New to Canada? Advance your career with a Windmill loan

We are a national charity, offering skilled immigrants and refugees financial support through affordable loans of up to $15,000 at a 6.7%* low-interest rate. Use this to pay for higher education, accreditation, training, career development and more.

*Exclusive 4.95% interest rate for regulated healthcare professionals

Empowering skilled newcomers to succeed

Immigration enriches Canada’s economy with a diverse workforce and highly skilled professionals. Yet, immigrants and refugees often struggle to get hired in their fields. Are you a newcomer wondering when will you will be a doctor, nurse, or engineer again?

As a registered Canadian charity, Windmill is committed to supporting immigrants and refugees on their journey to success. We offer affordable loans and professional development resources to help you:

Pay for upskilling, accreditation, education, training, and living costs.

Overcome credential recognition issues, lack of funding, and credit limitations.

Integrate successfully into Canada’s economy by leveraging your much-needed skills and experience.

Your donation can transform lives

Support our cause and discover how a small donation can make a meaningful impact in the lives of immigrants and refugees in Canada.

How we help

Thanks to generous donations, Windmill provides financial support and wraparound services, including mentorship and career coaching, to help skilled immigrants and refugees advance their careers in Canada. We also empower our clients with financial education and coaching, equipping them to identify scams and avoid predatory lending practices.

Making a difference

$120 million

In approved loans

Over $120 million has been invested in new Canadians; Windmill aims to help thousands of more newcomers rebuild their careers.

12,500+

Approved loans

Over 12,500 new Canadians have received the support they need to start anew in Canada, making dreams a reality and forging a brighter future.

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 3 times.

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.

96%

Historical repayment rate

Our borrowers’ dedication shines through in their impressive repayment rate, showcasing their determination, skills, and the impact of their success.

Real stories, real impact

Charles

Lawyer

Charles, a lawyer with 20+ years of experience from Nigeria, faced challenges re-entering his profession in Canada without a license. Working as a security guard, he struggled to balance studying for exams with supporting his family. With a loan from Windmill Microlending, he covered exam fees and dedicated time to study. Today, Charles practices law in Canada, fulfilling his dream of returning to his profession.

Awards and accolades

5-star Rated Charity

Four years in a row!

2025

 

Fastest-Growing Charity

Four years in a row!

2025

 

Canada’s Top Performing Charity

Four years in a row!

2025

 

Best Nonprofit Employer

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

2021

 

Finalist

Canada’s Top Performing Charity

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The Veritas Foundation logo

2022

Canada’s Top Performing Charity

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The Veritas Foundation logo

2022

 

2022

Canada’s Top Performing Charity

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The Veritas Foundation logo

2022

 

2022

Canada’s Top Performing Charity

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The Veritas Foundation logo

2022

 

2022

Our financial supporters

Windmill Microlending is proud to be supported in part by these generous funders

Hear from our supporters

I grew up with immigrant parents. While they were not educated, many of our close family friends were. I was struck, at a very young age, by how it seemed unfair that new Canadians came to Canada to pursue their dreams, often at Canada's invitation, only to find that they could not afford to reclaim their professions by paying for accreditation, courses, and exams. I aspired to kick-start momentum of Windmill's activities in British Columbia by launching BC PALs."

John Montalbano

Principal, Tower Beach Capital Limited and Windmill's Treasurer and Chair, Finance and Risk Management Committee