Funded by Canada’s leading banks and insurance companies, CBGF will provide Canadian entrepreneurs with access to the long-term, patient, minority capital they require to grow.
The Canadian Business Growth Fund (CBGF) today announced the launch of its fund and the start of its national mandate to help Canadian entrepreneurs access the capital they need to drive growth and expansion for their high potential mid-market businesses.
The challenge of accessing growth capital was highlighted in a report from the Minister of Finance’s Advisory Council for Economic Growth, which recommended the creation of a private sector-led growth fund to provide investments in established and high-growth Canadian businesses while contributing to a vibrant, innovative and diversified economy. In response, Canada’s leading banks and insurance companies came together to form the CBGF, an independent evergreen investment fund with an initial capital commitment of $545 million, projected to increase to $1 billion in future years.
CBGF seeks to invest between $3 million and $20 million in dynamic mid-market companies with $5 million or more in annual revenue, a demonstrated growth trajectory, and a clear vision for accelerated growth. The fund supports Canadian companies with patient, minority capital that keeps entrepreneurs in control of their businesses. In addition to capital, CBGF has deep experience in business growth strategies and corporate finance, as well as a talent network that can help entrepreneurs overcome critical knowledge and talent gaps as their businesses expand.
“While many Canadian entrepreneurs have identified growth as their company’s primary objective, they find it difficult to secure the funding they need to grow while maintaining control of their businesses,” explains George Rossolatos, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Business Growth Fund. “Our goal is to help entrepreneurs scale up their mid-market businesses as a patient, minority capital partner. We’ve spent the last several months developing our strategy, honing our unique value proposition and building a talented team and network that is uniquely positioned to help Canadian entrepreneurs think big and grow. We’re excited to get started.”
“Growth capital is good for Canada and helps drive economic activity, productivity and employment,” said CBGF Chair, Dale Ponder. “With access to more growth capital, Canadian businesses have an even greater opportunity to achieve scale and become leaders in their fields. CBGF will strive to promote greater confidence and entrepreneurial spirit in the development of businesses in Canada.”
CBGF is supported by Canada’s leading banks and insurance companies. Initial participants include BMO Financial Group, CIBC, Royal Bank of Canada, Scotiabank, TD Bank Group, ATB Financial, Great-West Life, HSBC Bank Canada, Manulife, National Bank of Canada, Sun Life Financial, Canadian Western Bank and Laurentian Bank of Canada.
ABOUT CBGF
The Canadian Business Growth Fund (CBGF) provides long-term, patient, minority capital to ambitious entrepreneurs to fund growth and expansion of mid-market businesses with investments between $3 and $20 million. An evergreen investment fund with capital commitments of $545 million, CBGF is committed to long-term partnerships with the companies it invests in. As part of its mission to drive growth, CBGF connects business leaders and sector experts to help its partner businesses achieve their full potential. For companies seeking investment opportunities, please contact Logan Philp, Director of Business Development.”