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Source verified July 11, 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
July 9, 2024
Opened July 9, 2024
Location
Alberta, Canada
Who can apply
Alberta-based businesses that are 50.1% women-owned and 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.
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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 $
- Minimum amount : 30,000 $
Funds Providers
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
- Business start-up financing.
- Business expansion financing.
- Business purchase financing.
- Working capital financing.
- Start-up costs, equipment or technology, marketing and business development, leasehold improvements, and inventory and production.
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; Shareholder Information /Partnership agreement, if there are multiple owners; details of the business’s current debt and repayment.
- Most recent 2 years of year-end financials for the business; year-to-date in-house financials; Business licenses; Driver’s License or equivalent Government issued ID; proof of citizenship or permanent residency; Lease Agreement or Offer to Lease; Business Insurance; most recent CRA Notice of Assessment for the business.
- For start-up, expansion, and purchase applications: verification of your personal contribution (25% of the potential AWE loan amount); professional appraisal of the business assets; purchase agreement / offer of purchase; franchise agreement; financial statements from the previous operation or another operating location; professional estimates of the Leaseholds/ Estimates of Equipment & or Inventory.
Official resources
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Alberta-based businesses that are 50.1% women-owned and majority-managed by women.
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.
Processing and Agreement
- The full loan process typically takes 4–6 weeks.
- Your timeline begins once all required documents are submitted in full.
- AWE begins reviewing an application once all required information has been received.
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.
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 based in Alberta and 50.1% women-owned.
The business must be majority-managed by women.
The applicant must demonstrate a viable business plan and financial readiness.
What expenses are eligible under AWE — Loan Programs?
Business start-up financing.
Business expansion financing.
Business purchase financing.
Working capital financing.
Start-up costs, equipment or technology, marketing and business development, leasehold improvements, and inventory and production.
Who can I contact for more information about the AWE — Loan 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 AWE — Loan Programs available?
The AWE — Loan Programs program is available the province of Alberta.