Information provided on this page is verified by Driven
Driven is Canada’s leading fintech dedicated to small businesses. It provides flexible capital, personalized support, and next-generation data science and technology to Canadian small business owners. Since 2006, Driven has empowered more than 17,000 Canadian businesses to survive, thrive, and grow to their full potential.
Take a step towards a thriving future for your company by exploring a business loan today!
Time in business:
Since 2006
Customers:
17,000+
Loans offered:
Business Loans
Reviewed by: Vlad Sherbatov, Personal Finance Analyst at Smarter Loans
Our Take
Driven is a long-standing fintech lender focused exclusively on Canadian small businesses. Operating since 2006 and having supported more than 17,000 businesses, Driven has carved out a clear position as a growth-focused alternative to traditional bank financing. Its approach combines fast access to capital with hands-on support and data-driven underwriting tailored to real-world business performance.
Driven offers fixed-term business loans ranging from $10,000 to $300,000, with repayment terms between 3 and 24 months. This is not a line of credit or revolving product. It is designed for business owners who want clarity around total cost, predictable repayments, and capital that can be deployed quickly to support growth, manage cash flow, or seize time-sensitive opportunities.
Driven’s value is strongest when speed, certainty, and access matter more than long amortizations or bank-level pricing.
Who Driven Works Best For
Driven works best for established small and medium-sized businesses with ongoing operations and revenue. It is particularly well suited to businesses in sectors such as restaurants, retail, construction, auto repair, health and beauty, and other service-based industries where cash flow timing matters.
It is a good fit for owners who need capital to invest in inventory, equipment, marketing, renovations, or working capital and who may not want to wait through lengthy bank approval processes. Driven evaluates businesses holistically rather than relying solely on rigid credit metrics.
Driven is less suitable for startups with no operating history, businesses looking for very long repayment terms, or owners seeking the absolute lowest interest rates available through banks or government-backed programs.
What We Like
Clarity and transparency stand out. Driven’s application process clearly shows the total cost of borrowing before you commit, with interest built directly into repayments and no hidden fees. That level of upfront visibility makes it easier for business owners to make informed decisions.
We also like the range of term options. Offering multiple short- and mid-term lengths gives businesses flexibility to match repayment schedules with expected returns from the capital invested. Daily, weekly, and biweekly repayment options further help align payments with cash flow patterns.
Another positive is experience. Driven has been active for nearly two decades, and that shows in how its products are structured around practical business needs rather than generic lending models.
Where Driven Could Improve
The shorter-term nature of the loans means repayments can feel aggressive, especially for businesses with uneven or seasonal revenue. Business owners need to be confident that the capital will generate returns quickly enough to comfortably service the loan.
Documentation requirements may also feel heavier than some newer fintech lenders. CRA documents and site visits are common, particularly for new customers. While this supports responsible lending, it can slow the process compared to ultra-light alternatives.
Finally, while rates start competitively, final pricing varies by business profile, and not all applicants will qualify for the lowest advertised rates.
Is Driven Right For You?
Driven is a strong option for Canadian small business owners who need fast, predictable financing and are comfortable with shorter repayment horizons. It works best when capital is used to fund growth initiatives, operational improvements, or opportunities with a clear return on investment.
If your business qualifies for low-cost bank loans or requires long amortization periods, those options may be more affordable. But when speed, certainty, and access are priorities, Driven offers a well-structured, experienced alternative.
Used strategically, Driven can be a powerful tool to help Canadian businesses move forward with confidence.
$10,000 - $300K
From 8.39%
3 - 24 Months
Interest Rate
Interest rates vary based on a number of factors taken from the details of your account and application. Rest assured Driven’s online application process will show you the exact cost of borrowing, before you sign to commit to the loan, and the interest is automatically included in your repayments to them. There are no hidden fees or charges.
Amount
When you apply for a Small Business Loan, you will be able to get a credit limit between $10,000 and $300,000.
Term
Driven currently only offers 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 month terms.
Company
Driven is Canada’s leading fintech dedicated to small businesses.
Who is eligible?
