Corporate resources located in regional Service Centres and Head Office provide guidance to branches with respect to the application of established BDC policy and procedures. They also process financing applications for amounts exceeding branch limits.

The branches provide financing and consulting services to small and medium-sized businesses located within their particular territory. Enquiries and applications for financing and consulting support are received by branch personnel and processed in accordance with established policy and procedure.

Furthermore, enquiries and applications may be received through the Business Service Centre located in Head Office.

The various services and departments of BDC include the following.

Consulting Group (formerly Management Services Division)
The Consulting Group offers BDC's consulting services to help Canadian entrepreneurs strengthen their management capabilities.

BDC's consulting services provide entrepreneurs with the specialized support they need to enhance their business performance. Consulting in a variety of areas including finance and accounting, human resources, marketing, planning and general management is provided through a network of experienced business professionals and specialists.

Financial Services
Establishes and oversees policies and procedures with respect to the provision of financial assistance to small and medium-sized businesses. In addition, the Division oversees the management of BDC's loan portfolio for the entire life of all accounts. Most financing is provided in the form of loans for such purposes as purchasing fixed assets, replenishing working capital, refinancing, and financing a change of ownership. Guarantees may be provided to other financial institutions to enable a business to obtain an adequate line of credit. Through the operations of BDC Connex - BDC's "virtual bank" - BDC offers on-line access to its financial services.

Investment Group
Responsible for all equity, venture capital and subordinate financing. Its role is to act as a catalyst in stimulating the formation of risk capital for companies with high growth potential. It ensures that all proposals satisfy BDC policy and are financially viable. This Division assesses, on a continuing basis, the adequacy and suitability of investment policy and procedures and, when necessary, recommends changes. The services of this Division include direct purchase of a minority ownership interest as well as syndication of proposals to other venture capitalists and financial institutions. BDC's investments may be held in the name of BDC Capital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of BDC. All administration of such investments is performed by BDC employees, using BDC resources and facilities.

Head Office Departments

Corporate Office
Provides BDC with the strategic direction required to manage its activities and achieve its mandate and objectives.

Corporate Planning
Responsible for formulating BDC's strategic, corporate and operating plans, analysis of existing activities and corporate development. It also provides information on economic conditions and the impact of the BDC's activities upon the economy.

Enterprise Risk Management
Develops, improves and produces risk information required for strategic decision-making, regular reports oriented to driving action on risks such as concentration, repayment quality, risk mix and pricing and maintains and improves risk-oriented tools such as the pricing and risk rating systems.

Finance
Responsible for all financial planning, accounting and control in BDC.

Government Relations
Responsible for the coordination of communications between BDC and the Minister, the government and members of Parliament, and has responsibility for international relations.

Human Resources
Provides BDC with corporate-wide human resources management. It is also responsible for official languages, employment equity and payroll services

Insurance
Responsible for insurance related to loan security and corporate insurance.

Internal Audit Department
Conducts reviews of BDC's systems of internal control. Legal Services and Corporate Secretariat.

Provides legal advice to BDC in connection with its specific program activities and support departments. This department is also responsible for the Board of Directors and its Committees.

Marketing and E-business
Develops all financial products, and ensure that BDC's products evolve with the needs of its customers.

Ombudsman's Office
Resolves all customer complaints not solved at other levels.

Public Affairs
This department is responsible for advertising and public relations to promote the role and activities of BDC.

Real Estate and Facilities Management
Provides overall administration support services including lease administration of BDC's premises.

Systems and Technology
Develops and maintains business systems (manual and computerized) to support the operational functions and management information needs of BDC.

Training
Responsible for establishing and executing competency standards and accreditation methods to develop a balanced and skilled work force.

Treasury
Responsible for funding of corporate cash requirements, monitoring of cash flow, deposit and investment of corporate funds and interest rate forecasts.