About Windmill Microlending
Windmill Microlending is a Canadian non-profit offering low-interest career loans to help newcomers pay for the education they need to succeed in Canada. Since 2005, Windmill has supported over 10,000 immigrants and refugees to overcome underemployment and succeed in their careers.
We partner with institutions to help their members cover costs of tuition, accreditation, relocation, and living costs. Our affordable loans are designed to meet the unique needs of immigrant clients, who often cannot access mainline credit, by providing a fixed interest rate that is lower than other financing options.
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To thrive in a rapidly changing environment, many immigrants choose a career in tech to increase their professional opportunities. Why? Because web development and data science qualify newcomers for a wider variety of jobs and help them stand out from the competition.
Victor’s Story
Arriving in Canada from Mexico City in 2015, Victor was feeling uncertainty and stress about the direction of his career and life. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, he began re-evaluating his career goals, but the costs of re-training were holding him back from making a change. When Victor first heard about affordable loans through Windmill Microlending, he says it sounded too good to be true – but in this case, it was true.
Victor now has what he calls a “dream job” in cybersecurity. “When I landed this job, I felt like my life was back on track,” he says.
Victor
Cybersecurity Specialist
What makes a Windmill loan unique?
Our loans offer two years of interest-only payments and up to three years of principal + interest payments, depending on the length of your career plan.
- Loans up to $15,000
- Fixed low-interest rate as low as 6.7%
- Zero loan processing fees
- Success coaching support and mentorship program
More than just a loan
As a Windmill client, you benefit from a range of services, including:
- One-on-one coaching to support you on your career path
- Career and educational resource supports
- Financial planning and budgeting tools
- The Windmill Mentorship Program
- Exclusive access to our Community Success Hub
Our impact on our clients
Over 3x
Growth in income
Newcomers take on low-income jobs to survive. Windmill helps our clients return to their trained profession to boost their income by over three times.
95%
Historical repayment rate
Our affordable loans and repayment structure support clients like you. The impressive rate of repayment showcases our clients' determination and the impact of their success.
75%
Decrease in unemployment
As our borrowers take their next steps, employment opportunities soar upon loan repayment, marking the start of a remarkable journey and booming economy.
Victor’s Story (continued)
Arriving in Canada from Mexico City in 2015, Victor was feeling uncertainty and stress about the direction of his career and life. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, he began re-evaluating his career goals, but the costs of re-training were holding him back from making a change. When Victor first heard about affordable loans through Windmill Microlending, he says it sounded too good to be true – but in this case, it was true.
Victor now has what he calls a “dream job” in cybersecurity. “When I landed this job, I felt like my life was back on track,” he says.
Victor
Cybersecurity Specialist