Open
Source verified July 9, 2026
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Programs
Programs and financing for women entrepreneurs
Offered by
Latest source updateLast Update: July 9, 2026Latest change: AWE updated its Business Learning Series calendar and Digital Edge details, including new July 2026 session dates and changed application access.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 9, 2026
Latest change: AWE updated its Business Learning Series calendar and Digital Edge details, including new July 2026 session dates and changed application access.
AWE learning and Digital Edge dates updated
The Business Learning Series calendar now shows a July 8–14, 2026 schedule, including July 8 for Unlocking Opportunity: How AWE Supports Alberta Women Entrepreneurs, July 9 for Loan Readiness: Understanding Financial Projections, and July 14 for Profitable but Broke? How to Fix Your Business Cash Flow Gap. The Digital Edge page now shows Fast Track Summer dates shifting from July 8 to July 9, 2026, summer registrations closed with applications under review, fall registrations opening in early July, and prior direct application links replaced by a waitlist link. The same page also adds a new note that program funding may be available as reimbursement, with details deferred to the session, and the supporting loan checklist document appears unchanged apart from cosmetic header noise.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Alberta, Canada
Overview
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs offers programs and repayable financing for women entrepreneurs in Alberta. Its support builds confidence, strengthens digital strategy, and helps founders prepare for growth through live online workshops, advisor-led cohorts, loan orientation, business plans, and financial projections.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Startups
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Live online business workshops and learning labs.
- Advisor-led digital strategy cohorts with weekly online sessions or on-demand access.
- Loan orientation sessions and financing preparation support.
- One-to-one coaching and peer accountability within small cohorts.
Documents Needed
- Business plan or a description of current business and the need for working capital, including any supporting market analysis
- Financial projections with realistic monthly cash flow, projected income statement, projected balance sheet, and sources and uses of funds
- Credit reports for all applicants, incorporation and By-Laws, and shareholder information or partnership agreement if there are multiple owners
- Details of the business’s current debt and repayment, plus the most recent 2 years of year-end financials and year-to-date in-house financials
- Business licenses, government-issued ID, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, lease agreement or offer to lease, business insurance, CRA Notice of Assessment, verification of your personal contribution, and details of the asset being used as loan security, including franchise-specific documents where applicable
Official resources
Program guide
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Women entrepreneurs
- Women founders who lead established or growing businesses
- Indigenous women entrepreneurs
- Entrepreneurs exploring funding or considering their first loan
How to apply
- Take the AWE Loan Readiness Quiz and attend a Loan Orientation Session.
- After orientation, submit Part One of the loan application.
- Meet with the AWE Loans team 1:1 after Part One is submitted.
- If invited to continue, submit Part Two of the loan application.
Processing and Agreement
- AWE begins reviewing an application once all required information has been received in full.
- The full loan process typically takes 4–6 weeks.
- After Part One is submitted, the AWE Loans team will contact the applicant and schedule a meeting.
- If Part One is successful, the applicant will be invited to submit Part Two of the loan application.
- Possible outcomes include moving forward, not being eligible right now, or being better suited for a different funding pathway.
Additional information
- Business Learning Series sessions are live online, and some recordings may be available in the AWE Community Network depending on the session.
- Sessions are usually 60–90 minutes and are interactive, with space for questions, reflection, and real conversation.
- Some sessions are single workshops; others are Learning Labs, multi-part sessions that go deeper and focus on doing, not just learning.
- Digital Edge offers both a live cohort and an on-demand cohort, and its cohorts are capped at 15 participants.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Programs Program
What is the Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Programs?
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs offers programs and repayable financing for women entrepreneurs in Alberta. Its support builds confidence, strengthens digital strategy, and helps founders prepare for growth through live online workshops, advisor-led cohorts, loan orientation, business plans, and financial projections.
Who is eligible for the Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Programs program?
To be eligible for the Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Programs program, you must:
Women entrepreneurs are the main audience.
Digital Edge is for women founders who lead established or growing businesses.
NextStep to Success is for Indigenous women entrepreneurs developing business plans for funding and growth.
What expenses are eligible under Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Programs?
Live online business workshops and learning labs.
Advisor-led digital strategy cohorts with weekly online sessions or on-demand access.
Loan orientation sessions and financing preparation support.
One-to-one coaching and peer accountability within small cohorts.
Who can I contact for more information about the Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Programs?
You can contact Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) by email at info@awebusiness.com or by phone at 1-800-713-3558.
Where is the Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Programs available?
The Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Programs program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Programs a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Programs is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Programs?
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Programs is funded by Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE)