Additional loan funds are now available to help women entrepreneurs get easier access to capital in order to create jobs and help diversify the economy.

 Supporting women entrepreneurs to start or expand a business is vital to strengthening Alberta’s economy and attracting job-creating investments to the province.

Alberta’s government is investing $6 million in grant funding for business loans aimed at supporting and empowering women entrepreneurs by providing them with more access to capital. The loan program provides low-interest business loans and business advisory supports to women entrepreneurs.

Loans accessed through this grant will be administered by Alberta Women Entrepreneurs and Community Futures Network of Alberta. Each organization will receive $3 million in grant funding through the Women’s Economic Recovery – Capital Growth Initiative.

Both Alberta Women Entrepreneurs and Community Futures Network of Alberta will help empower women entrepreneurs by providing access to funds, as well as business supports like specialized training, advising and mentorship. Under the initiative, up to $75,000 will be available in unsecured conditionally repayable loans. Eligible costs include operating capital, equipment, leasehold improvements, inventory, non-owner salaries and professional fees.

Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enabling women to build successful businesses. AWE provides unique programs and services to women entrepreneurs through access to capital and connections, and support with building business capacity.

For more than 25 years, Alberta Women Entrepreneurs has been providing tools and resources to help women in Edmonton, Calgary, St. Albert and beyond to succeed in starting or growing a business.

Community Futures has been helping rural Alberta entrepreneurs for over 30 years with guidance, business loans, training, and free resources. Community Futures Network of Alberta has a rural focus and has helped rural Albertans launch, grow and scale their businesses. With 27 regional offices located throughout Alberta, Community Futures has significant reach into every corner of the province, including with First Nations, Metis Settlements and Indigenous communities.