Empowering Skilled Immigrants and Refugees to Achieve Economic Prosperity
Photo Credit: Windmill Microlending
Every year, Canada welcomes thousands of internationally trained immigrants and refugees, each bringing a wealth of expertise, education, and ambition. Yet, many of these talented newcomers encounter formidable barriers, including lengthy and costly credential recognition processes, unattainable work experience requirements, or financial hurdles that prevent them from working in their chosen fields. As a result, they are forced into survival jobs in roles far below their qualifications.
Windmill Microlending was founded in 2005 as a national charity devoted to transforming the career prospects — and lives — of skilled immigrants and refugees encountering these persistent and systemic challenges. By providing affordable loans and personalized support, Windmill helps these internationally trained professionals overcome financial and systemic obstacles, enabling them to rebuild meaningful careers.
A Windmill beneficiary engaged in her career as a veterinarian.Photo Credit: Windmill Microlending
Since 2022, The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation has supported Windmill’s capacity to uplift refugee women across Canada. This support has enabled over 160 women to receive affordable loans and tailored support, directly empowering them to reclaim their careers and shape their futures. The results are profound: the vast majority of these women have been able to triple their incomes. Windmill boasts an impressive 95% loan repayment rate — a testament to the resilience and determination of the 13,500+ successful clients they’ve served since 2005.
The impact of Windmill’s work extends far beyond financial measures. For many refugee women, finding meaningful employment is a transformative journey — one that restores professional identity, cultivates confidence, and fosters economic independence.
Elizabeth, a loan recipient now working as a pharmacist in Calgary, Alberta, describes Windmill as a “life jacket. It prevents you from sinking into oblivion and remaining stuck in a survival job. It helps you stay afloat and achieve your dream career.”
I had an incredible experience with Windmill during my loan process. The coaching was informative and personalized, and I truly felt supported every step of the way. Their dedication to helping immigrants and refugees navigate the complexities of settling in Canada is evident in the quality of their service.April, a Windmill Microlending beneficiary
Her sentiment is echoed by April, a refugee from Nigeria now living in Alberta on her way to becoming a physician: “I had an incredible experience with Windmill during my loan process. The coaching was informative and personalized, and I truly felt supported every step of the way. Their dedication to helping immigrants and refugees navigate the complexities of settling in Canada is evident in the quality of their service.”
These stories reflect a broader truth: as women rebuild their careers, they also uplift their families and communities. The stability and opportunity they gain create a ripple effect across the country — opening doors for the next generation and making Canada’s future all the brighter.
