WeMB — WEOC Loans
Get up to $50,000 in repayable loans to fund equipment, digital upgrades, or expansion for your women-owned Manitoba business. Note that this is a loan with a Prime +4% interest rate and a 1% administration fee.
“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 a dollar
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.
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 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 upgrades (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.
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
- 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
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your professional website and online store, creating a 24/7 sales channel that captures customers while you focus on daily operations.
- BBN designs your digital marketing campaigns and ads to drive traffic, turning new visitors into loyal paying customers faster.
- BBN configures your POS system and trains staff, so your team uses new tools efficiently to boost speed and service quality.
- BBN designs your storefront signage and coordinates qualified partners for installation, making your business stand out to passersby.
- BBN guides you through the steps and deadlines so you do not lose the loan to simple mistakes.
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, confirm on the official page for specific terms.
Related BBN services
Business Websites
Fast, search-ready websites your customers can actually use. Built, hosted and maintained by one accountable team.
E-commerce & Online Catalogues
Online stores and product catalogues that sell. Shopify, WooCommerce or custom, with payments, shipping and training.
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.
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.
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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.
