YOUR PATH TO FINANCING
CLARITY CONFIDENCE CAPITAL ONE STEP AT A TIME
Funding can open new doors for your business, but accessing business financing in Alberta works best when you understand your options and know what lenders look for. At Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), we support women entrepreneurs by breaking down the financing process into clear, manageable steps, whether you’re preparing for your first funding conversation or planning for growth.
This page walks you through each step, what you’ll need, and how we help you prepare a strong application.
How Long Does Business Financing Typically Take?
The full loan process typically takes 4–6 weeks.
Your timeline begins once all required documents are submitted in full.
To protect your time, we begin reviewing an application once all required information has been received.
Before You Begin: What You’ll Need
To move smoothly through the eligibility process, you should have:
A BUSINESS PLAN
TWO YEARS OF REALISTIC FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(PROJECTIONS, IF YOU HAVEN’T BEEN IN BUSINESS 2+ YEARS)
SUPPORTING BUSINESS DOCUMENTS
(INCORPORATION, INSURANCE, ETC)
Don’t have everything yet?
Step 1: Attend a Loan Orientation Session
Not every business needs, or benefits from, a loan. Step one is understanding whether debt financing aligns with your goals, your business model, and your capacity for repayment.
Start here:
Take the AWE Loan Readiness Quiz
A short, practical tool to help you understand if financing is the right path.
Attend a Loan Orientation Session
Learn what lenders look for, how AWE evaluates applications, and what makes a strong loan package.
Step 2: Submit Part One of the Loan Application
After the orientation session, you’ll be sent part one of the loan application. The more complete and realistic your documents are, the faster your application moves.
Below is exactly what you’ll need, depending on your business stage.
Key Documents by Financing Purpose
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs offers repayable business loans for women entrepreneurs across Alberta. AWE loans are designed to support early-stage and growing businesses with clear terms, flexible repayment, and personalized guidance throughout the process
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For new businesses or entrepreneurs preparing for their first loan.
What you’ll typically need (simplified list):A business plan outlining your idea, market, and growth approach
Two years of monthly financial projections (cash flow, income statement, balance sheet)
Personal and business identification documents
Proof of residency and incorporation (if applicable)
Credit information for all applicants
Evidence of personal investment in the business
Any licenses or permits required to operate
Why we ask for this:
Start-up financing focuses on understanding your business model, financial sustainability, and ability to repay as the business grows. -
For existing businesses planning to grow, scale, or expand operations.
What you’ll typically need:An updated business plan outlining your expansion strategy
Two years of monthly historical financial statements
Year-to-date financials (if your last year-end is over three months ago)
Two years of forward-looking financial projections
Details on how funds will be used
Proof of ownership, incorporation, and insurance
Credit information for all applicants
Evidence of personal contribution toward the loan
Additional items may include:
Professional estimates for equipment or leasehold improvements
Asset details if being used as loan security
Why we ask for this:
Expansion financing looks at both past performance and future growth to assess risk and repayment capacity. -
For entrepreneurs purchasing an existing business, franchise, or shares.
What you’ll typically need:A detailed business plan covering the purchase and transition strategy
Financial projections reflecting post-purchase operations
Purchase agreement or offer to purchase (and franchise agreement, if applicable)
Professional appraisal
Two years of monthly historical financial statements for the business
(for new franchises, financials from a similar location, if applicable)Year-to-date financials (if available)
Credit information for all applicants
Proof of personal investment toward the purchase
Additional items may include:
Lease agreements or property details
Asset documentation if being used as security
Why we ask for this:
Business purchases require additional documentation to assess valuation, risk, and long-term sustainability. -
For businesses seeking short-term funding to support operations or cash flow.
What you’ll typically need:A business plan or written explanation of your working capital needs
Two years of monthly historical financial statements
Year-to-date financials including payables and receivables
Financial projections showing how funds support stability
Proof of ownership and incorporation
Credit information for all applicants
Evidence of personal contribution toward the loan
Additional items may include:
Asset details if being used as loan security
Why we ask for this:
Working capital loans focus on cash flow health, repayment timing, and operational sustainability.
Path 1: Start-Up or Establishing (0–24 Months)
A BUSINESS PLAN
For businesses seeking short-term funding to support operations or cash flow.
FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS
(2 YEARS)
Monthly cash flow
Projected income statement
Projected balance sheet
Use the AWE Financial Projection Template for an easy to use format that provides all the information we need.
KEY BUSINESS DOCUMENTS
Incorporation statements and by-laws
CRA Notice of Assessment
Proof of insurance
Proof of residency and identification
Most recent annual tax return (if applicable)
Commercial lease agreement (if applicable)
Credit information (Equifax reports) for all applicants
Signed client application. If real-estate we need a current mortgage statement as well.
