WeBC — Business Loans for Women

• Completed loan application form for all owners and cosigners.
• Photo identification for all applicants.
• Business plan and summary of growth plan.
• Monthly cash flow projection for at least two years.
• Lease, purchase, franchise, partnership, or shareholders' agreements, if applicable.

Who is eligible?

• Women in British Columbia who are Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada.
• Applicants who are starting, purchasing, or expanding a business in BC.

Who is not eligible

• Businesses in the pre-start-up phase seeking seed or early-stage capital.
• Projects in research and development, beta testing, or prototype creation phases.
• Businesses where the owner does not have operational control (e.g., certain franchises).
• Businesses where the majority of revenue does not come from direct sales (e.g., multi-tiered marketing projects).
• Non-profit businesses or those not operating on a for-profit basis.
• Projects seen as speculative investments.
• Applications for refinancing existing debt from another lender.
• Businesses seeking loans over $150,000.
• Companies where required secondary financing is unconfirmed.

Eligible expenses

• Leaseholds
• Equipment
• Operating capital

Eligible geographic areas

• Businesses registered and located in British Columbia (BC), Canada.

• Strength and viability of the business plan.
• Demonstrated demand for the product or service through market research.
• Applicant’s business skills and management capabilities.
• Credit history and financial responsibility.
• Amount and form of personal equity contribution to the business.

• Register for one of WeBC’s free phone-in Business Loan Info Sessions.
• Complete the registration form and connect using the Zoom link emailed to you.
• Gather all items on the Loan Application Checklist.
• During the session, the facilitator will review lending criteria, answer your questions, advise you on how to apply, and provide a resource package.
• If you have already attended a Business Loans Information session and would like more information or an application, email Kelly Masson, Business Advisor.

• Applications are reviewed once all required information has been received.
• WeBC completes its assessment and gives a final lending decision in about four weeks.
• An Advisor works with applicants to determine eligibility and the most suitable loan program.

• Loan recipients are provided with complimentary business advisory services, training, and mentoring as part of the program.
• Business plan and skill-building resources, such as guides, workshops, and an online resource library, are available to support applicants.
• Applicants must attend a loan info session before obtaining an application form to ensure understanding of the program and its requirements.
• Applications are reviewed with consideration of business plan strength, applicant experience, and available resources to help strengthen applications.