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Source verified July 31, 2026
AWE — Loan Programs
Business financing for Alberta women entrepreneurs
Latest source updateLast Update: May 14, 2026Latest change: AWE updated its loan guidance with a more detailed application path, new document expectations, and revised contact/resource links.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: May 14, 2026
Latest change: AWE updated its loan guidance with a more detailed application path, new document expectations, and revised contact/resource links.
AWE loan guidance updated
AWE’s loan content now emphasizes step-by-step financing paths and more detailed document and readiness requirements on the business financing page. The loan overview itself changed only slightly, with minor link cleanup and no visible shift in core eligibility or funding terms.
Funding available
$ 30,000 - $ 150,000
Deadline
Closed
Location
Alberta, Canada
Who can apply
Women-owned, Alberta-based businesses that are majority-managed by women.
See full eligibility
Overview
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs offers repayable business loans of up to $150,000, and more in partnership with lenders, for women entrepreneurs across Alberta. Funding can support start-up costs, equipment or technology, and marketing and business development for growth.
Find open grants for your business
Explore open funding programs that match your business and project.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Conduct research and development activities
- Start a business
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
- Minimum amount : 30,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Starting a new business.
- Growing or expanding an existing business.
- Purchasing an existing business, franchise, or shares.
- Supporting short-term funding for operations or cash flow.
Documents Needed
- A business plan.
- Two years of realistic financial projections.
- Financial statements.
- Credit information for all applicants.
- Supporting business documents, including incorporation, insurance, proof of residency and identification, and any licenses or permits required to operate.
Official resources
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Women-owned, Alberta-based businesses that are majority-managed by women.
- Women entrepreneurs with majority ownership (50.1%+).
Eligible expenses
- Equipment and technology.
- Leasehold improvements.
- Inventory and production.
- Marketing and business development.
- Professional services, working capital and operating expenses, and startup costs for market-ready businesses.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Personal income or non-business expenses.
- Paying down personal or business debt.
- Speculative investments, including stocks and land held for resale.
- Purchasing goodwill without tangible assets.
- Any activity not tied to a real and sustainable business operation.
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta
Selection criteria
- Business needs.
- Readiness.
- Overall financial capacity.
How to apply
- Take the AWE Loan Readiness Quiz.
- Attend a Loan Orientation Session.
- Submit Part One of the Loan Application after the orientation session.
- Submit Part Two of Your Loan Application if Part One is successful.
Processing and Agreement
- After Part One is submitted, the AWE Loans team will get in touch and schedule a meeting.
- During the call, the team reviews Part One, discusses goals and funding needs, identifies gaps, and explores available financing options.
- If you are eligible to move forward, you will be invited to submit Part Two of the loan application.
- The full loan process typically takes 4–6 weeks, and the timeline begins once all required documents are submitted in full.
- If a loan application is declined and the applicant appeals, the appeal will be reviewed with AWE’s third party ombudsman and AWE will provide a written response.
Additional information
- AWE provides workshops, webinars, business advising, learning labs, online resources, and connections to its broader community of women entrepreneurs.
- Loan Resources & Tools include a Business Plan Guide, a Financial Projections Template, and checklists for start-up, expansion, working capital, and business purchase applications.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the AWE — Loan Programs Program
What is the AWE — Loan Programs?
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs offers repayable business loans of up to $150,000, and more in partnership with lenders, for women entrepreneurs across Alberta. Funding can support start-up costs, equipment or technology, and marketing and business development for growth.
How much funding can be received?
AWE — Loan Programs Funds up to $150,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the AWE — Loan Programs program?
To be eligible for the AWE — Loan Programs program, you must:
The business must be based in Alberta or planned to operate in Alberta.
The business must be 50.1% women-owned and majority-managed by women.
The applicant must demonstrate a viable business plan and financial readiness.
What expenses are eligible under AWE — Loan Programs?
Starting a new business.
Growing or expanding an existing business.
Purchasing an existing business, franchise, or shares.
Supporting short-term funding for operations or cash flow.
Who can I contact for more information about the AWE — Loan Programs?
You can contact Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) by email at appeals@awebusiness.com or by phone at 1-800-713-3558.
Where is the AWE — Loan Programs available?
The AWE — Loan Programs program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the AWE — Loan Programs a grant, loan, or tax credit?
AWE — Loan Programs is a Loans and Capital investments