Alberta Women’s Economic Recovery – Capital Growth Initiative

Thank you for your interest in the CGI loan program. At this time, we are actively processing a high volume of applications and as a result, we are temporarily not accepting new applications. Your patience is greatly appreciated, and we thank you for considering this program.

New loan fund provides more access to capital for women business owners

Alberta Women’s Entrepreneurs has received $3 million in funding through the provincial Women’s Economic Recovery - Capital Growth Initiative. This new loan fund is now available to support women entrepreneurs to get easier access to capital, to help create jobs and diversify the economy.

Alberta Women Entrepreneurs and Community Futures Network of Alberta will administer the loans from the Women’s Economic Recovery - Capital Growth Initiative.  Under the initiative, Alberta Women Entrepreneurs will provide capital to women in Edmonton, Calgary, St. Albert, and Fort Saskatchewan, while Community Futures will provide capital to other communities throughout Alberta.

AWE is committed to empowering women entrepreneurs by providing access to capital, as well as business supports like specialized training, advising, and mentorship. This investment will support more women to expand or start a business.

Through this initiative, repayable loans from $10,000 to $75,000 will be available to women business owners in Alberta. Eligible costs include operating capital, equipment, leasehold improvements, inventory, non-owner salaries, and professional fees.

What makes this AWE loan unique?

We provide:

• The capital you need to start or grow your business. Repayable loans under the Capital Growth Initiative range from $10,000 to $75,000 for majority (50.1%) women-owned businesses in Alberta. We offer a competitive interest rate of Prime +2% for a 5-year term.

• Flexibility and clarity. We offer flexible repayment options. There’s no penalty for early repayment and no hidden fees. 6 months interest-only payments at the start of loan. Also, fluctuating seasonal payments are an option, on a case-by-case basis.

• Access to personalized advice and resources. Client care is embedded in our loans. You’ll have access to ongoing business advising, specialized training and support from the AWE team. Access to annual specialized training in a variety of areas including sales, marketing, financial management, human resources and more.

• A community of like-minded women. Clients receive discounts to select AWE events. You will have the opportunity to meet other women entrepreneurs while learning from subject-matter experts.

Please note, we do not have a grant program, and grants for business start-ups tend to be limited. If you are interested in exploring grant funding, check out this list of grant programs and funding sources.

How do I apply?

Our loan application process is broken down into three stages: Assessment, Review, and Loan Committee Review. To learn more about each of these stages, click here.

Our application process is designed to help you clarify your goals, your business model, and financial projections so that your business has a solid foundation. It also determines if an AWE loan is a good fit for you and your business.

The application fee is included with your loan administration and if the loan is approved, our loan administration fee is a flat fee of $700. There is no fee to submit an Eligibility Assessment.

Ready to start your eligibility assessment?