AWE: Loan Programs
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs lends up to $150,000 to women-owned businesses in Alberta. Interest rates typically range from Prime +2% to Prime +4%. This is a loan you must repay.
“Alberta Women Entrepreneurs offers repayable business loans for women entrepreneurs across Alberta.”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
The official page does not say whether you need approval before you spend. Ask AWE whether you can spend money before your loan is approved.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You are a woman who owns at least 50.1% of your business.
- You operate or plan to operate your business in Alberta.
- You need capital for growth, stability, or startup costs like equipment, inventory, or working capital.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are not a woman entrepreneur with majority ownership.
- You want to use the funds for personal expenses, paying down existing debt, or speculative investments.
- You do not have a clear business plan or realistic path to revenue.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $150,000 directly, or potentially more through lending partners.
What may be supported
- Equipment and technology purchases.
- Leasehold improvements for your business location.
- Inventory and production costs.
- Marketing and business development activities.
- Professional services fees.
- Working capital and operating expenses.
- Startup costs for market-ready businesses.
What's excluded or restricted
- Personal income or non-business expenses
- Paying down personal or business debt
- Speculative investments (stocks, land held for resale, etc.)
- Purchasing goodwill without tangible assets
- Any activity not tied to a real and sustainable business operation
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must complete a Loan Readiness Quiz, submit an eligibility assessment, and work with loan advisors through the application process.
- 01Review resources and take the Loan Readiness Quiz on the Alberta Women Entrepreneurs website.
- 02Submit an eligibility assessment to determine if you qualify.
- 03Work with loan advisors to complete the full application process.
- 04Provide required documents such as your business plan and financial projections.
Who to ask: Toll Free (AB): 1-800-713-3558; Email: info@awebusiness.com; Appeals Email: appeals@awebusiness.com
Documents commonly required
- Business plan with a clear path to revenue.
- Realistic financial projections.
- Proof of majority ownership by a woman (50.1%+).
- Evidence of business operation or plans to operate in Alberta.
What to know before you count on it
- This is a repayable loan, not a grant; you must pay back the principal plus interest.
- Interest rates are variable, typically Prime +2% to Prime +4%, so your payments may fluctuate with the Bank of Canada rate.
- You must demonstrate a clear business plan and realistic financial projections to qualify.
- A 0.5% administration fee applies when you submit the formal loan application, covering the cost of processing and underwriting.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on your business plan, financial health, and ability to repay; there is no guarantee of funding.
Frequently asked questions
Is this money taxable?
Loan proceeds are generally not taxable income, but interest payments may be tax-deductible. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Can I use this for startup costs?
Yes, if your business is market-ready and you have a clear plan for revenue.
Are there hidden fees?
There are no hidden fees, but a 0.5% administration fee applies at the formal loan application stage to cover processing and underwriting. Confirm current details on the official page.
What is the repayment term?
Terms are up to five years with flexible repayment options.
More funding by what it pays for
What you can combine it with
You may be able to combine this loan with other grants or tax credits. Confirm with Alberta Women Entrepreneurs before you apply.
Related programs
BDC Financing: Start-up
Up to $150,000
A BDC loan of up to $150,000 for businesses that have operated at least 12 months. Use it to buy assets, pay start-up fees, buy a franchise, or pay…
Checked
Technology Equipment Loan (BDC)
A BDC loan for IT equipment, software, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure. You pay interest only for the first 24 months and can take up to 8…
Checked
Community Futures Alberta: Financial Supports
Up to $150,000
Community Futures Alberta offers loans to entrepreneurs with businesses in rural Alberta. The loans use simple interest, and the official page says…
Checked
Worth reading before you apply
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.
Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.