Partnership agreement (for multiple owners)
Any licenses or permits required to operate
Asset details if being used as loan security
Evidence of personal investment (25%)
Evidence of security on loan (minimum 30%)
If real estate: most recent property assessment and property tax statement
If vehicle: current registration and mileage (must be owned and less than 5 years old)
If other: provide description and evidence of recent market valuations
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Purchase agreement or offer to purchase
Lease agreement or offer to lease
Business valuation or appraisal
Two years of historical financial statements for the business
Year-to-date financials (if available)
A brief overview answering: “Why is this business for sale? Why do you want to purchase this business?”
Path 2: Established or Expanding
(24+ Months)
A BUSINESS PLAN
A clear overview of your model, goals, and growth strategy. Check out our guide.
FINANCIAL HISTORY
Last two year-end accountant-prepared income statements + balance sheets
Interim financial statements (if your year-end was more than 3 months ago)
FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS
(2 YEARS)
Monthly cash flow
Projected income statement
Projected balance sheet
Using the AWE template ensures projections are realistic and comparable to industry standards.
KEY BUSINESS DOCUMENTS
Incorporation statements and by-laws
CRA Notice of Assessment
Proof of insurance
Proof of residency and identification
Most recent annual tax return (if applicable)
Commercial lease agreement (if applicable)
Credit information (Equifax reports) for all applicants
Signed client application. If real-estate we need a current mortgage statement as well.
Partnership agreement (for multiple owners)
Any licenses or permits required to operate
Asset details if being used as loan security
Evidence of personal investment (25%)
Evidence of security on loan (minimum 30%) (accordian)
If real estate: most recent property assessment and property tax statement
If vehicle: current registration and mileage (must be owned and less than 5 years old)
If other: provide description and evidence of recent market valuations
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Purchase agreement or offer to purchase
Lease agreement or offer to lease
Business valuation or appraisal
Two years of historical financial statements for the business
Year-to-date financials (if available)
A brief overview answering: “Why is this business for sale? Why do you want to purchase this business?”
→BUSINESS PURCHASE CHECKLIST PDF
This path ensures we can assess both past performance and future plans — essential for established or expansion loans.
Ready to Continue
Step 3: Meet With the AWE Loans Team 1:1
Once you’ve submitted part one of your loan application, our team will get in touch and schedule a meeting with you. This meeting is supportive, conversational, and designed to help you succeed.
During this call, we will:
Review part one of your application
Discuss your goals and funding needs
Identify any gaps
Explore available financing options
Possible Outcomes
You’re eligible to move forward → You’ll be invited to submit part two of the loan application
You’re not eligible right now → We’re happy to support you in strengthening your application for the future
You may be better suited for a different funding pathway → We’ll help you understand your options
Regardless of the result, you’ll walk away with clarity and next steps.
Step 4: Submit Part Two of Your Loan Application
If part one of your loan application is successful, you’ll move on to the formal loan application. This step includes a $0.5% administration fee, which covers the cost of processing, reviewing, and underwriting your application.
During this stage, our team guides you through any final documents or clarifications needed to strengthen your package.
Common Mistakes
That Delay Applications
Avoid these to keep your timeline on track:
Missing or incomplete financial projections
Projections that are overly optimistic or not aligned with industry data. GoC industry Financial Performance Data
Outdated financial statements
Missing required documents like appraisals or estimates
Having an organization like AWE to support me as a woman owned business has been a huge part of the growth we’ve experienced in the last year. The advisors are so invested in my success- it’s like having experts on your team and in your own business!
KAYE BURROWS CORE LOVE FITNESS
Choose Your Next Step
I’m Exploring Financing
Take the quiz or join a webinar to understand if this path is right for you.
I’m Preparing My Documents
Get templates, guides, checklists, and examples to help you complete everything correctly.
I’m Ready to Attend a Loan Orientation
Start your financing journey by submitting your eligibility assessment.
Not Sure Where to Begin? We’re Here to Help.
If you want to understand how AWE Loans work, what funding is available, or which path is right for your business, we can walk you through it.
Business Financing FAQs
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Business financing refers to funding options that help support business operations, growth, or stability. This can include loans, grants, or other forms of capital, depending on your business needs and stage.
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Financing readiness often includes having a clear business plan, realistic financial projections, and an understanding of how funding will support your goals. AWE offers tools and guidance to help women entrepreneurs assess readiness before moving forward.
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No. Many entrepreneurs benefit from preparing for financing before applying. Understanding requirements early gives you more control and improves outcomes when you decide to pursue funding. We recommend starting with the Is Debt Financing For You Quiz!
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AWE provides guidance, resources, and one-on-one conversations to help women entrepreneurs understand their options, prepare strong documentation, and take next steps with confidence.