Be My Own Boss Program
As a BYOB program participant, you'll have access to up to $15,000 in financing to help start or grow your business. Use the funding to purchase equipment, inventory, or marketing materials, or to hire employees to help bring your vision to life.
Eligible Applicants
Be between the ages of 18 and 39
Not be in school full-time or employed full-time
Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Provide a comprehensive business plan and financial projections for your business
Be able to contribute some of the total financing required for your business.
Use the funding for eligible expenses, such as equipment, inventory, marketing, or hiring employees.
To be eligible, at least one business owner must have enrolled in or recently graduated from a self-employment or pre-entrepreneurial training program. Alternatively, a business advisor, such as Small Business BC, must review the business plan.
The loan is targeted toward businesses that are planning to operate in some regions of British Columbia, including Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley Regional District, Greater Victoria, and the Sea-to-Sky Corridor.
Funding Amount
Up to $50,000
About the Programm
Vancity's Be My Boss microloan program aims to assist new entrepreneurs by providing funding that bridges the gap between traditional bank lending and venture capital. The program does not solely rely on the applicant's credit history for loan consideration, unlike traditional small business loans that rely on the business's history and owner's collateral. Instead, Be My Boss microloans consider the owner's character, their vision for the future, and the strength of their business plan when evaluating loan eligibility.