Look out, maple syrup.
After years of steady growth, the Canadian alternative financing market has slowly picked up speed, and it’s set to explode.
Our neighbors to the north have had access to alternative finance lenders for some time. But, statistics from the past few years demonstrate sizable, sustained growth in this emerging market.
Alternative finance is just beginning to leave a lasting impression on Canadian business owners in need of funding. However, Canada is no stranger to this market.
In 2017, Canada’s alternative business lending market hit two important milestones, according to data collected by the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, as well as the Ivey Business School at Western University:
This rapid market growth shows no signs of slowing down, either. While 2017 was the last year that relevant data was available, these numbers will continue to climb as more Canadians learn of the ample opportunities available.
2017 was a year of rapid growth for the U.S. alternative lending market as well, according to the same study. Over the course of the year, the total market volume grew by 24%– and reaching $42.8 billion in the process. Over the course of five years (2013-2017), the alternative finance market in the U.S. reached 121.7 billion.
As this trajectory continues, alternative financing could carve out a substantial piece of the market in Canada.
And for good reason, too.
Canada’s increasing attention to the opportunities available through alternative financing is a natural progression. Like the rise of alternative financing solutions in the United States, the booming Canadian market was propelled by overly cautious traditional lenders.
According to DeBanked, Canadian business owners are eager to indulge in the alternative financing market over traditional bank lenders for a few reasons.
First, Canadian banks have raised their credit standards. This transition makes it even more difficult for business owners with challenged credit to access financing options at reasonable rates.
Second, Canada has also quickly taken to the fast-paced style of alternative financing, which better suits the modern business landscape. Canadian business owners can receive their loans as funding becomes available in real time, without waiting weeks wondering about the application’s status.
With more Canadians hearing tell of the advantages of online alternative lenders each day, the market is growing quickly. New alternative business lenders and alternative branches in traditional institutions are emerging all of the time. Nonetheless, the U.S. market will likely continue to outgrow Canada’s, if only due to its significantly larger population.
As lenders continuously develop a better understanding of the types of loan products Canadian businesses need, these offerings will become increasingly better suited for the Canadian market. While balance sheets are the norm as of now, other industry-specific loan types could take the spotlight in the future.
The merchant cash advance is at the forefront in this rapidly developing market. Merchant cash advances are designed to ease cash flow difficulties for businesses awaiting customer payments. After selling an invoice to a lender, companies will receive immediate payment, which means the invoiced customer pays the borrower directly at a later date.
According to a survey conducted by Smarter Loans, business owners are anything but reluctant to leave traditional banks in favor of alternative financing solutions, as demonstrated by a study:
Interestingly, many of these Canadian borrowers–42%, to be precise–have turned to international lenders, especially those based in the U.S.
These alternative loans are serving Canadian businesses in all industries, including:
Delayed loans won’t cut it in a world that demands immediate action from business owners fighting to thrive. Rather than navigating dense regulatory framework, alternative business lenders can effortlessly sidestep many traditional financing obstacles, including:
The best part: alternative lenders based in the U.S. are ready and willing to work with Canadian businesses that need funding! You can apply and send any documents online, without distracting yourself from the day-to-day in your business. And no, you won’t have to edge your way through customs or border patrol to get there.
Whether you’re working through a seasonal slump or capitalizing on an expansion opportunity, National’s team of financing advisors is prepared to provide a seamless process. After communicating with our network of 75+ lenders, we’ll touch base about a few of the best loan options for your business, and get your business funded!
To get started, fill out a 60-second application or give us a ring at (888) 488-GROW!
National Business Capital & Services is the #1 FinTech marketplace offering small business loans and services. Harnessing the power of smart technology and even smarter people, we’ve streamlined the approval process to secure over $1 billion in financing for small business owners to date.
Our expert Business Financing Advisors work within our 75+ Lender Marketplace in real time to give you easy access to the best low-interest SBA loans, short and long-term loans and business lines of credit, as well as a full suite of revenue-driving business services.
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Matt Carrigan is the Content Writer at National Business Capital & Services. He loves spending every day creating content to educate business owners across every industry about business growth strategies, and how they can access the funding they need!
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