Six weekly sessions starting Thursday Feb 20, 2025.

Register here

Presented by SFU VentureLabs and Garibaldi Capital Advisors.

The post Raising Capital | Webinar Series appeared first on WeBC.

Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program: Access to Capital

The Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) provides access to capital and business opportunities to Indigenous entrepreneurs and business owners in Canada. The AEP stream provides annual, ongoing funding to Indigenous entrepreneurs through the network of Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) and Métis Capital Corporations (MCCs).

Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFIs)

AFI’s are specialized lenders that provide financial services to Indigenous entrepreneurs. In British Columbia, AFI’s include:

• All Nations Trust Company (ANTCO): Offers various financial services and programs to support Indigenous business development, including micro-loan programs and resources for Indigenous women entrepreneurs.
• Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation (NEDC): NEDC provides accessible loans, flexible financing and business advisory support to First Nations. NEDC serves a diverse list of clients across several industries from first time business owners to Nation-owned enterprises.
• Tale’awtxw Aboriginal Capital Corporation (TACC): TACC delivers financing and funding programs to Aboriginal entrepreneurs in the Coast Salish territory. 
• Tribal Resources Investment Corporation (TRICORP): TRICORP’s provides financing for business activities which increase the number of permanent jobs, reduces unemployment and facilitates business ownership among First Nations people.

These institutions are part of the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) network, which has provided over $3.2 billion to support economic development across Canada. 

First Citizens Fund Business Loan Program

Th First Citizens Fund program provides business loans to Indigenous entrepreneurs in British Columbia. Delivered by All Nations Trust Company (ANTCO) in partnership with four Aboriginal Capital Corporations, it supports the creation and expansion of Indigenous-owned businesses. 

Haida Gwaii Community Futures Loan Program

Haida Gwaii Community Futures offers a range of business loans from $500 to over $2 million to support new startups, expansions, social enterprises, and community-owned businesses on Haida Gwaii. They provide tailored financing solutions for all islanders, including youth, First Nations, and entrepreneurs with disabilities.

New Relationship Trust – Equity Matching Initiatives

The Entrepreneur Equity Matching Initiative (EEMI) supports new or expanding First Nation businesses and communities in BC by providing matching equity through BC Aboriginal Financial Institutions. 

Questions?

If you have further questions about your small business financing options, call us at 1.800.643.7014 ext. 112 or send us a note and our Client Services Coordinator will be in touch.

Disclaimer: The funding sources listed on this page are provided for informational purposes only. WeBC does not administer these programs and cannot guarantee eligibility, funding availability, or program intake dates. Each program has its own criteria, deadlines, and application process. Please refer to the official websites for the most up-to-date information and to confirm your eligibility. Additional funding opportunities may also be available beyond what is listed here.

The post Funding Programs for Indigenous Entrepreneurs appeared first on WeBC.

You’ve probably heard about grants for start-ups, but the truth is they are very rare. Not only is the pool of funding small, but the application process and reporting requirements can take a lot of your time – time that could be better spent building your business.

If you’re looking into grants, here’s an important tip: you should never pay for grant information. Before spending any money, double-check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure the service is legitimate.

At WeBC, we don’t offer grants, but we do provide small business loans to help you grow. We lend based on the viability of your plan and the strength of your vision, so you may qualify with us even if you haven’t with other lenders.

IMPORTANT NOTE – WeBC is NOT connected to the Small Business Finance Centre or The Centre.

Grants and Funding Sources for BC Businesses

There are funding sources and grants for specific purposes, for which you may be eligible. The websites below contain more information on some available sources.

To help navigate through various programs, we recommend visiting the Business Benefits Finder (Government of Canada) and Work BC Loans and Grants (Province of BC), in addition to the list below.

Click on each topic to view the list of programs.

Questions?

If you have further questions about your small business financing options, call us at 1.800.643.7014 ext. 112 or send us a note and our Client Services Coordinator will be in touch.

Disclaimer: The funding sources and grants listed on this page are provided for informational purposes only. WeBC does not administer these programs and cannot guarantee eligibility, funding availability, or program intake dates. Each program has its own criteria, deadlines, and application process. Please refer to the official websites for the most up-to-date information and to confirm your eligibility. Additional funding opportunities may also be available beyond what is listed here.

The post Grants and Funding Programs for BC Businesses appeared first on WeBC.

On July 11 we’re hosting a fireside chat with four women founders who will share their experiences accessing various sources of capital to drive the growth of their business.

Whether it’s moving their business out of their garage and into a dedicated space, or raising over half a million dollars from investors to fuel an ambitious expansion strategy into the US, capital has played a big role in each of these women’s growth journeys:

• Alice Couderc is the co-founder of Atome Bakery, an innovative online bakery delivering ready-to-bake artisanal sourdough bread and pastries directly to customers’ doors across BC, Alberta and Washington.
• Samantha Matsuda is the dedicated owner of Evolution Equestrian Co, nestled in Courtenay, BC. She has a passion for all things equine and specializes in providing top-notch new and used tack for riders and their beloved horses.
• Aki Kaltenbach is the Founder and CEO of Save Da Sea Foods, a plant-based fresh seafood company that creates products that have the same nutrients and flavour as seafood without the toxins and harm to the planet.
• Erin Alexander is an Entrepreneur-in-Residence and Certified Investor Q&A™ facilitator. She helps women raise more in investment by mastering Q&A conversations with investors.

Join us to hear how these women are completing their funding puzzles by accessing other people’s money, and taking risks to secure the funds they need to execute their growth strategy.

Thursday, July 11 | 10am to 11am PT | Free Virtual Fireside Chat

Free and open to everyone!

