Since 1995, Women's Enterprise Centre has assisted women business owners with loans to grow, expand or purchase a business.

We have provided over $8.7 million in direct financing to women-owned businesses in BC, through our empowerment lending program.

Our Business Lending Program offers small business loans that can help your business start, grow and succeed!

Business Loans Info Session

Our loans information session is the place to start to determine if our loans program is right for you. The interactive phone session with a Business Advisor will allow you to ask questions and learn from the questions of others. Click here to learn more!

Financing for your business

• Loans up to $150,000 for BC women*
• Loans for market-ready start-ups, business expansion projects, and business purchases
• Can be for leaseholds, equipment, operating capital and more
• Flexible repayment options and terms up to 5 years
• Lower security and equity requirements than many other lenders
• Lower fees than many other lenders
• Competitive interest rates
• You may qualify with us if you don't with other lenders

*If you require funding beyond $150,000, we attempt to partner with other lenders to meet your full borrowing requirements.

Financing designed to increase your business potential

Women's Enterprise Centre is in the unique position of being a non-profit lender, which means our motivation and focus is about your success. Our first financing priority is a sound business idea supported by some necessary business skills, along with your own determination to make it happen! Many women find this approach so beneficial, they return to us for additional loans to build their business!

Our loans are bundled with free, ongoing business guidance, customized to your situation

With your loan, you also get ongoing, personal access to a qualified business advisor who gets to know and understand your situation. This is a unique benefit you won’t get from traditional lenders. When you need advice, a fresh point of view, or want to brainstorm ideas, we're just a phone call away!

We minimize your risk by giving you access to the skills training you need to run a business

As our loan client you can take a number of our training courses that teach practical, applied skills that are pivotal to business success. These include our learning guides in marketing, financial management and strategic planning . As your business grows, so too will your ability to keep it running successfully.

As business plan lenders, we want you to succeed!

You're more likely to succeed if you have a thoughtful plan that maximizes your idea and resources. A solid, thorough business plan greatly increases your chances of success and allows you to determine whether or not your idea is realistic and on track before you take on any kind of debt. We can advise you on how to prepare your business plan, research your market, and ensure you understand the necessary steps to get customers, bring in revenue, and grow!

Empowerment loans to START or PURCHASE a business >

Empowerment loans to EXPAND your business >