If you’re a woman entrepreneur in Saskatchewan, WESK Business Advising and Financing can support you at two critical stages: planning your business and paying for it. Women Entrepreneurs Saskatchewan (WESK) offers one-on-one advising plus repayable financing of up to $150,000 for eligible businesses. Knowing how both programs work together can help you get approved faster.
WESK delivers advisory services and financing as separate programs. Many businesses start with advising, then move into financing once their plan is solid.
WESK Business Advising provides one-on-one support for women who are starting, buying, or growing a business in Saskatchewan.
Key details
Advisors can help you:
While working with your advisor, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter other programs by province and business stage.
Once your business plan is ready, WESK Financing offers repayable loans to help fund your project.
Key details
Eligibility requirements You must:
Eligible uses often include:
Become a WESK member
Both programs require an active membership. Apply and confirm your status before starting anything else.
Apply for Business Advising first
Submit the Business Advising intake form through WESK’s website. This step helps strengthen your business plan and financing application.
Book your advising session promptly
After submitting the form, book your appointment within five business days. Missing this window can delay support.
Prepare for financing with your advisor
Use advising sessions to refine financials, confirm total project costs, and document your 20% owner contribution.
Apply for WESK Financing
Submit your financing application once your plan is complete and your documents are ready.
Respond to follow-up requests
WESK may request clarification or additional documents before making a decision.
Applying for financing without advising
Many applicants are declined because their business plan or projections are not ready. Advising reduces this risk.
Not meeting the 20% owner contribution
Borrowed funds usually do not count toward your contribution. Confirm eligible sources in advance.
Letting membership lapse
Your WESK membership must be current at the time of application.
Missing booking deadlines
Failing to book an advising session within five business days can slow down or cancel your request.
Q: Is WESK Business Advising free?
Business advising is available to active WESK members. Membership fees may apply, but there is no separate application fee for advising sessions.
Q: Can WESK advisors help me find grants?
Yes. Advisors can help you identify grants, loans, and other funding options, but they do not guarantee approval or apply on your behalf.
Q: Can I apply if I’m buying an existing business?
Yes. WESK Business Advising supports women who are starting, buying, or growing a business.
Q: Is WESK Financing a grant or a loan?
WESK Financing is a repayable loan, not a grant. You must repay the amount borrowed under agreed terms.
Q: How long does approval take?
Timelines vary based on application completeness and project complexity. Having advising support in advance can speed things up.
WESK Business Advising and Financing work best when used together. Start with advising to strengthen your plan, then apply for financing once your numbers are clear. If you want to explore more funding options, GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and loan programs across Canada—check which ones match your business profile and how they can stack alongside WESK support.
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