WeMB: WEOC Loans
Women-owned businesses in Manitoba can borrow up to $50,000 for equipment, digital improvements or expansion. This is a loan you must repay, at up to Prime +4% interest, with an administration fee of 1% (up to $500).
“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 approval, conditions are met, and documents are signed.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You own at least 50% of your business and identify as a woman, including cis, trans, 2S, or gender-diverse identities.
- Your business operates in Manitoba and has annual gross revenues of $2 million or less.
- You need funds for working capital, new equipment, digital tools, or business expansion.
Probably not the right fit if
- Your business is not majority-owned by women.
- Your annual gross revenue exceeds $2 million.
- You are not a Canadian citizen, landed immigrant, or a legal entity owned and controlled by one.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $50,000
What may be supported
- Working capital
- Equipment purchases
- Digital improvements (website, e-commerce)
- Business startup or expansion costs
- Capital assets (leasehold/property improvements)
- Employee training
- Marketing and advertising
- Inventory and supplies
What's excluded or restricted
- Owner's salaries and benefits
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must connect with a WeMB Business Advisor, prepare a detailed business plan with cash flow projections, and complete a personal statement of affairs.
- 01Connect with a WeMB Business Advisor via their advising page.
- 02Confirm you meet the criteria (women-owned, under $2M revenue, Manitoba-based).
- 03Prepare a comprehensive business plan with cash flow projections.
- 04Complete the WEOC loan application and personal statement of affairs.
- 05Submit the application and required documents for credit investigation and committee review.
- 06Upon approval, sign documents and meet loan conditions to receive disbursement.
Who to ask: Contact a WeMB Business Advisor (via https://www.wemb.ca/advising/business-advising) or visit weoc.ca/loan-program/ for more information.
Documents commonly required
- Comprehensive business plan with cash flow projections
- WEOC loan application form
- Personal statement of affairs
- Proof of eligibility (ownership structure, revenue records)
- Credit investigation authorization
What to know before you count on it
- This is a loan, not a grant; you must repay the principal plus interest.
- Interest is charged at Prime +4%, which can be higher than standard bank rates depending on the current prime rate.
- A loan administration fee of 1% (up to $500) is deducted from the loan proceeds, meaning you receive less cash upfront.
- You must prepare a comprehensive business plan with cash flow projections before applying.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on credit investigation and review by the WEOC Loan Committee; there is no guarantee of funding.
Frequently asked questions
Is the loan administration fee paid separately?
No, the fee is paid from the loan proceeds, so it reduces the net amount you receive.
Can I use the loan for my own salary?
No, owner's salaries and benefits are explicitly excluded from eligible uses.
Who makes the final decision on the loan?
The WEOC Loan Committee reviews and evaluates the application; WeMB acts as the local partner for consultation and plan preparation.
When are payments due?
Payments are due on the 1st or 15th of each month. Ask WeMB for your exact repayment terms.
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 program is distinct from WeMB's other loan products (Startup, Expansion, WeGreen, WeTech, WeWork, WeMicro); confirm eligibility for multiple programs with your advisor.
Related programs
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
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
BDC Financing: Small Business Loan
Up to $350,000
An online loan of up to $350,000 from BDC, Canada's federal Crown corporation bank. Use it for inventory, hiring and training, marketing, product…
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.