Business Development Bank of Canada

Canada

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is a financial institution that offers a comprehensive range of financial services and solutions tailored specifically to meet the needs of Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With a focus on supporting entrepreneurs, BDC provides financing, investment, consulting, and growth support to help businesses thrive and succeed in a competitive marketplace.

CCI Score

29.09

-0.01% April 18

Latest Event

BDC Welcomes Legislative Review Outcome

On November 29, 2023, BDC welcomed the positive conclusions of the Government of Canada's 10-year legislative review, noting that the review’s findings align well with its corporate strategy aimed at supporting Canadian entrepreneurs. The announcement emphasized the bank's commitment to transparent, publicly accountable practices, and underscored its role in stimulating economic growth through ethical business practices and support for SMEs.

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DISSENTER

Business Development Bank of Canada is currently rated as a Dissenter.

+25 to +44 CCI Score

These companies are vocal in their opposition to authoritarian regimes. They publicly criticize oppressive policies and engage in advocacy efforts to promote accountability and transparency, even if their actions aren’t as extensive as those of Moral Leaders.

Latest Events

NOV

29

2023

BDC Welcomes Legislative Review Outcome
35.40

On November 29, 2023, BDC welcomed the positive conclusions of the Government of Canada's 10-year legislative review, noting that the review’s findings align well with its corporate strategy aimed at supporting Canadian entrepreneurs. The announcement emphasized the bank's commitment to transparent, publicly accountable practices, and underscored its role in stimulating economic growth through ethical business practices and support for SMEs.
+50

Public and Political Behavior

April 2

BDC’s public endorsement of the legislative review underscores its support for government oversight and accountability, reflecting a commitment to aligning corporate actions with democratic regulatory frameworks. This positive stance bolsters public trust in the institution’s role in serving the needs of entrepreneurs.

BDC welcomes Legislative Review conclusion, notes positive alignment with corporate strategy
+30

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

April 2

The report highlights BDC's integration of the legislative review's recommendations into its corporate strategy, reflecting a strong commitment to ethical business practices and the support of Canadian SMEs, which signals responsible business conduct.

BDC welcomes Legislative Review conclusion, notes positive alignment with corporate strategy
+40

Economic and Structural Influence

April 2

BDC's response supports broader economic and structural benefits by championing transparency and entrepreneurial growth. Its initiatives, including expanded client services and reinvestment in innovative sectors, contribute to a more dynamic and inclusive economy.

BDC welcomes Legislative Review conclusion, notes positive alignment with corporate strategy
NOV

29

2023

BDC Legislative Review Report and Progressive Recommendations
29.01

On November 29, 2023, Minister Rechie Valdez tabled a legislative review report of the Business Development Bank of Canada Act in Parliament. The report, which followed a year-long consultation process with stakeholders and businesses, recommended measures to enhance support for underrepresented entrepreneurs, improve service outreach in underserved and rural communities, reinforce collaboration with partners, and increase transparency in BDC’s practices.
+30

Public and Political Behavior

April 2

The legislative review process, initiated by a government minister, underscores robust public and political oversight. It emphasizes accountability and responsiveness by ensuring that BDC aligns its practices with public interests, thereby supporting democratic governance and protecting marginalized communities.

Minister Valdez tables Business Development Bank of Canada legislative review report
+40

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

April 2

The review report's recommendations stress enhanced transparency, accountability, and ethical business practices by calling for improved information sharing and risk management. This focus on supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs and aligning services with community needs reflects a commitment to progressive business practices.

Minister Valdez tables Business Development Bank of Canada legislative review report
+30

Economic and Structural Influence

April 2

The report’s call for refining BDC's risk appetite and expanding outreach to underserved regions indicates an effort to restructure and strengthen economic support systems. These recommendations promote inclusivity and fair access to financial services, aligning with progressive economic reforms.

