Bridging the Capital Gap: Why Canadian SMEs Are Struggling to Scale
Join FBA and a pool of trusted advisors and family members as we talk about what every family owner, CEO and manager needs to know to sustain and grow their business. We thank Robert Patzelt, our FBA Advisor Chair, and Greg Dickie of Royer Thompson for coordinating this morning session that brings together some of the best thought leaders on the lending landscape.
The following article – Part 1 sets the stage and outlines some of the challenges and obstacles!
For many Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the street is filled with potholes and sometimes financial roadblocks. SMEs are the backbone of the Canadian economy—accounting for 90% of the country’s employment sector—BUT most SMEs hit a wall when trying to secure the funding necessary to grow beyond their current footprint. The reason? A glaring gap in Canada’s capital markets that leaves many of these firms without viable financing options at critical stages of their development.
A report from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada highlights that fewer than 2% of Canadian medium-sized businesses grow into large firms annually. This stark statistic underscores the capital access issue. The result is a productivity gap with other economies, such as the U.S., where SMEs have better access to growth capital. The report notes that medium-sized businesses require affordable sources of growth capital to make investments in hiring talent, building infrastructure, and developing new technologies. Yet, these firms often find themselves stuck between traditional small business loans and venture capital, unable to secure funding in the crucial $2 million to $5 million range.
This issue is particularly prevalent in Atlantic Canada, where SMEs face unique challenges. According to a study conducted by the Canadian Institute for Research on Public Policy and Public Administration, SMEs in Atlantic Canada experience greater difficulty accessing debt financing than those in other regions of the country. This gap is evident in higher loan rejection rates and smaller loan approvals. The problem is compounded in rural areas, where smaller firms often encounter higher interest rates due to fewer financial institutions competing for business.
To address these issues, flexible financing models that blend debt and equity, such as hybrid financing, have shown promise. The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has reported increased demand for growth equity and hybrid financing products, which are crucial for mid-sized firms looking to expand without giving up control. However, while these financing models are available, they remain underutilized.
Some of our most promising businesses may remain stuck, unable to achieve their full potential – certainly not good news for a family enterprise!
~ by Robert Patzelt, ICD.D, KC, Chair, Family Business Atlantic Advisor Committee
These issues and many more will be addressed at FBA’s upcoming Capital Clarity: Unlocking Growth Together event which will happen from 8:00 am – 12:15 pm on October 18 at Brightwood Golf and Country Club in Dartmouth. Representatives from TD, BDC, Grant Thornton, HanMac Capital and other financing and lending institutions will be on hand to discuss the current Capital Terrain and how you can prepare for your business growth and expansion. LIMITED SPACE so confirm your seats ASAP – REGISTER HERE.