AWE — Loan Programs
Fuel your Alberta business growth with repayable loans up to $150,000. Interest rates typically range from Prime +2% to Prime +4%, so remember 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 a dollar
Confirm on the official page whether you must receive approval before spending funds.
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 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
Before you apply
Your lender will want to see what the money buys
A written quote for the project makes your application concrete and shows the lender exactly where the money goes. BBN Labs works with you on this: we prepare a quote for the work this program funds — scope, costs and timelines you can put straight into your application. Free, no obligation.
Get my quote for this program →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.
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your professional website and online store with the loan funds, giving your Alberta business a polished digital storefront that turns visitors into paying customers.
- BBN uses the loan to set up Local SEO and Google Business Profile, helping local buyers find your services in your community.
- BBN implements a modern POS system and digital booking tools with the technology funds, streamlining operations so you spend less time on admin and more time growing your revenue.
- BBN designs your storefront signage under leasehold improvements and your vehicle wraps under the marketing stream, coordinating qualified partners for the physical work.
- BBN guides you through the AWE loan application and deadlines so you don't lose the funding.
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.
Related BBN services
Digital Menu Boards & Signage Systems
Managed menu screens with cloud updates, breakfast-to-dinner scheduling and a design service. A bare TV on the wall does none of that.
Loyalty Programs & CRM
Know your customers and bring them back: databases, loyalty mechanics, email/SMS and gift cards that fit your counter.
Online Ordering, Booking & Reservations
Ordering links that skip the big delivery-app fees, plus table reservations and appointment booking wired into your site and Google.
Local SEO & Google Business Profile
Show up when nearby customers search: accurate profiles, real local content and reviews handled honestly.
What you can combine it with
This loan can often be combined with other grants or tax credits, but confirm eligibility with Alberta Women Entrepreneurs.
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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.
Record last updated ; last verified today with the official source. Source: official program page.