Business financing in Milliken

Options, local help and what lenders look for in Milliken, Markham. Apply once and we’ll match you with one financing partner.

Updated October 2026Sources linked

Short answer

Businesses in Milliken can use the same options as the rest of Markham: bank and credit union loans, the government-backed Canada Small Business Financing Program (up to $1.15 million), BDC loans and specialist lenders. Given what Milliken is like, term loans and commercial real estate come up often. The Markham Small Business Centre offers free advice to businesses across Markham.

Doing business in Milliken

A south Markham neighbourhood on the Toronto border, with detached homes, townhouses and busy commercial plazas.

Busy plazas with many restaurants and small businesses line the main roads, and homes range from older detached houses to newer townhouses.

Financing for Milliken businesses

Milliken’s shops, restaurants and services often finance renovations, fit-outs and seasonal inventory. A lease with enough time left on it makes lenders more comfortable funding improvements to the space.

Many businesses in Milliken are owner-run. When an owner is ready to retire, acquisition financing can help a manager, family member or outside buyer take over an established business.

How NorthMerit can help

Apply once and we’ll connect you with one financing partner who works with businesses like yours. It’s free, and there’s no obligation.

Where Milliken businesses get financing

OptionHow muchWhat you needGood for
Bank or credit union loanVaries with revenue and securityUsually 2+ years of statements, good credit, often a personal guarantee and collateralEstablished, profitable businesses
Canada Small Business Financing ProgramUp to $1.15M: $1M in term loans (up to $500K for equipment and leaseholds) plus a $150K line of creditRevenue of $10M or less; arranged through your bank or credit union; 2% registration feeStart-ups and businesses short on collateral
BDC small business loanUp to $350K, applied for online24 months in business, profitable, credit score of 600+, revenue of $100K+ ($250K+ above $100K)Working capital, growth, refinancing
Commercial mortgageOften 65% to 75% of the property’s valueA down payment, appraisal and environmental reviewBuying or refinancing the building you work from
Alternative and online lendersSmaller amounts, fast decisionsBank statements and revenue history; higher costShort-term needs when a bank says no

Free local help

  • Markham Small Business Centre: advice and services for people starting or growing a business. Visit
  • Starter Company Plus: Ontario grants of up to $5,000, plus training and mentoring, for people 18 and older starting or buying a business, delivered through local small business centres. You contribute at least 25% of the grant amount. Ontario

Sources

We checked these figures against official sources in October 2026. Rules and rates change, so confirm the details with your mortgage professional, lawyer or the source before you rely on them.

  1. Canada Small Business Financing Program (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada)
  2. BDC small business loan
  3. Starter Company Plus (Government of Ontario)
  4. Markham Small Business Centre

Common questions

What financing do businesses in Milliken use most?
Milliken’s shops, restaurants and services often finance renovations, fit-outs and seasonal inventory. A lease with enough time left on it makes lenders more comfortable funding improvements to the space.
Where can I get free business advice near Milliken?
The Markham Small Business Centre serves Markham, including Milliken, with advice and services for people starting or growing a business.
Can a new business in Milliken get a loan?
Yes, often through the Canada Small Business Financing Program at a participating bank, or BDC start-up financing once you have 12 months of revenue. Starter Company Plus offers grants of up to $5,000 for new owners.
How does NorthMerit help Milliken businesses?
You apply once. We verify your business against the Ontario Business Registry and introduce you to one financing partner who works with Markham businesses. There’s no cost to apply.

More Markham neighbourhoods

The right financing, from the right partner.

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