We are running a traditional search fund out of Calgary, there are probably[redacted]other searchers you will find on here across Canada (mix between self funded and traditional). If you go to the searcher directory, you can filter by geography and then have to determine who is still active or not.

I don't believe Canada has any equivalent programs to the SBA (unfortunately). Definitely plays into an evaluation of self funded vs. traditional search funds, along with your eventual acquisition size target.

Check out www.BDC.ca. They write "business transition" loans. All the big banks and credit unions will have a team focusing on our space as well.

^[redacted]‌ - In addition to the comments you receive here, be sure to check out the full library of IBISWorld Canada reports available under Menu / Searcher Tools / IBISWorld. Here is the direct link: https://www.searchfunder.com/ibisworld?country=124

You can also find investors from around the world interested in making investments in Canada under Menu / Searcher Tools / MySearchfund. Here is the direct link: https://www.searchfunder.com/searchfund/mysearchfund

Finally, you can find other Searchers by geography under Menu / Directories / Searchers. Here is the direct link: https://www.searchfunder.com/user/list/searcher

Tagging a few Searchers with ties to Alberta who can add much more than I can. ^[redacted]‌, ^[redacted]‌, ^[redacted]‌, ^[redacted]‌, ^[redacted]‌, ^[redacted]‌, ^[redacted]‌, ^[redacted]‌, ^[redacted]‌, ^[redacted]‌, ^[redacted]‌, ^[redacted]‌

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Unfortunately, we don't have SBA loans. It's an amazing program in the US and I wish Canada would adopt something similar. I don't know of any structured Search Communities in Canada, but the ACG events tend to attract a lot of the small PE fund groups, and the M&A Club is quite useful in certain markets..

Not sure on the specifics of SBA loans but BDC is a great resource. They've made some really compelling offers on transactions that we've worked on.