WeBC — Business Loans for Women
BC, Canada
Loans for British Columbia women entrepreneurs
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Loans and Capital investments
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- WeBC
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|projects
- Market-ready startups
- Business expansion projects
- Business purchases
- Leaseholds and equipment
- Operating capital
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$150,000
Montreal
Start a new organic farm venture
$150,000
Calgary
Expansion of a community theater
$150,000
Halifax
Startup of an eco-friendly clothing line
$150,000
Vancouver
Expand technological infrastructure for a fintech startup
$150,000
Ottawa
Acquisition of a local bookstore
grant_single_labels|admissibility
- A woman who owns and controls at least 51% of a business that is registered and located in BC, or 50% for wife-husband teams
- A Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident
- Residing in BC
- Over 19 years old
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
There are eligible types of companies for the Women's Equity Business Centre (WeBC) financing program:
- Women-owned businesses located in British Columbia
- Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents residing in BC
- Businesses with at least 51% ownership by women
- Startups, business expansion projects, and business purchases
- Market-ready businesses seeking loans up to $150,000
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There are certain types of companies that are not eligible for the Women's Enterprise Centre Business Loans:
- Projects in the pre-start-up phase requiring seed or early-stage capital
- Research and development projects, beta testing, or building of a prototype
- Projects without operational control by the owner (e.g., some franchises)
- Projects generating majority revenues from sources other than direct sales
- Non-profit businesses, speculative investments, or refinancing existing debt
- Loans over $150,000 or lacking confirmed secondary financing
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
There are eligible expenses for this funding program:
- Business start-up costs
- Business expansion expenses
- Business purchase costs
- Leasehold improvements
- Equipment purchases
- Operating capital needs
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Here are the types of companies that are not eligible for this grant:
- Projects in the pre-start-up phase for which seed or early-stage capital is required
- Projects in the research and development phase, beta testing or building of a prototype
- Any business in which the owner does not have operational control over important aspects of the business
- Any business for which the majority of gross revenues do not come from direct sales of the business’s products or services
- Any projects that support businesses that do not operate on a for-profit basis
- Any investment that can be considered speculative
- Refinancing of existing debt from another lender
- Loans greater than $150,000
- Loans for which the secondary financing necessary to the project is not confirmed
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The program assesses the viability, leadership, and skills of the applicant, matching funds, and the overall potential impact of the business on the economy.
- Viability of the business idea
- Leadership qualities and skills of the applicant
- Matching funds availability
- Potential impact of the business on the economy
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Attend a weekly phone-in info session about the loans program
- Step 2: Review the lending criteria, ask questions, and receive guidance on how to apply
- Step 3: Prepare all items on the Loan Application Checklist
- Step 4: Work with an Advisor to determine eligibility and select an appropriate loan program
- Step 5: Complete the loan application process, providing required documents and information
- Step 6: Await the assessment process, which takes approximately four weeks for a final lending decision
grant_single_labels|contact
1-800-643-7014
Apply to this program
Business Loans for Women
WeBC offers business loans for women in British Columbia, providing up to $150,000 to support market-ready startups, business expansions, and purchases. Eligible applicants must be Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents residing in BC, over 19 years old, and own/control at least 51% of a registered business.
Business Loans for Women in British Columbia: Empowering Female Entrepreneurs
WeBC's business loan program aims to bridge the gap for women entrepreneurs in BC by offering flexible financing options and supportive services. The loans, ranging up to $150,000, cater to diverse business needs, from leaseholds and equipment to operating capital, with lower security and equity requirements than traditional lenders.
Applicants are assessed based on their business plan, credit history, security options, and equity contribution, with a focus on empowering women with the necessary skills and resources to succeed in business. WeBC provides wrap-around supports such as complimentary business advisory services, training, and mentoring to ensure the growth and sustainability of funded businesses.
Through WeBC's Equal Access to Capital program, women entrepreneurs applying for $50,000 or less can access funding without specific security requirements, expanding accessibility to financial resources for business development. The loans offer competitive interest rates, flexible repayment terms, and interest-only payments for up to six months, easing the financial burden on start-ups and expansion initiatives.
Eligibility criteria emphasize women's ownership and control of their businesses, encouraging female representation in the entrepreneurial landscape. WeBC's commitment to supporting women-owned businesses is exemplified through their partnership with the WEOC National Loan Fund, further extending financial opportunities to female entrepreneurs in British Columbia.
By addressing the unique challenges faced by women in business and tailoring their loan programs to meet diverse needs, WeBC plays a pivotal role in fostering economic empowerment and gender equity in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through the provision of financial assistance, mentorship, and educational resources, WeBC empowers women to actualize their business aspirations and contribute meaningfully to the economic growth of British Columbia.
