SME Business Investment and Financing Outlook Survey, Wave 30 (BDC Capital)

Summary

• Sales or revenue optimism among Canadian SMEs rose to 44% in July 2026.p.4
• Overall, 88% of SMEs plan to invest as much or more in the next 12 months as they did last year.p.5
• Borrowing to cover expenses dropped to 18%, down from 28% six months prior.p.3
• Fully approved loan rates declined to 48% in July 2026, down from 55% in January 2026.p.6
• Recent financing requests increased to 31% of SMEs, up from 27% in January 2026.p.6
• Among businesses requesting financing, 60% requested $100K or more.p.6

Key insights

1. Optimism regarding the Canadian economy rose to 27% in July 2026 from 18% in January 2026.p.4
2. Debt repayment challenges are limiting growth, activities, or credit for 27% of businesses.p.4
3. Technology was cited as the main planned investment area by 24% of respondents.p.5
4. Economic uncertainty remains the primary investment constraint for 32% of SMEs, down from 42% in January 2026.p.5
5. Short-term financing accounted for 70% of recent financing requests.p.6
6. Only 55% of SMEs expect it to be easy to get financing in the next 12 months, down from 62% in January 2026.p.7
7. Among SMEs hiring consultants, 53% plan to spend $25K or more on their services.p.3