WESK: Financing
WESK lends up to $150,000 to grow your Saskatchewan business. This is a loan you must repay. You must cover at least 20% of the project cost, and the application fees are non-refundable.
“As a WESK member, you can apply for loans up to $150,000, with an additional $50,000 of potential lending available through our partnership with Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC).”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
Approval must come BEFORE spending; do not start work or buy equipment until the loan is approved and disbursed.
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 or controls more than 50% of a business in Saskatchewan.
- You need funding for specific projects like equipment, renovations, or inventory rather than daily operating expenses.
- You can contribute at least 20% of the total project cost from your own funds or other sources.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are looking for a grant or free money since this is a loan that must be repaid with interest.
- You need a line of credit for routine daily expenses because this program funds specific assets and projects.
- You are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or you do not live in Saskatchewan.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $150,000 per loan, with potential for an additional $50,000 through a WEOC partnership.
What may be supported
- Starting a new business
- Expanding an existing business
- Land and building costs
- Renovations and leasehold improvements
- Equipment and furniture
- Vehicles
- Inventory
- Marketing and accounting/legal costs
What's excluded or restricted
- Grants (WESK does not offer grants)
- Lines of credit for daily operational expenses
- Businesses not owned/controlled by women (>50%)
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must become a member, book an advisor appointment, and submit a business plan, cashflow projections, and financials. Status notification takes up to 10 business days after submission.
- 01Become a WESK member.
- 02Book an appointment with a business advisor to review your project and required documents.
- 03Prepare your business plan, cashflow projections, and financials.
- 04Submit the completed Loan Application Form with all required documents.
- 05Pay the non-refundable application fees (1% of loan amount max $500 + search fees).
- 06Wait for status notification within 10 business days after advisor submission.
Who to ask: 1-844-900-WESK (toll-free), 306-477-7173 (Saskatoon), 306-359-9732 (Regina), advisor@wesk.ca, or book a virtual consultation through WESK's booking page.
Documents commonly required
- Loan Application Form
- Business Plan
- Cashflow Projection
- Financials (depending on loan size and project type)
- Proof of Saskatchewan residency and business registration
What to know before you count on it
- Application fees are non-refundable: 1% of the loan amount (max $500) plus search fees (Equifax $19, Corporate $6, PPSA $10, Land Titles $12).
- You must pay a $50/year membership fee for the entire duration of the loan term.
- You must provide a minimum 20% owner contribution; WESK lends up to 80% of the project cost.
- The official page does not list interest rates or repayment terms. Ask a WESK advisor before you apply.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on your business plan, financials, and ability to meet the 20% contribution requirement. WESK reviews applications case-by-case.
Frequently asked questions
Is this money free?
No. This is a loan that must be repaid with interest. Interest collected funds future women entrepreneurs.
Can I use this for daily expenses?
No. WESK does not offer lines of credit for daily operational expenses. Funds are for starting, expanding, or specific assets like equipment and renovations.
What if I own exactly 50% of the business?
Ownership must be greater than 50%, but 50% may be considered in limited circumstances. Confirm with a WESK advisor.
Are there penalties for early repayment?
No. There are no payout penalties for early repayment.
More funding by what it pays for
What you can combine it with
You can potentially access an additional $50,000 through the Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC) partnership.
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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.