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If you’ve explored private loans and are still searching for the right fit, take a moment to consider Windmill Microlending. Partnered with both public and private learning institutions, Windmill could be the perfect solution to help you achieve your educational goals.
Let's take a behind-the-scenes look at Windmill Microlending.
Windmill Microlending, founded in 2005 by Dr. Maria Eriksen, is a leading organization in providing affordable loans. Offering loans to skilled immigrants and refugees since its founding, Windmill Microlending works to bring invaluable skills and expertise to the Canadian workforce. They provide financial support for licensing, re-training, and relocation to achieve your career goals.
Opening their doors to applicants without credit ratings or collateral, Windmill builds a future for immigrants and refugees through the legacy of its founders. With the help of many generous financial supporters aiming for the same goal, Windmill Microlending is able to introduce talented applicants to Canada.
Windmill Lending has had a profound impact on immigrants, refugees, and clients from over 150 different countries, empowering them across various professions. Clients span from healthcare (51%), business (13%), social sector occupations (9%), and many more (Windmill, 2023). Clients have proven that every career is worthy of support, so long as the client strives for improvement. From over $100 million of approved loans invested into 11,000+ clients across every province and territory in Canada, Windmill has helped turn dreams into gleaming reality.
Windmill clients shine brightly. With a 95% historical repayment rate, driven through clients’ determination and success, clients continue to perform and demonstrate their skills.
But WHAT do these numbers mean for the client? Let’s take a look.
In Windmill’s recent report (2023), clients’ income grew by 3.5x on average, with variance by profession. From a low-income job to a staggering 3x increase in income, Windmill clients are in progress or finding success with new opportunities quickly arising. This boost in income is in parallel with a staggering drop in unemployment. In taking the next step, clients reach for opportunities to start loan repayment, dropping unemployment from 41% to 9% upon first repayment. With not only financial support, but career support, Windmill continues to maintain a high reputation impacting one life at a time.
Starting as a group of 6 friends: Maria Eriksen, Eleanor Chiu, Amal Umar, Aziza Kotadia, Kerry Longpre, and Corinne Tessier, Windmill Microlending stepped foot into an innovative non-profit funding lending model. From just 6 friends growing into a talented board of directors, leaders and advisors connect passion with diligence to help shape prosperity in Canada.
Windmill’s leadership team serves the company to foster growth within the business. With a strong vision of building diversity and inclusivity within Canada through skilled immigrants and refugees, the leadership team is the driving force behind the growth of Windmill Microlending.
Get loans of up to $15,000 on the regular loan program. Windmill loans may also exceed the $15,000 limit under specific profession related loan programs.
Do you know your interest rates? With Windmill Microlending, get a fixed interest rate of 6.7% for your entire loan duration. That means regardless of the increases on the prime rate by the Bank of Canada or any market fluctuations, you can be sure that your payments stay the same. In addition, Windmill charges no loan processing fees, meaning your payments go back into your loan repayment.
Get started in Windmill’s career planning service with career planning resources including a full breakdown of challenges, strategic advice, reports, checklists, and exercises.
Access these guides by clicking on the link
Windmill offers customized assistance from financial literacy support to referral services. These exclusive access avenues are only available to Windmill clients. Whether you may be in health or any other sector, access Windmill’s career coaches through a one-on-one virtual session and build a tailored plan that will guide you to career success in Canada.
Get matched with mentors that can help you match your background and goals to a career that fits you.
Windmill is partnered with various public and private learning institutions including Ashton College, Humber College, and University of British Columbia to help cover student living costs and enrollment. For applicants heading into the professional world with previous background education, Windmill is partnered with professional associations to help overcome assessment fee and exam barriers, amplify membership benefits, and boost sector entry. In addition, Windmill is partnered with several settlement support agencies to help build your credit history in Canada.
To be qualified for a Windmill Microlending Loan, applicants must:
You can connect with Windmill Microlending through Ashton College Financial Aid Services. Access Windmill Microlending through Ashton College and start pursuing the quality education of your choice. Let us at Ashton College and Windmill Microlending guide you into a successful career! Kickstart your Canadian career with a Windmill loan. Visit Windmill Microlending to find out if you’re eligible for a loan and start your journey.
The information contained in this post is considered true and accurate as of the publication date. However, the accuracy of this information may be impacted by changes in circumstances that occur after the time of publication. Ashton College assumes no liability for any error or omissions in the information contained in this post or any other post in our blog.
