WeMB: WeMicro Loans
Borrow $5,000 to $25,000 for working capital or expansion in your Manitoba business. This is a repayable loan with variable interest rates and a 1% administration fee deducted from your proceeds.
“WeMB offers loans for a variety of business needs in any amount between $5,000 - $150,000.”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
Approval must come before spending; funds are disbursed only after the loan is approved and the administration fee is deducted.
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 51% of a business operating in Manitoba.
- You need cash for working capital or specific startup and expansion costs like equipment.
- You are ready to repay monthly, potentially starting with an interest-only period for the first six months.
Probably not the right fit if
- You do not meet the 51% women-owned requirement or your business is not based in Manitoba.
- You are looking for funding to cover personal expenses or owner draws, which are not allowed.
- You are not prepared to repay the loan through mandatory monthly payments.
How much you'd realistically get
$5,000 to $25,000 per loan. Your total loans with WeMB cannot be more than $150,000.
What may be supported
- Working capital for inventory, employee payroll, and rent.
- Startup costs including equipment, computers, and software.
- Expansion costs such as leasehold improvements and fixtures.
- Marketing and advertising expenses.
- Purchasing an existing business.
What's excluded or restricted
- Owner's draw (for WeWork loans).
- Businesses not owned/controlled by a self-identifying woman (unless meeting specific partnership criteria where woman owns 51%+).
- Businesses not operating or about to operate in Manitoba (out-of-province ownership considered case-by-case but must operate in MB).
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must prepare a 10-page Micro Business Plan and financial projections, plus gather personal financial documents like Notices of Assessment and pay stubs.
- 01Determine eligibility and gather required documents using WeMB checklists.
- 02Prepare a Micro Business Plan (approx. 10 pages) and financial projections.
- 03Get your business plan approved by a WeMB Business Advisor.
- 04Complete and sign the WeMB Loan Application and Personal Statement of Affairs form.
- 05Submit your application via the online portal or contact WeMB directly.
- 06Upon approval, receive funds with the administration fee deducted.
Who to ask: info@wemb.ca or call 204-988-1860
Documents commonly required
- Micro Business Plan (approx. 10 pages) and financial projections.
- Current resume and government-issued photo ID.
- Recent pay stub and Notice of Assessment.
- Articles of Incorporation or Business Name Registration.
- Completed WeMB Loan Application and Personal Statement of Affairs form.
What to know before you count on it
- Interest rates are variable and tied to the Prime rate, meaning your payments will rise if the Bank of Canada raises rates.
- A 1% Loan Administration Fee (plus GST) is deducted directly from your loan proceeds, so you receive less cash upfront than the approved amount.
- You must have a complete business plan approved by a WeMB Business Advisor before you can submit a formal application.
- Repayment is mandatory via monthly payments due on the 15th, though interest-only payments are available for the first 6 months.
What are your odds?
WeMB looks at your business idea, assets, credit, character and commitment. You need a business plan approved by a WeMB advisor first, but that does not mean the loan will be approved.
Frequently asked questions
Is the money taxable?
Loan proceeds are not taxable income. However, interest payments may be tax-deductible as a business expense; confirm with your accountant.
Can I pay the loan off early?
Yes, there are no penalties for early repayment.
What if I own 50% of the business?
50% ownership is considered on a case-by-case basis; you must contact WeMB to discuss your specific situation.
Are there application fees?
No, there are no application fees. However, a 1% Loan Administration Fee (plus GST) is deducted from the loan proceeds upon approval.
More funding by what it pays for
What you can combine it with
You can hold multiple WeMB loans, but your total outstanding debt with WeMB cannot exceed $150,000.
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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.