Most owners think about timing in terms of rent negotiations, staffing, or seasonality. But one of the most overlooked timing factors is government programs and funding initiatives — the kind that can dramatically change your access to capital, cost of borrowing, or even your export eligibility overnight.
When used strategically, these programs can help you enter the market stronger, expand faster, and protect your margins when conditions shift.
Why staying updated matters
Franchises operate in cycles. Economic conditions, lending trends, and policy updates can all affect when (and how) you should move. Yet many owners only learn about new programs after they’ve missed the window.
Whether you’re running a café, a cleaning service, or a multi-unit fitness chain, being proactive about upcoming funding can mean the difference between paying 10% interest on a loan or qualifying for a government-backed facility at half the rate.
By staying plugged into programs from EDC, BDC, or provincial agencies, you can line up your financing in advance and time your next move before competitors catch on.
The TELP example
A great case in point is the Trade Expansion Lending Program (TELP) launched by Export Development Canada (EDC).
While it sounds like a program for exporters, TELP is actually broader than that. It’s designed to support businesses that are part of Canada’s export supply chain — meaning even if you don’t ship products overseas, you may still qualify if your suppliers or customers do.
For example:
- A franchise manufacturer that sources packaging from a U.S. supplier
- A construction or renovation franchise using imported materials
- A software or logistics franchise providing services to clients that sell abroad
These indirect links can make your business eligible for favourable financing through partner banks, often with EDC backing part of the risk.
That can unlock access to larger working-capital facilities, better rates, and more flexibility when expanding into new territories or upgrading equipment.
The bigger picture
Programs like TELP tend to come in waves — and those who catch the early ones often gain a serious edge. Over the past few years, we’ve seen:
• BDC’s “Pivot to Grow” loans for post-pandemic recovery
• CSBFL expansions to help franchise startups access up to $500K
• Export-oriented guarantees that let small operators qualify for lines of credit previously out of reach
Each of these had short windows of heightened availability or funding boosts, which savvy franchisees used to fast-track openings or lock in financing ahead of rate hikes.
How to stay ahead
- Assign a watchdog – Whether it’s your accountant, financial advisor, or internal manager, make sure someone on your team tracks federal and provincial program updates.
- Follow the right sources – Subscribe to updates from EDC, BDC, Innovation Canada, and your local business development offices.
- Plan around announcements – Align your expansion or refinancing timelines with new government fiscal years (usually spring) when most new programs are rolled out.
- Partner with experts – It’s one thing to know a program exists; it’s another to qualify for it. A financial advisor who understands both franchising and government-backed lending can help you structure your application, align your financials, and present your business in the right light. That includes preparing your projections, cleaning up your statements, and coordinating with your bank or credit union so the funding package is airtight.
The right advisor will help you use these programs to your full advantage.
Final thought
Franchise growth isn’t just about running a strong operation — it’s about reading the market and knowing when to move.
Government programs like TELP don’t stay quiet for long, but they do reward those who are paying attention.
If you’re planning to open a new location, refinance your current one, or expand into a new region, now’s the time to review what funding and incentives might be lining up in your favour.
