Closed
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 150,000
Timeline
- Open Date : July 9, 2024
- Closing date : July 9, 2024
Location
Alberta, Canada
Overview
Get a loan of up to $150,000 for your market-ready startup, business expansion or business purchases.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
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 $
Timeline
- Open Date : July 9, 2024
- Closing date : July 9, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
Loans under the AWE Loan Programs are designed to support the growth and expansion of women-owned businesses in Alberta. Eligible uses of the loan program include to improve operational capacity and enhance market presence.
- Leasehold improvements to enhance business premises.
- Purchases of necessary equipment to support operations.
- Advertising and marketing expenditures to increase brand visibility.
- Acquisition of inventory to meet customer demand.
- Management of operating costs, including employee wages, utilities, and rent.
- Technology upgrades to improve business efficiency.
- Payment for contractor and professional services fees.
Documents Needed
- Business plan
- Financial projections
- Credit reports for all applicants
- Incorporation and by-laws
- Proof of insurance
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
The given context primarily discusses loans offered by AWE rather than grants. However, it mentions that AWE does not offer in-house grant programs but provides a list of external funding sources for businesses seeking grants. Therefore, organizations looking for grants need to rely on external programs as listed by AWE. Specific eligibility criteria for these external grants are not provided in the context. Overall, it is implied that businesses seeking capital, whether through loans or external grants, should evaluate available options based on their growth needs, and AWE provides resources and guidance for navigating these options.Eligible expenses
This grant aims to support various business activities aimed at fostering growth, modernization, and competitiveness. Although the grant doesn't offer direct support, it compiles a list of funding sources available for these activities.
- Leasehold improvements.
- Equipment purchases.
- Advertising and marketing costs.
- Purchase of inventory.
- Operating costs including employee wages, utilities, and rent.
- Technology upgrades.
- Contractor and professional services fees.
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta
Selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for the AWE Growth Loan. The evaluation and selection criteria include:
- Clarity of business goals and financial projections
- Demonstrated need for capital to grow and expand the business
- Viability of the business model
- Fit of the business with AWE's mission and goals
- Ability to repay the loan within the specified terms
How to apply
1
Confirm Eligibility
- Your business must be 50.1% women-owned by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Your business must be registered and operating in Alberta, with all shareholders residing in the province.
- You need a minimum credit score of 650.
- You should contribute a minimum of 25% owner equity on total project costs.
- You must be able to pledge a minimum of 30% security on the loan.
- The capital must be for an eligible use.
2
Prepare Required Documents
- Prepare a business plan and a detailed marketing strategy.
- If your business is established, prepare income statements and balance sheets:
- Accountant-prepared documents from the last year-end.
- In-house prepared documents from the beginning of the new year to the current date.
- Ensure you have two years of forecasted financials including cash flow, income statement, and balance sheet.
- Provide incorporation statements, by-laws, CRA notice of assessment, proof of insurance, and the most recent annual return.
- If purchasing a business, have a business appraisal.
- If operating a partnership, provide a partnership agreement.
- Supply professional estimates for leaseholds or equipment, if applicable.
- Provide a copy of the commercial lease agreement.
3
Pre-Application Submission
- Contact AWE to request the link to the Pre-Application Loan Portal.
- Submit your Pre-Application through the portal.
- Receive a confirmation email from AWE.
- Await contact from a member of AWE within two weeks to work on your formal application.
4
Loan Application Review
- A member of AWE will contact you within two weeks to discuss your Loan Application results.
- You will receive a request for a one-time administration fee of $100-$700, depending on the loan size and type.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed once all required information has been received.
- The full loan process typically takes 4–6 weeks.
- AWE contacts applicants within two weeks to discuss the results.
- A confirmation email is sent after the pre-application is submitted.
- A one-time administration fee is requested if the loan is approved.
Additional information
AWE provides additional resources and a supportive community for women entrepreneurs seeking loans or exploring grant options.
- AWE does not offer in-house grants but offers a list of programs and funding sources to assist with finding resources.
- Loans are up to $150,000 with a focus on women-owned businesses in Alberta.
- There are community supports and networks available for business owners throughout the loan process.
- AWE emphasizes a flexible approach to capital management to match unique business needs.
- Entrepreneurs are encouraged to join the AWE Network for access to learning resources and webinars.
- AWE practices cycle-back funding to reinvest in women-owned businesses through funds from loan interest and fees.
- The process involves pre-application and formal application steps with follow-up for loan adjudication.
Frequently Asked Questions about the AWE — Loan Programs Program
What is the AWE — Loan Programs?
Get a loan of up to $150,000 for your market-ready startup, business expansion or business purchases.
How much funding can be received?
AWE — Loan Programs Funds up to $150,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was July 9, 2024.
Who is eligible for the AWE — Loan Programs program?
To be eligible for the AWE — Loan Programs program, you must:
The business must be 50.1% women-owned by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
The business must be registered and operating in Alberta with all shareholders residing in the province.
A minimum credit score of 650 is required.
What expenses are eligible under AWE — Loan Programs?
Loans under the AWE Loan Programs are designed to support the growth and expansion of women-owned businesses in Alberta. Eligible uses of the loan program include to improve operational capacity and enhance market presence. Leasehold improvements to enhance business premises.
Purchases of necessary equipment to support operations.
Advertising and marketing expenditures to increase brand visibility.
Acquisition of inventory to meet customer demand.
Management of operating costs, including employee wages, utilities, and rent.
Technology upgrades to improve business efficiency.
Payment for contractor and professional services fees.
Who can I contact for more information about the AWE — Loan Programs?
You can contact Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE).
Where is the AWE — Loan Programs available?
The AWE — Loan Programs program is available the province of Alberta.