Asset-Based Lending — Unlock the Value in Your Business
For Canadian businesses that don't fit a standard credit box.
Your business may be asset-rich and cash-constrained. Inventory on the shelves, invoices waiting to be paid, plant and equipment on the floor — all of it has value, even when a bank will only lend against profits or property. Asset-based lending turns those business assets into working capital, so you can fund growth, bridge a gap, or take on a larger order without waiting for customers to pay.
- Typical deal size
- Sized against your borrowing base, not a fixed multiple of profit. Most facilities close within 2–4 weeks.
- Best for
- Growing businesses whose sales are outrunning their cash flow
- Markets
- Canada-wide. Cross-border options available.
What is asset-based lending?
Asset-based lending is a secured facility where the borrowing amount is tied to the value of your business assets, rather than to historic profits alone. As your assets grow, so can your facility. It is commonly structured as a revolving facility, reviewed regularly against a borrowing base.
Who fits this facility
- Growing businesses whose sales are outrunning their cash flow
- Businesses with strong receivables or inventory but thin historic profits
- Businesses turned away by a bank, or offered too little, too slowly
- Seasonal businesses, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and service businesses with contracted revenue
Assets we can lend against
- Accounts receivable — invoices owed by creditworthy customers
- Inventory — raw materials, work in progress, and finished goods
- Plant, machinery and equipment
- Commercial property, where appropriate, as part of a wider facility
How it works
Tell us what you need
A short conversation about your business, your assets, and the funding gap.
We assess the asset base
Receivables, inventory, and equipment are valued and a borrowing base is agreed.
We match you to the right lender
From our curated network of specialist lenders, not just the banks.
Get funded
Most facilities close within 2–4 weeks, with the facility flexing as your asset base grows.
Why asset-based lending clients pick McMillan
- We don't do vanilla — if your business is profitable, growing, or solving a real problem, we'll find a way
- Over 35 years in commercial finance
- We translate borrower complexity into lender-ready proposals
- We work with niche lenders who specialise in the deals others can't structure
Common questions
It depends on the value and quality of your assets; the facility is sized against the borrowing base, not a fixed multiple of profit.
That is exactly the kind of deal we specialise in.
Most facilities close within 2–4 weeks from enquiry, subject to documentation.
Your business name, what you are trying to fund, and roughly how much capital you need.
Other funding products
Accounts Receivable Finance
Turn unpaid invoices into immediate cash and predictable working capital.
ViewEquipment Financing
Acquire essential equipment without locking up working capital.
ViewBusiness Term Loans
Predictable monthly payments. Capital from $50K to $10M+ for growth, expansion, and major projects.
ViewBusiness Line of Credit
Flexible working capital you can draw on whenever you need it. Pay interest only on what you use.
ViewStart-Up Finance
Capital to launch and scale, for founders in their first three years.
ViewSpecialty Finance
Bridge, refinance and rescue funding structured around the deal.
ViewLet's talk about your asset-based lending deal
A short call is the fastest way to find out if this fits. No obligation, no upfront cost.
Make a loan enquiry