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WeBC — Business Loans for Youth - British Columbia - Canada
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WeBC — Business Loans for Youth

Loans for young women entrepreneurs in British Columbia
WeBC
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 70,000
Timeline
  • Open continuously
Location
British Columbia, Canada

Overview

If you are a woman between the ages of 19 and 39, you could access a loan of up to $70,000 with flexible repayment options, as well as free, ongoing business advice from your personal business advisor.

/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • No objectives are currently available
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 70,000 $
  • Up to 10% of project cost
Timeline
  • Open continuously

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • British Columbia
Legal structures
  • For-profit business
  • Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Youth (<40)
  • Startups
  • Women

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

The WeBC Business Loans for Youth program is designed to support young women entrepreneurs in British Columbia by providing financial assistance for starting, buying, or expanding a business. The eligible activities under this program include key financial support combined with mentorship and guidance to empower women in business.

  • Starting a new business venture owned and operated by 51% or more by women.
  • Purchasing an existing business where operational control is maintained.
  • Expanding an existing business through new product lines, locations, or markets.
  • Accessing business skills training and mentoring services provided by WeBC.
  • Collaborating with Futurpreneur Canada to maximize financing opportunities up to $70,000.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

Young women entrepreneurs between the ages of 19 and 39 who own and control at least 51% of a business that is registered and located in British Columbia are eligible to apply for this youth business loan program. The applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents residing in British Columbia. Additionally, they should have a business plan, market research, cash flow forecast, and meet other financial and credit requirements as specified by WeBC and Futurpreneur Canada. The business should not fall under ineligible projects such as speculative investments or multi-tiered marketing projects.

Who is not eligible

While WeBC provides business loans to eligible applicants, certain types of projects and businesses are not eligible for this financing program. These restrictions ensure that funds are allocated to businesses with viable operational plans and financial stability.

  • Projects in the pre-start-up phase requiring seed or early-stage capital.
  • Businesses without operational control over significant operational aspects, such as certain franchises.
  • Businesses deriving the majority of gross revenues from indirect sales, such as multi-tiered marketing projects.
  • Speculative investment ventures.
  • Refinancing of existing debt from another lender.
  • Loans required for projects exceeding the $70,000 funding cap without secured additional funding.

Eligible expenses

This loan program assists young women entrepreneurs in British Columbia to start, purchase, or expand their businesses. Participants benefit from financial assistance and strategic guidance to develop their ventures effectively.

  • Starting a new business venture.
  • Purchasing an existing business.
  • Expanding an existing business operation.
  • Accessing ongoing business advice from a personal Business Advisor.
  • Receiving mentoring support.
  • Participating in free business skills training programs.

Eligible geographic areas

This program is intended for women-owned businesses within a specific region in Canada. Eligibility is restricted to those residing and operating in this designated location.

  • Businesses registered and located in British Columbia, Canada.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for the WeBC Youth Loan program:

  • Free, ongoing business advice is available from a personal Business Advisor throughout the loan term.
  • The loan is unsecured, meaning no collateral is needed to secure the funds.
  • There are flexible repayment options, including up to six months with interest-only payments.
  • A one-time loan administration fee of 1% is charged before disbursement.
  • There is no penalty for early repayment of the loan.
  • Free business skills training and mentoring are part of the support provided.
  • Participation in a Business Loan Info Session is necessary to obtain an application form and insights into the process.
  • The process entails about four weeks for assessment once all necessary information is submitted.
  • If lacking in experience, other skills relevant to business operations are considered, and there are opportunities for skill-building workshops.
  • A minimum personal equity of 10% of the loan amount is required instead of the usual 25%.

Contacts

1-800-643-7014

Frequently Asked Questions about the WeBC — Business Loans for Youth Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the WeBC — Business Loans for Youth. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the WeBC — Business Loans for Youth?

If you are a woman between the ages of 19 and 39, you could access a loan of up to $70,000 with flexible repayment options, as well as free, ongoing business advice from your personal business advisor.

How much funding can be received?

WeBC — Business Loans for Youth Funds up to 10% of admissible expenses, capped at $70,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the WeBC — Business Loans for Youth program?

To be eligible for the WeBC — Business Loans for Youth program, you must: Women aged 19 to 39 who own and control at least 51% of a business registered in British Columbia. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents residing in British Columbia.

What expenses are eligible under WeBC — Business Loans for Youth?

The WeBC Business Loans for Youth program is designed to support young women entrepreneurs in British Columbia by providing financial assistance for starting, buying, or expanding a business. The eligible activities under this program include key financial support combined with mentorship and guidance to empower women in business. Starting a new business venture owned and operated by 51% or more by women. Purchasing an existing business where operational control is maintained. Expanding an existing business through new product lines, locations, or markets. Accessing business skills training and mentoring services provided by WeBC. Collaborating with Futurpreneur Canada to maximize financing opportunities up to $70,000.

Who can I contact for more information about the WeBC — Business Loans for Youth?

You can contact WeBC or by phone at 1-800-643-7014.

Where is the WeBC — Business Loans for Youth available?

The WeBC — Business Loans for Youth program is available the province of British Columbia.

Is the WeBC — Business Loans for Youth a grant, loan, or tax credit?

WeBC — Business Loans for Youth is a Loans and Capital investments

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