BDC introduces platform to provide $4B to boost Canada’s defence and security ecosystem

This section is Partnership Content suppliedThe content in this section is supplied by GlobeNewswire for the purposes of distributing press releases on behalf of its clients. Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire Article contentBDC’s Defence Platform will help SMEs drive innovation, growth, and readiness in the sectorSign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentMONTRÉAL, 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 contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentThrough 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 contentArticle contentThe platform is intended to deliver a target of:Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!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 againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.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 applicationsCatalyst Innovation Fund: a second fund intended to serve as an innovation catalyst for the sector’s start up ecosystemTargeted indirect investments in private funds aligned with Canada’s defence and sovereignty prioritiesArticle contentBDC’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 contentArticle contentBDC’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 contentBDC 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 contentDefence-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.Trending 'Why let one person in the States change your life?' For Canadian snowbirds, the stay or go dilemma gets complicated Real Estate Is a $2.75 million portfolio enough for Halifax empty nesters to retire early?

Personal Finance Expect 'dramatically higher' oil prices in 2026, says Eric Nuttall Oil & Gas Canada's population declines for the first time since the pandemic News World watches as Ottawa's bullish shift on LNG puts wind at the back of two major projects Oil & Gas Article contentIn order to deliver this platform with the greatest impact, BDC will continue to develop its expertise in various ways, including the hiring of industry experts and creating a dedicated team to serve the sector. Article contentBDC’s Defence Platform is based on a $1 billion capital injection previously announced in the federal budget of November 4, 2025.Article contentQuoteArticle content“BDC was born in 1944 in the wake of the Second World War, helping returning soldiers start new businesses and wartime factories convert to civilian production. Today, history calls on us again. Canada’s defence sector is entering a new strategic era, and SMEs are at the heart of this transformation. We know that entrepreneurs aligned to the sector face unique challenges in accessing capital and navigating complex supply chains, and BDC is stepping up to help them overcome these barriers, strengthen our sovereignty, and build a more secure and resilient nation.”Article content— Isabelle Hudon, President and CEO, BDCArticle contentAbout BDC: Canada’s bank for entrepreneurs Article contentBDC is a partner of choice for all entrepreneurs looking to access the financing and advice they need to build their businesses and tackle the big challenges of our time. Our investment arm, BDC Capital, offers a wide range of risk capital solutions to help grow the most innovative firms. Our financing and investments in fiscal 2025 will add an estimated $25 billion to Canada’s GDP over the next five years. We are one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers and Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, and the first financial institution in Canada to receive the B Corp certification in 2013. For more information on our products and services and to consult free tools, templates and articles, visit bdc.ca or join BDC on social media.Article contentMedia contact: mediainfo@bdc.ca 1 844 625-8321Article contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentShare this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. 'Why let one person in the States change your life?' For Canadian snowbirds, the stay or go dilemma gets complicated Real Estate Is a $2.75 million portfolio enough for Halifax empty nesters to retire early?

Personal Finance Expect 'dramatically higher' oil prices in 2026, says Eric Nuttall Oil & Gas Canada's population declines for the first time since the pandemic News World watches as Ottawa's bullish shift on LNG puts wind at the back of two major projects Oil & Gas