Open
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
Get expert advice, as well as a loan of up to $150,000 for your market-ready start-up, expansion project, or business purchases, with flexible repayment options.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Start a business
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- British Columbia
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
- Launching a new business that is ready to enter the market.
- Expanding existing business operations or capacity.
- Purchasing an established business.
Documents Needed
- 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.
Official resources
Program guide
Application portal
Eligibility
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.
Selection criteria
- 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.
How to apply
1
Participate in a Business Loan Info Session
- Register for a free, phone-in Business Loan Info Session held weekly on Tuesdays at noon (PT).
- Attend the session to receive information on lending criteria and the application process as well as a resource package.
- Ask your questions during the session to clarify any aspect of the loan process.
2
Compile Required Documentation
- Prepare a comprehensive business plan including market research, and a cash flow forecast for the next two years.
- Gather credit history details to be assessed alongside the business plan.
- Identify assets that can be used as security for the loan, or discuss options for unsecured loans if applicable.
- Prepare documentation to demonstrate personal equity investment in the business.
3
Consult with a Business Advisor
- Contact a Business Advisor (e.g., Kelly Masson) to discuss loan programs suitable for your business needs.
- Work with the advisor to review your eligibility and strengthen your application where necessary.
- Seek additional resources or clarification needed for completing your application.
4
Submit Your Application
- Email your completed application to the designated contact (e.g., Kelly Masson) when ready.
- Ensure all required documents from the Loan Application Checklist are included.
5
Await Assessment and Decision
- Expect approximately four weeks for the assessment and final lending decision once all documents are submitted.
- Stay in touch with your Business Advisor for updates on your application status.
Processing and Agreement
- 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.
Additional information
- 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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the WeBC — Business Loans for Women Program
What is the WeBC — Business Loans for Women?
Get expert advice, as well as a loan of up to $150,000 for your market-ready start-up, expansion project, or business purchases, with flexible repayment options.
Who is eligible for the WeBC — Business Loans for Women program?
To be eligible for the WeBC — Business Loans for Women program, you must:
Registered and located in BC
At least 51% owned and controlled by a woman
For-profit business
What expenses are eligible under WeBC — Business Loans for Women?
Launching a new business that is ready to enter the market.
Expanding existing business operations or capacity.
Purchasing an established business.
Who can I contact for more information about the WeBC — Business Loans for Women?
You can contact WeBC or by phone at 1.800.643.7014.
Where is the WeBC — Business Loans for Women available?
The WeBC — Business Loans for Women program is available the province of British Columbia.
Is the WeBC — Business Loans for Women a grant, loan, or tax credit?
WeBC — Business Loans for Women is a Loans and Capital investments
Who are the financial supporters of the WeBC — Business Loans for Women?
WeBC — Business Loans for Women is funded by WeBC