WeBC: WEOC National Loan Fund
Women and non-binary business owners in BC can borrow up to $50,000 for equipment or working capital. This is a loan, and you must repay it with interest.
Before you spend any money
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.
Is this for you?
- You are a woman or non-binary entrepreneur who owns more than 50% of your BC business. Confirm the ownership rule with WeBC.
- 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.
- 01Contact WeBC first to get advice and help with your loan application.
- 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 for the applicant. Ask WeBC whether proof of permanent residency is accepted.
- Financial statements or revenue records to verify gross annual revenues are under $2 million.
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?
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. Ask WeBC whether permanent residents qualify.
More funding by what it pays for
Funding for Websites
Grants and loans to help you build or improve your business website.
Funding for E-commerce
Grants and loans to help you launch or improve your online store.
Funding for Online Ordering and Booking
Grants and loans may help pay for online ordering, booking and reservation systems.
Funding for Retail POS
Grants and loans that may help pay for point-of-sale systems and other store technology.
What you can combine it with
This loan can often be combined with other grants or tax credits, but confirm eligibility with your advisor.
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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.
Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.