WeBC — Business Loans for Women

• Business loans available up to $150,000 for women-owned businesses in BC.
• Applicants seeking $50,000 or less may qualify for the Equal Access to Capital (EAC) program, which does not require specific security.
• A minimum equity contribution of 25% is typically required from the applicant. Some exceptions may apply.

• The business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by a woman (or 50% for wife-husband teams).
• The business must be registered and located in British Columbia.
• The applicant must be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident residing in BC.
• The applicant must be over 19 years old.
• The project must involve starting, buying, or expanding a business that is market-ready and operates on a for-profit basis.

Who is eligible?

• Market-ready startups
• Businesses seeking expansion
• Businesses being purchased
• Businesses operating on a for-profit basis in British Columbia

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

• Leasehold improvements
• Purchase of 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.

• 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.