Small business and equipment finance broker

Connect local business owners with lenders for equipment, vehicle or working capital loans and earn a commission.

A finance broker reviewing loan documents with a client across a desk.
Startup costC$500 to C$3k
Monthly revenueC$800 to C$4k
Time needed8+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • C$500-3k
  • Side hustle
  • Online

Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.

What it is

You help small businesses such as contractors, restaurants and clinics find financing for equipment, vehicles or cash flow. You gather their documents, match them to suitable lenders and manage the application.

Your first three steps

  1. Pick a niche you understand, such as trades, trucking or restaurants, and list local businesses in it
  2. Apply to broker programs with a few equipment lenders and leasing companies
  3. Contact equipment dealers and accountants to ask for referrals
Who pays

Usually the lender or leasing company pays a commission once the finance is funded. Some brokers also charge the business a fee, if allowed where you live.

How it makes money

A percentage commission on each funded deal. Larger equipment deals pay more but take longer to close.

Skills that help
  • Reading basic financial statements
  • Talking comfortably with business owners
  • Following up and keeping deals moving
Watch out for
  • Check with your provincial regulator whether brokering commercial or consumer loans needs a licence where you live
  • Quebec has its own rules and French-language requirements to check
  • Be clear and honest about commissions and fees, and never promise approval
  • Lender agreements may have rules on how you market their products
  • Errors and omissions insurance, and privacy rules for financial documents

Deep research report · Canada

Everything you need to start: small business and equipment finance broker

Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

  • Startup costs with real prices
  • Licences, registration and rules
  • Pricing: what others charge
  • Break-even example
  • Finding your first customers
  • 30-day launch plan
  • Risks and how to reduce them
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

Do I need a licence to broker business finance in Canada?

Check with your provincial regulator whether brokering commercial or consumer loans needs a licence where you live. Quebec has its own rules and French-language requirements to check. Also check errors and omissions insurance and privacy rules for financial documents.

What does it cost to start, and what can I earn?

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $500 to $3,000 CAD, and monthly revenue roughly $800 to $4,000, depending on how many deals fund and the commissions involved.

How much time does it take, and what should I watch for?

Estimates suggest at least about 8 hours a week. Be clear and honest about commissions and fees, never promise approval, and check lender agreements for rules on how you may market their products.

Other ways to run this business

Similar business services ideas

Photo: advogadoaguilar on Pixabay

More ideas →