WeBC — WEOC National Loan Fund
Get up to $50,000 in repayable loan funding to grow your BC business. This program supports women and non-binary entrepreneurs with capital for equipment or working capital, but remember it is a loan you must repay with interest. Verified against the official source on July 2, 2026.
How we verify funding records →
Before you spend a dollar
Approval must come BEFORE spending; you cannot spend funds before WEOC issues the decision and payment.
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 or non-binary entrepreneur who owns at least 50% of your BC business.
- Your business generates less than $2 million in gross annual revenue.
- You need capital for working capital, equipment, or start-up costs and can service a term loan.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are a not-for-profit organization or your business is not owned by a woman or non-binary person.
- You want to buy land, buildings, or refinance existing debt as these uses are excluded.
- You cannot provide a business plan with cash flow forecasts for at least two years.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $50,000, depending on your business plan and financial projections.
What may be supported
- Capital assets (machinery, equipment, leasehold improvements).
- Working capital (payroll, rent, overhead costs).
- Digital development (website, e-commerce).
- Marketing and advertising.
- Employee training.
- Start-up costs (legal fees, incorporation fees).
What's excluded or restricted
- Capital expenditures on real property (e.g. land/building purchases)
- Goodwill
- Amortization Costs
- Purchase of assets for more than fair market value
- Owner's salary
- Payment of bonuses
- Refinancing existing debt
- Purchase of stocks/shares
- Franchise fees
- Research and development
- Management fees
- Dividend payout
- Increase to shareholder or management committee compensation
- Not-for-profit organizations are not eligible for loans.
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must prepare a detailed business plan and 24 months of financial projections with a WeBC advisor before the loan application is submitted to WEOC.
- 01Connect with WeBC as the first step to access the BC Loan Fund Partner support.
- 02Work with a WeBC Business Advisor to prepare your application documents, including a business plan and 24 months of financial projections.
- 03Once documents are ready, the Business Advisor connects you with the WEOC loan application portal.
- 04WEOC reviews your application and handles the funding decision, loan documentation, and payment.
Who to ask: https://we-bc.ca/contact-us/
Documents commonly required
- Business plan including cash flow forecasts for a minimum of two years.
- Proof of business ownership (must be over 50% woman-owned).
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency for the applicant.
- Financial statements or revenue records to verify gross annual revenues are under $2 million.
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your website and online store with loan funds, creating a 24/7 sales channel that captures customers while you focus on operations.
- BBN designs your digital marketing and ads to reach new buyers, putting the financing to work on growth instead of just covering overhead costs.
- BBN coordinates qualified partners for equipment or leasehold improvements, designed to align physical upgrades with your business goals.
- BBN sets up staff training on new tools and workflows, helping your team use the loan funds to boost efficiency and service quality.
- 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 loan, not a grant; you must repay the principal plus interest.
- Interest is Prime + 4%, which can be higher than standard bank rates for low-risk borrowers.
- There is a loan administration fee of 1% or up to $500 per loan if approved.
- You must work with a WeBC Business Advisor to prepare documents before applying.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on the strength of your business plan and ability to repay; it is not guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
Is this money taxable?
Loan proceeds are generally not taxable income, but interest payments may be tax-deductible. Confirm with your accountant.
Can I use this for my own salary?
No, owner's salary is explicitly excluded. You can pay employee salaries and benefits.
How long do I have to repay the loan?
Loans are term loans of up to 5 years. You can repay early without penalty.
Do I need to be a Canadian citizen?
Yes, the business must be owned by a Canadian citizen or a legal entity owned and controlled by a Canadian citizen. Applicants must be at least 19 years old and reside in Canada.
What you can combine it with
This loan can often be combined with other grants or tax credits, but confirm eligibility with your advisor.
Related programs
Technology Equipment Loan (BDC)
Secure the capital you need for digital infrastructure, IT equipment, and cybersecurity upgrades. This BDC loan supports your modernization efforts…
Last verified July 3, 2026
BDC Financing — Start-up
Up to $150,000
BDC Start-up Financing provides the capital you need to turn your business plan into reality. Use these funds to purchase essential assets, cover…
Last verified July 2, 2026
BDC Financing — Small Business Loan
Up to $350,000
Access flexible online financing from Canada's federal Crown corporation bank. Use these funds to scale operations, hire staff, or upgrade equipment…
Last verified July 2, 2026
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 July 3, 2026; last verified July 2, 2026 against the official source. Source: official program page.