Rising Rates, Trade Tensions & Tight Budgets: How Canadian SMEs Can Still Access Equipment Financing in 2025

With Canada’s key interest rate still sitting at 2.75% as of mid-July 2025 and import tariffs affecting everything from heavy trucks to agricultural parts, small businesses across British Columbia and Alberta are feeling the squeeze. But despite the tough landscape, there are still smart ways to finance the equipment you need—without sacrificing your cash flow. Here’s how savvy Canadian SMEs are getting ahead in this volatile market. Why Equipment Financing Remains Essential From construction firms to transportation startups, most capital-heavy businesses can’t afford to delay machinery upgrades. But high borrowing costs and global trade tensions have made outright purchases less attractive than ever . Instead, many are turning to flexible equipment financing options that protect cash reserves and provide tax advantages—especially when paired with local lenders who understand Canadian conditions. Trends in Q3 2025: What Businesses Are Doing Differently I...