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What We Offer > FINANCING

Vancity Unity Women Entrepreneurs Program

WeBC and Vancity have partnered to offer women more access to the funds they need, more networking opportunities with like-minded people, and more advice from experienced mentors with the Unity Women Entrepreneurs Program.

Program features

The Unity Women Entrepreneurs Program provides financing from Vancity with wrap-around support from WeBC. As a Unity Program client, you get free access to practical business training and mentoring services from WeBC to help you grow the skills that are pivotal to your business success.

Option 1: Startup

(For women-owned businesses operating for at least 6 months)

  • Variable rate line of credit
  • Access up to $20,000
  • Get a lending rate of prime +3% ¹ 
  • Simplified approval process
  • Complimentary support and advice through WeBC

Option 2: Growth loan

(For women-owned businesses operating for at least 12 months)

  • Variable rate term loan
  • Access up to $100,000 2 
  • Get a lending rate of prime +1.5% ³
  • Maximum term of 60 months
  • Interest-free for the first 6 months
  • Complimentary support and advice through WeBC

Program details

WeBC support services included

 

We’ve got your back:

  1. Connect with other business owners in WeBC’s peer and one-to-one mentoring programs.
  2. Access and explore WeBC’s resource library and connect with Business Advisors who will help you achieve your goals no matter what stage your business is at.
  3. Receive ongoing support to develop your skills, manage risk, and plan for the future.
  4. Make connections with a supportive community of women entrepreneurs.

All applicants must be:

 

  1. A woman who owns and controls at least 51% of a business that is registered and located in BC
  2. A Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident
  3. Over 19 years old
  4. In business at least six months for a line of credit option; twelve months for term loan
  5. Located in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley (up to and including Hope), Victoria, or Sea to Sky region. Any applications from outside of these areas for the Start-Up Option will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The Growth Option is not available outside of Vancity’s lending region.
  6. Minimum credit score of 680 for the line of credit option

Ready to take the next step?

If you have any questions about the program, or would like to start your application, please email unitywomenentrepreneursprogram@vancity.com or visit the Vancity website.

START YOUR APPLICATION
1 The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is based on the loan requiring a monthly interest payment based on the outstanding balance where the APR is set at Vancity Prime +3% per annum. APR assumes no fees apply.
2 As per Vancity normal lending guidelines and qualification criteria.
3 The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is based on the loan being interest free for the first 6 months: 0% per annum and after 6 months, the APR is set at Vancity Prime + 1.5% per annum. The APR is based on a $5,000 loan with monthly payments starting after 6 months and paid through a 5 year term. APR assumes no fees apply.
1 2 Rates subject to change without notice.
Vancity Prime is the variable rate of interest per year declared from time to time to be the prime rate for Canadian dollar loans made by Vancity. The interest rate on your loan will change whenever Vancity Prime varies.