The fourth industrial revolution—known as Industry 4.0—is no longer a future buzzword.
It’s here, and small and mid-sized businesses across Canada are investing in:
The catch? These tools are powerful—but not cheap.
Fortunately, smart equipment financing can help you adopt automation without draining your cash flow.
This guide walks through:
Hiring and retaining skilled labour is tough. Automation can fill gaps and reduce long-term staffing costs.
Machines don’t take breaks, work in precision loops, and can often scale output far beyond manual processes.
Larger competitors are already automating. SMEs that don’t risk falling behind.
IoT and AI systems turn operations into measurable, improvable flows—reducing waste and improving uptime.
Explore:
Manufacturing Automation: Financing Robotics and AI Machinery
IT and Office Technology Financing
A single robotic cell can cost $80,000–$250,000+.
AI-enabled quality control systems can range from $25,000–$100,000+.
IoT retrofitting across a plant floor? Easily $40,000+ depending on scope.
Buying these solutions outright isn't feasible for most SMEs—but financing spreads the cost over time, allowing you to start benefiting immediately.
Most automation gear—hardware and software—is eligible for equipment financing.
Explore: Financing & Leasing
Many automation projects combine machines, software, sensors, and services.
With the right financing partner, you can bundle:
This keeps things clean—one application, one payment, full system.
If your automation rollout is phased, a working capital line of credit can support smaller add-ons or vendor payments as needed.
✅ Use only what you need
✅ Avoid full loan applications for every step
✅ Reuse the facility over time
Business: Metal fabrication SME in Vaughan, ON
Challenge: Couldn’t meet deadlines with current team size; labour shortage stalling new contracts
Solution: Financed $110,000 robot welding cell and $18,000 in software and install
Structure:
Outcome:
Throughput increased 3X, overtime hours dropped 80%, and they were able to bid on new Tier 1 supplier contracts within 60 days.
When financed correctly, automation assets pay for themselves faster than most realize:
✅ Business operating for 6–12 months (startups may need personal guarantees)
✅ 3–6 months of business bank statements
✅ Equipment quote or proposal (with details on hardware/software)
✅ ID and business registration
✅ Basic credit info (typically 600+)
Mehmi helps simplify the process and match you with lenders who understand automation equipment value—even if it’s niche.
Can I finance custom or integrated systems?
Yes, if there's a formal vendor quote or equipment breakdown. Bundled systems are common.
Can I finance software licenses or cloud tools?
Yes—especially if tied to equipment. Licensing fees can be rolled into your monthly payments.
What if I want to expand later?
You can reuse your financing history to access new approvals, or draw from a pre-approved credit line.
Are used robotics or retrofit kits financeable?
Yes—Mehmi supports financing for used automation gear, as long as condition and documentation are clear.
Automation isn’t just for big factories anymore.
With smart financing, Canadian SMEs in manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, and healthcare are modernizing operations—without the heavy upfront investment.
Don’t wait until you're falling behind. Start your automation journey now.
Need help financing your first robotics system or IoT rollout?
Speak to a credit analyst or use our calculator to structure a monthly payment plan that matches your tech ambitions.