can deliver results.
We guide you through the financing and advisory process.
We help businesses leverage programs that encourage Canadian innovation and suppliers.
Both. The BDC LIFT Program combines consulting and financing to help you assess readiness, plan your project, and invest in Canadian technology that improves efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. Preferential pricing is available on both financing and advisory solutions.
For digital transformation and AI:
Adopting AI is critical for improving productivity. Consulting helps you assess digital maturity, build a roadmap, and prepare your investment before applying for financing.
For productivity and advanced equipment:
Preferential‑rate financing supports investments in equipment, robotics, and automation. Consulting is available if you need support developing or strengthening your plan.
LIFT is for Canadian businesses with annual revenue of at least $1M seeking to improve efficiency or competitiveness through AI or advanced technology. LIFT is also available for those with an annual revenue of $5M investing in productivity‑enhancing equipment. Eligibility also depends on your financial health, industry, and the nature of your project.
Yes. Your advisor can help you determine whether a supplier is Canadian when selecting AI, software, hardware, or digital service providers.
AI solutions can vary from simple to complex, depending on your needs and available data. BDC technology consultants can help you assess your readiness and plan for the next steps.
Yes, a plan is required.
Digital transformation and AI: A BDC Advisory Services Plan is required.
Productivity and equipment: A plan is required. BDC Advisory Services can help you build a plan if you don’t have one or refine an existing plan.
For AI adoption, businesses from any industry may qualify3.
For productivity‑enhancing equipment, LIFT is available to businesses in the following sectors only:
Yes. Financing may include installation, integration, and implementation costs when they are directly tied to the technology investment and reviewed as part of the overall project.
The amount depends on your revenue, project scope, business profile, and the financial strength of your company. In some cases, financing can exceed the base cost of equipment to include eligible implementation expenses, subject to review and approval.
BDC offers other financing and consulting options to support digital transformation, AI adoption, and equipment investments, including:
A BDC advisor can help you determine the best solution for your needs.
ThinkTech is equipped not only to guide businesses through the grant and assessment phase of the program, but also to support them through the execution phase, helping turn their plans into real, measurable results.
Trusted by small and medium-sized businesses across Canada, we take pride in delivering results that make a real impact. See what our clients have to say through our Google Reviews and discover why businesses continue to choose us as their trusted growth partner.
We are experienced in creating effective digital business strategies tailored to business goals. Since 2012, we have been helping clients embrace digital transformation, improve operations, adopt modern technologies, and stay competitive in a changing market.
We have performed countless audits across a wide range of industries and have developed the right solutions to address unique business needs. Our experience allows us to identify opportunities, solve challenges efficiently, and deliver strategies tailored to each business’s goals.
We specialize in digital and AI solutions for businesses of all sizes. Having worked with companies across diverse industries and unique challenges, we have the expertise and capability to design customized technology solutions that drive efficiency, growth, and long-term success.
We have 100+ experts and professionals on our team to assist clients through every stage of their end-to-end digital transformation journey.