Facilitator: Melanie Rupp, WeBC Senior Director, Loans & Advisory Services

Panelists:

• Erin Alexander, Entrepreneur-in-Residence and Certified Investor Q&A© Trainer
• Samantha Matsuda, Owner of Evolution Equestrian Co.
• Alice Couderc, Co-Founder of Atome Bakery
• Aki Kaltenbach, Founder and CEO of Save Da Sea Foods

Register Here >>>

The post Fireside Chat: The Funding Puzzle: Piecing Together a Growth Plan appeared first on WeBC.

WeBC has a Business Loan Program, and we are the BC Loan Fund Partner of the WEOC National Loan Program for women and non-binary entrepreneurs.

If you would like to access these programs to start, expand or purchase a business you will need to participate in one of our free phone-in info sessions about the loan programs.

During this session, the facilitator will:

1. Review our lending criteria for each program
2. Answer your questions
3. Advise you on how to apply
4. Provide you with a resource package

An Advisor will work with you to determine if you are eligible for a loan.

This spring, these FREE phone-in sessions are held every Tuesday from 12pm to 1pm PT.

Register free >>>

The post Free WeBC Business Loan Info Session appeared first on WeBC.

WeBC has a Business Loan Program, and we are the BC Loan Fund Partner of the WEOC National Loan Program for women and non-binary entrepreneurs.

If you would like to access these programs to start, expand or purchase a business you will need to participate in one of our free phone-in info sessions about the loan programs.

During this session, the facilitator will:

1. Review our lending criteria for each program
2. Answer your questions
3. Advise you on how to apply
4. Provide you with a resource package

An Advisor will work with you to determine if you are eligible for a loan.

This spring, these FREE phone-in sessions are held every Tuesday from 12pm to 1pm PT.

Register free >>>

The post Free WeBC Business Loan Info Session appeared first on WeBC.

WeBC has a Business Loan Program, and we are the BC Loan Fund Partner of the WEOC National Loan Program for women and non-binary entrepreneurs.

If you would like to access these programs to start, expand or purchase a business you will need to participate in one of our free phone-in info sessions about the loan programs.

During this session, the facilitator will:

1. Review our lending criteria for each program
2. Answer your questions
3. Advise you on how to apply
4. Provide you with a resource package

An Advisor will work with you to determine if you are eligible for a loan.

This spring, these FREE phone-in sessions are held every Tuesday from 12pm to 1pm PT.

Register free >>>

The post Free WeBC Business Loan Info Session appeared first on WeBC.

WeBC has a Business Loan Program, and we are the BC Loan Fund Partner of the WEOC National Loan Program for women and non-binary entrepreneurs.

If you would like to access these programs to start, expand or purchase a business you will need to participate in one of our free phone-in info sessions about the loan programs.

During this session, the facilitator will:

1. Review our lending criteria for each program
2. Answer your questions
3. Advise you on how to apply
4. Provide you with a resource package

An Advisor will work with you to determine if you are eligible for a loan.

This spring, these FREE phone-in sessions are held every Tuesday from 12pm to 1pm PT.

Register free >>>

The post Free WeBC Business Loan Info Session appeared first on WeBC.

WeBC has a Business Loan Program, and we are the BC Loan Fund Partner of the WEOC National Loan Program for women and non-binary entrepreneurs.

If you would like to access these programs to start, expand or purchase a business you will need to participate in one of our free phone-in info sessions about the loan programs.

During this session, the facilitator will:

1. Review our lending criteria for each program
2. Answer your questions
3. Advise you on how to apply
4. Provide you with a resource package

An Advisor will work with you to determine if you are eligible for a loan.

This spring, these FREE phone-in sessions are held every Tuesday from 12pm to 1pm PT.

Register free >>>

The post Free WeBC Business Loan Info Session appeared first on WeBC.

WeBC has a Business Loan Program, and we are the BC Loan Fund Partner of the WEOC National Loan Program for women and non-binary entrepreneurs.

If you would like to access these programs to start, expand or purchase a business you will need to participate in one of our free phone-in info sessions about the loan programs.

During this session, the facilitator will:

1. Review our lending criteria for each program
2. Answer your questions
3. Advise you on how to apply
4. Provide you with a resource package

An Advisor will work with you to determine if you are eligible for a loan.

This spring, these FREE phone-in sessions are held every Tuesday from 12pm to 1pm PT.

Register free >>>

The post Free WeBC Business Loan Info Session appeared first on WeBC.

WeBC has a Business Loan Program, and we are the BC Loan Fund Partner of the WEOC National Loan Program for women and non-binary entrepreneurs.

If you would like to access these programs to start, expand or purchase a business you will need to participate in one of our free phone-in info sessions about the loan programs.

During this session, the facilitator will:

1. Review our lending criteria for each program
2. Answer your questions
3. Advise you on how to apply
4. Provide you with a resource package

An Advisor will work with you to determine if you are eligible for a loan.

This spring, these FREE phone-in sessions are held every Tuesday from 12pm to 1pm PT.

Register free >>>

The post Free WeBC Business Loan Info Session appeared first on WeBC.

WeBC has a Business Loan Program, and we are the BC Loan Fund Partner of the WEOC National Loan Program for women and non-binary entrepreneurs.

If you would like to access these programs to start, expand or purchase a business you will need to participate in one of our free phone-in info sessions about the loan programs.

During this session, the facilitator will:

1. Review our lending criteria for each program
2. Answer your questions
3. Advise you on how to apply
4. Provide you with a resource package

An Advisor will work with you to determine if you are eligible for a loan.

This spring, these FREE phone-in sessions are held every Tuesday from 12pm to 1pm PT.

Register free >>>

The post Free WeBC Business Loan Info Session appeared first on WeBC.