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 such as tuition, accreditation, relocation, and living expenses. Our affordable loans are designed to meet the unique needs of immigrant clients, providing a fixed interest rate that is lower than other financing options.
About triOS College
Canadian-owned and operated, triOS College specializes in hands-on education and training to prepare you for job readiness. You could obtain your diploma in less than a year. The program curriculum is comprehensive and developed with input from industry leaders, ensuring the highest quality education. For more information on triOS College, click here.
Anoop’s Story
Anoop believes he wouldn’t be where he is today without Windmill’s support. He describes “achieving a Canadian dream,” working in his chosen profession, providing for his family, and helping others through his work.
When Anoop first applied to Windmill, he was working in a textile sorting plant and had much to learn about the Canadian financial system and how loans work in Canada. Thankfully, he had an understanding and supportive Windmill client success coach to guide him through the loan application and support his path to accreditation.
“Joyce was empathetic. She really understood the immigrant experience and was patient and responsive to my questions about the process and procedures,” says Anoop.
— Anoop, Social Worker
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 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?
- Loans up to $15,000
- Fixed low-interest rate as low as 6.7%
- Zero loan processing fees
- Two years of interest-only payments and up to three years of principal + interest payments depending on your career plan
- Success coaching support and mentorship program
More than just a loan
As a Windmill client, you benefit from a variety of services, including:
- One-on-one coaching to support 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 often take on low-income jobs to survive. Windmill helps clients return to their trained professions, boosting their income by over three times.95% Historical repayment rate
The impressive rate of repayment demonstrates our clients' determination and the positive impact on their success.75% Decrease in unemployment
As borrowers repay their loans, employment opportunities rise, marking the beginning of a new journey and a stronger economy.