Comprehensive Review Report (2004–09)

1. Preface

As legislated by the Canada Small Business Financing Act (CSBFA) of 1999, the Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF) Program operates on a statutory five-year review cycle. This report covers the second such review period, from April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2009.

This review draws largely from an in-depth third party evaluation of the program, which is governed by a results-based management and accountability framework (RMAF). The review examines:

• the extent to which the program is meeting its objectives;
• the rationale and relevance of the program in meeting small and medium-sized enterprise financing needs; and
• possible program improvements.