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Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba — Loans
Loans for Manitoba women entrepreneurs
Last Update: April 10, 2026
Funding available
$ 150,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Manitoba, Canada
Overview
Loans up to $150,000 for start-up, expansion and purchase of existing businesses.
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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
- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Retail trade
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Manitoba
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
This financing program supports a variety of business-related expenses to foster entrepreneurial growth among women in Manitoba. Eligible activities focus on business initiation, expansion, and equipment acquisition.
- Leasehold improvements for business premises.
- Advertising and marketing costs to promote business services or products.
- Purchase of an existing business to continue or enhance its operations.
- Purchase of inventory to stock supplies necessary for business operations.
- Purchase of equipment to support business activity.
- Funding for one-time or part-time projects evaluated individually.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
This loan program is specifically for women or businesses that are at least 51% owned and controlled by women who are actively involved in its operation and management. Eligible applicants must be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants and must be operating or about to operate in Manitoba. Applications from partnerships between females and males are encouraged, provided the woman meets the ownership and management criteria.Who is not eligible
This loan excludes certain uses for the borrowed funds and, by extension, companies or activities primarily revolving around those uses. Restrictions are in place to ensure that loans are utilized for sustainable business growth and development.
- Companies intending to use funds for the purchase of goodwill.
- Businesses aiming to utilize funds for owners' draw or salaries.
- Entities planning to invest in real estate for speculative purposes.
- Organizations seeking financial consolidations, debt refinancing, or bailouts.
- Businesses involved in illegal or immoral activities.
Eligible expenses
The Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba offers loans for businesses with an emphasis on supporting female entrepreneurs. These loans can be used for a variety of business-related expenses, excluding certain financial activities.
- Leasehold improvements for business premises.
- Advertising and marketing costs to promote the business.
- Purchase of an existing business to expand or start operations.
- Purchase of inventory necessary for business activities.
- Acquisition of equipment required for the business's operations.
- Funding for one-time or part-time projects, evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is open to businesses operating within Manitoba, Canada, based on the location eligibility criteria set by the Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba.
- Businesses operating in Manitoba.
Selection criteria
The loan applications for the Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba are assessed on a variety of criteria to determine the potential for commercial viability and the repayment capacity of the business, among other factors.
- Commercial viability of the business plan and ability to repay the loan.
- Contribution of cash or other equity and evaluation of security requirements (on a case-by-case basis).
- Personal history of credit-worthiness and stability.
- Clear ownership and active management participation by a woman (at least 51% ownership).
- Compliance with legal and citizenship or residency requirements (Canadian citizen or landed immigrant).
How to apply
1
Submit Business Plan
- Prepare and submit your comprehensive business plan electronically, by mail, or in person at the Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba.
- If not already working with a Business Advisor, one will be assigned to you after submission.
- Wait for the Business Advisor to review and contact you within five business days to arrange a meeting for further discussion.
2
Complete Loan Application
- Fill out the Loan Application Form provided by the Business Advisor.
- Complete the Personal Statement of Affairs document to authorize a credit check.
3
Loan Committee Review
- Provide any additional requested information for the Business Advisor to fully prepare your application.
- The Business Advisor submits your application to the Loan Committee for evaluation.
4
Decision Notification
- Await a decision, which depends on the completeness and complexity of your business plan and application.
- If declined, consider submitting an appeal with new business-related information within 15 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba — Loans Program
What is the Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba — Loans?
Loans up to $150,000 for start-up, expansion and purchase of existing businesses.
How much funding can be received?
Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba — Loans Funds up to $150,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba — Loans program?
To be eligible for the Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba — Loans program, you must:
The business must be 51% owned and controlled by a woman or women.
The applicant must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant, or a legal entity owned and controlled by a Canadian citizen(s) or landed immigrant(s).
The business must be operating or about to operate in Manitoba.
What expenses are eligible under Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba — Loans?
This financing program supports a variety of business-related expenses to foster entrepreneurial growth among women in Manitoba. Eligible activities focus on business initiation, expansion, and equipment acquisition. Leasehold improvements for business premises.
Advertising and marketing costs to promote business services or products.
Purchase of an existing business to continue or enhance its operations.
Purchase of inventory to stock supplies necessary for business operations.
Purchase of equipment to support business activity.
Funding for one-time or part-time projects evaluated individually.
Who can I contact for more information about the Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba — Loans?
You can contact Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba.
Where is the Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba — Loans available?
The Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba — Loans program is available the province of Manitoba.
Is the Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba — Loans a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba — Loans is a Loans and Capital investments