BBN Labs — Better Business Network
Check local availabilityLoanLast verified July 2, 2026

WeMB — Loans

Fuel your Manitoba business growth with repayable loans from $5,000 to $150,000. Interest rates start at Prime + 2% with terms up to 5 years, so you get the capital you need while managing a clear repayment plan. Verified against the official source on July 2, 2026.

How we verify funding records →

WeMB offers loans for a variety of business needs in any amount between $5,000 - $150,000.
From the official program page, checked July 2, 2026

At a glance

Maximum support$5,000 - $150,000 (Startup/Expansion); $5,000 - $25,000 (WeWork/WeMicro). Interest rates: Startup (Prime + 3%), Expansion (Prime + 2%). No monthly fees. No early repayment penalties. Terms up to 5 years (Startup/Expansion) or 3 years (WeWork/WeMicro).
Issued byWeMB
Administered byManitoba Women’s Enterprise Centre Inc. (MWEC) operating as WeMB
RegionManitoba

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 (cis, trans, 2S, or gender-diverse) who owns at least 51% of a business in Manitoba.
  • You need capital for startup costs, expansion, working capital, or purchasing an existing business.
  • You are ready to get your business plan approved by a WeMB Business Advisor before spending any money.

Probably not the right fit if

  • You are not a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant.
  • You are looking for a grant or non-repayable funding, since this is a loan that must be repaid with interest.
  • You are applying for an Expansion Loan but have not had three or more years of profitable income.

How much you'd realistically get

Loans range from $5,000 to $150,000 for startup and expansion needs, or up to $25,000 for working capital and micro-business needs.

What may be supported

  • Startup costs
  • Expansion costs such as new equipment or second location
  • Purchase of an existing business
  • Working capital for inventory, payroll, or rent
  • Leasehold improvements and fixtures
  • Marketing and advertising
  • Computers and software

What's excluded or restricted

  • Owner's draw (specifically excluded from WeWork working capital loans)

How applying works

Effort: moderateYou must prepare a complete business plan and get it approved by a WeMB Business Advisor before applying, which requires time and documentation.

  1. 01Determine your eligibility based on ownership and location requirements.
  2. 02Gather required documents using the checklists available for download on the WeMB website.
  3. 03Have a complete business plan approved by a WeMB Business Advisor.
  4. 04Apply online via the 'Apply for a Loan' portal at wemb.ca.

Who to ask: https://www.wemb.ca/contact

Documents commonly required

  • Complete business plan approved by a WeMB Business Advisor
  • Proof of legal entity status (sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation)
  • Proof of ownership and control by a self-identifying woman
  • Financial statements or tax returns (especially for Expansion loans requiring 3 years of profit)

How BBN Labs helps

  • BBN builds your professional website and online store with the loan funds, giving your new venture a credible digital home that turns visitors into paying customers from day one.
  • BBN uses the loan to set up your Local SEO and Google Business Profile, designed to help nearby customers find your shop.
  • BBN launches your digital marketing and paid ad campaigns with the loan capital, driving immediate traffic to your storefront and filling your calendar with qualified leads.
  • BBN configures your new computers and business software with the loan proceeds, streamlining your daily operations so you can manage growth without the tech headaches.
  • BBN guides you through the application and deadlines so you don't lose the funding.

What to know before you count on it

  • Interest rates are tied to the Prime rate plus a margin (Prime + 3% for Startup, Prime + 2% for Expansion), so your cost of borrowing fluctuates with the Bank of Canada.
  • Expansion loans strictly require three or more years of profitable income, which disqualifies many newer businesses.
  • Owner's draws are specifically excluded from working capital loans, meaning you cannot use these funds for personal income.
  • The application process requires a pre-approved business plan, adding a step before you can even submit the loan request.

What are your odds?

Approval depends on the strength of your business plan and financial history, particularly for expansion loans requiring proven profitability.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an application fee?

The official program page does not state an application fee; confirm on the official page.

Can I repay the loan early?

Yes, there are no early repayment penalties.

What is the maximum loan term?

Up to 5 years for Startup and Expansion loans, or 3 years for WeWork and WeMicro loans.

Can I use the loan for owner's draw?

No, owner's draws are specifically excluded from working capital loans.

What you can combine it with

WeMB offers related programs like WeGreen Loans and WeTech Loans; confirm with WeMB if you can stack these with a general loan.

Related programs

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Record last updated July 3, 2026; last verified July 2, 2026 against the official source. Source: official program page.