Minister Valdez tables Business Development Bank of Canada legislative review report
NOV

29

2023

BDC Legislative Review Report Promotes Progressive Reforms
17.99

On November 29, 2023, Minister Rechie Valdez tabled a year-long legislative review report on the Business Development Bank of Canada Act in Parliament. The review, which followed extensive public consultations, includes recommendations to improve support for underrepresented entrepreneurs, expand BDC’s reach in underserved regions, and enhance transparency and collaborative efforts with partner organizations.
+20

Public and Political Behavior

April 2

The legislative review process, tabled by Minister Valdez, underscores strong democratic oversight aimed at increasing transparency and accountability at BDC. Such public political oversight helps prevent deviation toward authoritarian practices by ensuring that the institution remains responsive to the needs of Canadian SMEs.

Minister Valdez tables Business Development Bank of Canada legislative review report
+30

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

April 2

The report’s recommendations to bolster support for underrepresented entrepreneurs and improve service delivery align with progressive and inclusive business practices. These measures emphasize ethical responsibility and aim to foster a more equitable economic environment for SMEs.

Minister Valdez tables Business Development Bank of Canada legislative review report
+10

Economic and Structural Influence

April 2

The review aims to recalibrate the statutory framework under the BDC Act, prompting structural reforms to better align BDC’s operations with current market needs. This adjustment is expected to enhance economic inclusivity and sustainability, reinforcing a more progressive and accountable institutional structure.

Minister Valdez tables Business Development Bank of Canada legislative review report
MAR

31

2023

BDC Legislative Review Promotes Progressive Support for Underserved SMEs
50.29

The 2010-2022 legislative review report of the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) outlines significant reforms and initiatives aimed at improving access to financing, advisory services, and venture capital for Canadian SMEs. The report details expanded support for equity‐deserving groups—including women, Indigenous, Black, youth, and newcomer entrepreneurs—and emphasizes enhanced transparency, regional outreach, and the integration of digital tools such as an online financing platform. These measures reflect a commitment to progressive public policy and ethical business practices, reinforcing a countercyclical role during economic challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
+70

Public and Political Behavior

April 2

The comprehensive stakeholder consultations and legislative review process underscore BDC's commitment to transparent and inclusive public policy. This proactive public engagement and political accountability help ensure that government-supported financial services are aligned with the needs of marginalized and underserved communities, thereby reinforcing democratic and progressive governance.

2010-2022 Business Development Bank of Canada Legislative Review Report
+65

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

April 2

The report emphasizes ethical business practices by detailing BDC’s efforts to enhance service delivery to marginalized entrepreneurs and improve internal processes. Targeted initiatives for women, Indigenous, Black, and newcomer entrepreneurs demonstrate a commitment to equity and ethical responsibility in business practices.

2010-2022 Business Development Bank of Canada Legislative Review Report
+50

Technology and Services Impact

April 2

The report notes the introduction and expansion of digital innovations such as the online financing platform, which simplify access to financing for SMEs and enhance service delivery. This digitization contributes positively to service impact and technological adaptation within the financial sector.

2010-2022 Business Development Bank of Canada Legislative Review Report
+60

Economic and Structural Influence

April 2

BDC’s strategic role as a countercyclical lender and its targeted outreach to underserved regions demonstrate significant economic and structural influence. The report details efforts to rectify regional disparities in service delivery, thereby fostering a more inclusive economic landscape.

2010-2022 Business Development Bank of Canada Legislative Review Report
JAN

01

2022

BDC Legislative Review Consultation Promotes Inclusive Financial Practices
12.75

The consultation paper on the Business Development Bank of Canada’s legislative review outlines measures to ensure enhanced public accountability, digital transformation, and targeted support for SMEs. It emphasizes inclusive practices such as strengthened diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and tailored financial solutions for marginalized entrepreneurs, reflecting a commitment to progressive public policy and ethical business operations.
+20

Public and Political Behavior

April 2

The legislative review process highlights BDC’s commitment to transparency and accountability in its public policy role. By engaging with stakeholders and aligning its operations with broader governmental expectations, BDC demonstrates progressive public and political behavior that supports inclusive economic growth.

Consultation Paper: Business Development Bank of Canada Legislative Review
+15

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

April 2

The review underscores BDC's initiatives in digital transformation and its focused support for underserved groups, including women, Indigenous, and Black entrepreneurs. These efforts reflect strong ethical business practices and a commitment to serve the broader, diverse SME community in a responsible manner.

Consultation Paper: Business Development Bank of Canada Legislative Review