How much funding can be received?

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.

Financing terms and conditions

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.

Eligible projects & activities

Launching a new business that is ready to enter the market.
Expanding existing business operations or capacity.
Purchasing an established business.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 150,000

Start a new organic farm venture

$ 150,000

Expansion of a community theater

$ 150,000

Startup of an eco-friendly clothing line

$ 150,000

Expand technological infrastructure for a fintech startup

$ 150,000

Acquisition of a local bookstore

Eligibility criteria of the WeBC — Business Loans for Women program

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.

Eligibility criteria of the WeBC — Business Loans for Women program

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 to the WeBC — Business Loans for Women program

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.