TORONTO — CIBC says it is committing $2 billion to support small- and medium-sized businesses in the defence industry and those with dual uses in the civilian sector.

The lender says the funding is intended to help Canadian companies scale and strengthen domestic capabilities that are becoming more important to Canada’s economic resilience and competitiveness.

The funding will support firms across different sectors including infrastructure, energy, cybersecurity, and advanced technologies.

The bank says the initiative will combine financing with insight into the defence sector and banking support for eligible clients.

Through its commercial banking unit, CIBC has established a national network of defence industry specialists that can provide expertise, financing and connections to help firms grow.

The move appears to deepen CIBC’s involvement in the sector after it hosted a defence summit in May.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 10, 2026.

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The Canadian Press