Small Business Loans for Women in Western Canada
Women's Enterprise Initiative Loan Program (Western Economic Diversification Canada (WEDC))
The non-profit Women's Economic Initiative (WEI) has offices in each of the four western provinces and provides small business loans for women, as well as business information, advisory services and training options for women business owners. Their small business loans for women will provide debt financing of up to $100,000 for for start-up, expansion or the purchase of an existing business.
The following Women's Enterprise Centres administer the program (and provide a host of other services for women entrepreneurs):
Women's Enterprise Centre of BC
Small business loans for women up to a maximum of $100,000 are provided to help start, purchase or grow a viable business. You need to be able to demonstrate that your business idea is realistic and that you’re prepared to commit to it by submitting a comprehensive business plan along with your loan application.
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE)
AWE provides women entrepreneurs in Alberta with small business loans of up to $100,000. AWE will assign you a Business Advisor when you apply who will lead you through the preparation of a business plan and the loans process.
Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc.
Women who wish to start, buy or already own a business in Saskatchewan can apply for small business loans of up to $100,000. You must work with a Business Advisor prior to applying for a loan.
Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba
Like the other Enterprise Centres, the Manitoba Centre provides women with small business loans of up to $100,000. If you are applying for a loan of over $10,000, you will need too submit a completed business plan with your loan application. A Business Analyst will work with you throughout the process.
Remember that the potential sources of small business financing listed here and on the previous page of this article are by no means the only sources of small business loans for women entrepreneurs in Canada – it’s just that these programs are especially designed to help women start and grow their own businesses. And almost all of them offer support and advice as well as money to help your small business succeed.
