WeMB
“Our experience in the entrepreneurial space and the larger ecosystem
how to generate income, monitor expenses, manage debts, maximize assets and develop a solid plan to achieve their goals.” WeMB offers a range of loan programs from $5,000 to $150,000 that can be used to help launch, stabilize or grow a business. WeMB is also the Manitoba partner of the Women's Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC) National Loan Program, which offers $50,000 loans to majority-woman-owned businesses across the country. This means that qualifying women-owned companies in Manitoba could benefit from up to $200,000 in total funding. These flexible financing options can be used for a variety of business needs, including startup costs, supplier payments, expansion, sustainability initiatives or tech adoption. Smaller loans can help to free up cash flow. “There are lots of advantages to having smaller loans,” says Heather Stephens, loans manager at WeMB. “If you get a big loan, all of a sudden you have really big loan payments to make, and if you don't have the revenue you were projecting or extra cash to make those payments, you could get yourself in a cash flow crunch position really quickly. If you have a smaller loan, you can test your market, see how it's going and apply for more funding in the future when you need to grow at a manageable scale.” Like banks and other financial institutions, WeMB reviews loan applications based on financial projections and the business plan. They perform credit analysis and calculate personal net worth and debt service ratios. However, WeMB has a higher risk tolerance than traditional lenders and can support startups with no proven track record and has fewer collateral requirements. “We look at every business plan and every file on a case-by-case basis. We look at the entrepreneur, their skill set and their background,” Stephens explains. “We consider applications where the entrepreneur might not have
self-identifying women face in balancing personal, professional and community roles while striving to grow successful enterprises. That perspective allows WeMB advisors to meet clients where they’re at and lead alongside them, offering guidance that's both strategic and deeply personal — not just advising but elevating them in the areas they need most. “While every entrepreneur and business has its own unique story and needs, our business advisors have varied experience with clients across different industries that we can draw from,” Vorrath says. “Our experience in the entrepreneurial space and the larger ecosystem allows us to determine a tailored approach for each client to best support them. Knowing the specific challenges that women+ face, we can directly address and help clients overcome them.” ■
allows us to determine a
tailored approach for each client to best support them.”
— Christine Vorrath, business advisory manager, WeMB
as many resources or as much money to put into their business as another financial institution may require. We consider business owners that have lower credit scores. We factor in their story and their situation.” An added value when working with WeMB is that they incorporate an exceptional loan aftercare program — an essential piece in supporting women+ entrepreneurs with dedicated business advisory and loan services available through every stage of the business journey. “These financial reviews with clients provide a space to overcome the fear of numbers. Accounting and financial statements are reviewed and discussed, and together we look for ways to mitigate any challenges and maximize new opportunities,” Krebs says. “Walking through the analysis with clients empowers them to lean into the numbers, learn to ask better questions and find ways in their business to improve, monitor and set benchmarks to achieve greater results.” At their core, WeMB’s business advisors not only facilitate loan applications but also bring hands- on experience in supporting women+ entrepreneurs. Many WeMB team members have walked the entrepreneurial path and understand the roller-coaster of being in business because they've lived it. They recognize the unique challenges and systemic barriers
WeMB Loan Programs at a Glance: n Startup Loan: Get your business off the ground with funding designed for new ventures. n Expansion Loan: Grow your business, whether it’s new equipment, a second location or more space. n WeGreen Loan: In partnership with RBC, a new program helping self-identifying n WeTech Loan: Partnering with North Forge, this initiative funds women+ in Manitoba’s tech sector with loans up to $25,000. n WeWork & WeMicro Loans: Need a smaller boost? Access $5,000 to $25,000 to free up your cash flow. n WEOC Loan: WeMB is your first stop for the WEOC National Loan Fund Program! Get up to $50,000 for your business. women-led businesses invest in sustainable business practices.
33 WINTER 2025
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