BDC tradition and innovation are the keys to success.

The successful marriage of tradition with innovation has been the driving force behind BDC's success in assisting thousands of Canadian entrepreneurs for over 60 years. As a Crown corporation wholly owned by the federal government, BDC's mandate is unmistakably clear: to support Canadian entrepreneurship by providing financing, consulting and venture capital solutions.

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BDC's record of bringing prosperity to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is supported by numbers that define the impressive scope of its operations. A portfolio of $12 billion serves a national customer base of 26,000 businesses that are committed to financial growth. In the Sudbury region alone, BDC serves the needs of 200 customers for a total portfolio of $60 million, and supports the expansion plans of 650 businesses spread throughout a vast Northern Ontario market for another $200 million. Offices in North Bay, Timmins, Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay ensure that BDC representatives are always accessible.

BDC's commitment to the growth of small business stems from an unwavering belief in the contribution of Canadian entrepreneurs to employment and financial prosperity, a philosophy voiced by Mark MacKenzie, C.A., Vice President and District Manager for Northern Ontario.

"Small and medium sized business are the lifeblood of communities, so it's essential that we support them," he says. The intent to focus primarily on servicing the needs of SMEs was driven by fact-based decision making. "The federal government realized," MacKenzie continued, "that there was a void in the market for financing SMEs, a void that could be filled by BDC."

Several approaches unique to BDC's lending policy maximize the number of firms that benefit from its lending options. Among them, flexible financing solutions are paramount. The size of loans may vary in accordance with the demands of each project. Subject to approval, repayment schedules can also be adjusted to meet the specific needs of each client.

Unlike other lending institutions, however, BDC Financing exclusively focuses on SMEs, channeling all its professional expertise into one focused direction. Capital expansion, purchase of equipment, availability of additional working capital, or any number of growth-related needs are just some of the reasons businesses come to BDC, whose purpose is to provide innovative and accessible loan packages. A strong business ethic, rooted in the belief that the entrepreneurs are the driving force behind Canada's wealth creation, has shaped a corresponding lending policy.

"Unlike other institutions that lend money on the basis of recoverable assets, we take a different approach," explains Mark MacKenzie. "We look at growth potential, management capabilities, and other factors that contribute to business viability." Financially solvent companies, therefore, can access term loans from an institution that values human potential and sound ideas as much as it does tangible assets, equity and solvency, a fact resoundingly supported by BDC's commitment to start-up firms.

"We also provide starting capital of $50,000 to entrepreneurs with sound business plans and good management," adds Mark. "Many of our clients have grown from our initial contributions, and we have grown with them. There is great satisfaction knowing that business owners remember the help they received from us." BDC's financial solutions to meet the multilayered needs of today's entrepreneurs are only as effective as the people who deliver them. And those people, whether located in the Sudbury district office or in the other BDC branches spread across Canada, are equipped with stellar professional portfolios. An aptitude for commercial lending, relevant academic qualifications, and broad based experience are the business essentials for BDC employees.

But according to Mark MacKenzie, an even more fundamental trait is needed to succeed at BDC. "All of our employees have the right attitude. We are people-oriented and proactive, engaging individuals in the community and informing them of our financial solutions."

These excellent attributes are also the trademarks of the professionals working within BDC Consulting. BDC is one of the only financial institutions to offer, under the same roof, a wide range of consulting expertise. BDC consultants are familiar with industry concerns and can offer assistance in validating business plans, provide advice on productivity improvement, or help business owners address business transition or human resource issues, among other things. As Mark MacKenzie says, "You will always find someone within BDC Consulting familiar with a specific industry or specialized business."

Flexible lending packages, affordable consulting solutions, and an experienced team of professionals: these are strong BDC assets that Northern Ontario businesses can count on to grow and succeed.

To find out more, call [phone] or visit www.bdc.ca