WeBC — Business Loans for Women
Fuel your BC business growth with up to $150,000 in repayable loans designed for women owners. You must attend a mandatory info session before applying, and loans over $50,000 require specific security. Verified against the official source on July 2, 2026.
How we verify funding records →
Before you spend a dollar
Approval must come BEFORE spending; assessment takes approximately four weeks after submission.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.
Check your fit →Is this for you?
- You are a woman who owns at least 51% of a for-profit business operating in British Columbia.
- Your business is market-ready and you need capital for equipment, expansion, or operating costs.
- You can provide a business plan with a 2-year cash flow forecast and have personal equity to invest.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are in the pre-startup, R&D, or beta testing phase, as this program funds market-ready businesses only.
- You are seeking to refinance existing debt or fund speculative investments.
- You do not have operational control over the business or are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident residing in BC.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $150,000 total; loans of $50,000 or less may qualify for the Equal Access to Capital program with no specific security required.
What may be supported
- Market-ready startups
- Business expansion projects
- Business purchases
- Leaseholds
- Equipment
- Operating capital
What's excluded or restricted
- Projects in the pre-start-up phase requiring seed or early-stage capital
- Projects in the research and development phase, beta testing, or building of a prototype
- Businesses where the owner does not have operational control over important aspects (e.g., some franchises)
- Businesses where the majority of gross revenues do not come from direct sales of products/services (e.g., Multi-tiered marketing projects)
- Businesses that do not operate on a for-profit basis
- Investments considered speculative
- Refinancing of existing debt from another lender
- Loans greater than $150,000 (for the core program; larger amounts require partnering with other lenders)
- Projects where necessary secondary financing is not confirmed
How applying works
Effort: moderateRequires attending an info session, preparing a detailed business plan with market research and 2-year monthly cash flow forecasts, and waiting up to four weeks for assessment.
- 01Attend a mandatory free Business Loan Info Session (held weekly or bi-weekly).
- 02Prepare the documents listed in the Loan Application Checklist, including a business plan with market research and a 2-year monthly cash flow forecast.
- 03Submit your application to a Business Advisor for eligibility assessment.
- 04Wait for the assessment result, which takes approximately four weeks.
Who to ask: 1.800.643.7014 or email Kelly Masson, Business Advisor (if already attended info session). General contact via https://we-bc.ca/contact-us/
Documents commonly required
- Business plan with market research
- 2-year monthly cash flow forecast
- Proof of business registration in British Columbia
- Proof of personal equity investment (typically minimum 25%)
- Completed Loan Application Checklist documents
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your professional website and online store with the loan funds, giving your business a polished digital storefront that attracts new customers and processes orders 24/7.
- BBN uses the loan to set up your Local SEO and Google Business Profile, designed to help nearby customers find your business.
- BBN implements a Google review system and loyalty program with the loan capital, turning satisfied customers into repeat buyers and building social proof that drives growth.
- BBN designs your signage and storefront visuals, coordinating with qualified partners to execute the physical work so your location stands out and draws foot traffic.
- BBN guides you through the application and deadlines so you don't lose the funding.
What to know before you count on it
- This is a repayable loan with interest; exact rates are not published, confirm on the official page.
- You must attend a mandatory free Business Loan Info Session before applying.
- You must demonstrate personal equity investment, typically a minimum of 25%.
- Unsecured loans (if eligible) are subject to higher interest rates.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on demonstrating business skills, market readiness, and confirmed secondary financing if needed; odds vary by project viability.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to attend an info session?
Yes, attending a mandatory free Business Loan Info Session is required before you can submit an application.
What is the Equal Access to Capital (EAC) program?
It is a specific track for loans of $50,000 or less that does not require specific security.
Can I use this loan to refinance existing debt?
No, refinancing of existing debt from another lender is excluded.
How long does the assessment take?
Assessment takes approximately four weeks after all information is received.
What you can combine it with
WeBC partners with other lenders for amounts exceeding $150,000; the Equal Access to Capital program applies to loans of $50,000 or less.
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Record last updated June 20, 2026; last verified July 2, 2026 against the official source. Source: official program page.