The Caisse de Depot et de placement du Québec (CDPQ) Small Business Financing Program helps small businesses obtain loans by sharing the risk with lenders. Over the past 10 years, small businesses have received more than 53,000 loans totaling $10 billion. Eligibility Existing or start-up Canadian and international small businesses with gross annual sales of $10 million or less. Ineligible businesses: agricultural businesses (for a similar program for the agricultural sector).