Waubetek — Indigenous Women Entrepreneur Loan Fund

Access to flexible financing can be one of the biggest barriers for Indigenous women looking to start or grow a business in Northern Ontario. Waubetek’s Indigenous Women Entrepreneur Loan Fund is designed to help bridge that gap by providing repayable loan support of up to $50,000 to Indigenous women entrepreneurs operating within Waubetek’s service area in Ontario. Delivered by the Waubetek Business Development Corporation, the program supports both startups and established small businesses that are ready to invest in their next stage of development.

This loan fund can be used to cover a wide range of business needs, from purchasing equipment and other capital assets to covering working capital, training staff, or securing office and operational space. Financing is structured to reflect the realities of small business growth, with interest rates tied to prime and adjusted based on risk, and repayment terms that can extend over several years. In some cases, businesses may also benefit from an initial repayment deferral, helping ease cash flow pressure during early growth.

The Indigenous Women Entrepreneur Loan Fund is particularly well suited for business owners who have a clear plan and are prepared to invest their own equity alongside external financing. For Indigenous women entrepreneurs in Northern Ontario exploring practical, business-focused financing options, learning more about how this loan works could be an important next step.