Administered by Government of Alberta · Last verified: July 2026
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs is the provincial delivery partner of the federal Women Entrepreneurship Strategy. It provides term loans of up to $150,000 to majority women-led Alberta businesses for equipment, inventory, marketing, technology, leasehold improvements, and working capital. Applicants need a credit score of at least 650, a minimum 25% owner equity on project costs, and the ability to pledge security. Advisory, mentoring, and training are available alongside the loan.
Review times vary by program, from a few weeks to a few months, so check the official page for its timeline. Grant money is usually paid after you sign a funding agreement, and cost-shared programs often reimburse you once you send proof of what you spent.
Take the 3-minute quiz to find out, and see every other Canadian program you qualify for at the same time.
Check my eligibilityAlberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Business Loan is generally open to incorporated, self-employed, partnership businesses, in Alberta. Confirm the full criteria on the official program page before applying.
The estimated value is Up to $150,000 (term loan). The actual amount depends on your eligible costs, the program's budget, and approval.
1. Confirm majority women ownership and Alberta operation 2. Connect with an AWE business advisor 3. Prepare your business plan and projections 4. Submit the loan application with financials 5. Finalize the agreement on approval
Continuous intake.
Typically $1 million to $10 million per project, depending on scope
INCENTIVEUp to $75 per square foot of converted office space
INCENTIVELoans up to approximately $1,000,000 (average around $70,000)