Driven works with existing small to medium sized businesses across Canada in hundreds of different industries including restaurants, retail, auto repair, health and beauty, construction and more.
What do you need to provide?
How fast can you get the money?
Upon approval, the funds will be deposited into your account within 48 hours. You’ll receive notifications, sent to the email address used to sign up for your account.
Funding method
Upon approval, the funds will be deposited into your account within 48 hours. You’ll receive notifications, sent to the email address used to sign up for your account.
How does repayment work
A Driven Small Business Loan is considered a fixed loan, which includes specific terms and conditions that outline your preferred repayment schedule and a fixed interest rate and principal to be paid. These requirements differ from a traditional bank’s small business loan, where repayment is based on a minimum balance, or the interest on outstanding balances only.
They currently offer daily, weekly, and biweekly repayment options.
support@driven.ca
130 Adelaide St W, Suite 3100, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5H 3P5
Availability:
24/7 availability, online and offSupport Offered:
Call Center:
8:30am to 5:30pm, Canadian Eastern Time, Monday to Friday.What is Driven?
Driven (Formally Thinking Capital) is redefining how small businesses access capital in Canada by empowering them with smart ideas and the means to fund them.
Is Driven safe?
Since 2006, Driven has empowered more than 17,000 Canadian businesses to survive, thrive, and grow to their full potential.
How long does it take to apply for a loan from Driven?
Driven's all-digital application process is quick and easy and typically takes less than 10 minutes. They ask for basic information about you and your business. They then ask you to securely connect your bank. And moments after you're done, they'll tell you exactly how much you can borrow - all without hurting your credit score.
How does repayment work with Driven?
You can choose the repayment schedule that makes sense for your business - from daily, weekly or bi-weekly payments, or pay early to save on interest.
How quickly will I receive my loan funds?
Applying for your Small Business Loan takes just a few minutes and credit decisions are instant. You’ll be given access to funds in as little as 24 hours.
What does Driven do?
Driven provides flexible capital, personalized support, and next-generation data science and technology to Canadian small business owners.
What is the term length on a Driven loan?
You can borrow from $10,000 to $300,000 on 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18 or 24 month terms, with absolutely no hidden fees.
How much can I borrow from Driven?
Driven will tell you exactly how much you can borrow straight away, but only you know how much you actually need right now. Make individual draws from within your overall limit, for whatever purpose you need, and funds will arrive in as little as 24 hours. Pricing for every draw is outlined up front before you commit, with nothing hidden in the small print. Some additional verifications may be required before funding can be released on your first draw.
Will applying for a Small Business Loan hurt my credit score?
For either consumer or commercial credit, applying for a line of credit will not impact your credit score. Driven will do a soft inquiry on your personal credit that will help them qualify you for a Small Business Loan.
What can I use the financing for?
The credit that is automatically approved for you in your dashboard can be used to pay invoices to your specific business suppliers. Additional capital you can apply for from your customer portal is deposited directly to your business bank account which you can do with as you wish. This financing can be used to make the purchases, investments, or fixes you need to grow and support your business.
Avg. Rating: 4.6 (10 reviews)
“I needed help with some emergency expenses and was having a hard time getting additional financing. Driven was able to process my application and get money in my account in less than 3 days. The service is fantastic!”
“Best of the best. Amazing service and so professional. Moustafa Kamal was a real pro and takes care of my business needs.
Highly recommended to everyone”
“I've been dealing with Driven (used to be Thinking Capital) for years. The service is fast, effective and professional! Never thought borrowing for your business could be so simple. I want to say a big thank you to Cordia who not only makes you feel like your deali...”
“Excellent service provided by Daniel in Thinking Capital (now Driven). Really happy with the service.”
“They worked with our short credit history and got us funded in under a week.”
“Driven helped us cover unexpected costs during a critical time. Really responsive team.”
“Everything from inquiry to funding was seamless and stress-free. Thanks Driven!”
“They walked me through the process and ensured I had everything I needed.”
“Funding was slower than expected, but still came through eventually.”
“Fast, friendly and efficient. I can see why they’re called Driven.”
