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Empower skilled newcomers and foster prosperity
As a registered non-profit charity, your generous donations empower skilled immigrants and refugees to achieve their career ambitions and triple their incomes.
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As a registered non-profit charity, your generous donations empower skilled immigrants and refugees to achieve their career ambitions and triple their incomes.
How many times have you encountered an internationally-trained engineer or physician driving a cab?
Canada’s future prosperity is at risk due to a shortage of skilled workers. Our success will lie in harnessing the contributions of skilled newcomers. Windmill offers affordable loans and career support to help skilled newcomers restart their careers.
Break the cycle of poverty for skilled newcomers by removing barriers and fostering opportunities
Help reduce unemployment and increase Canadian productivity
Triple the earnings of skilled newcomers as they restart their careers in Canada
Each $1 donated to Windmill generates a $5.52 return in social and economic impact – as verified by The Veritas Foundation
Encourage social inclusion and diversity
Build a lasting legacy – support newcomers today, uplift our country’s prosperity, and inspire future generations.
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.
Dentist
Binal, an established dentist in India, moved to Canada in 2014 and began working at a sandwich shop to support her family. Despite long shifts handling meat products as a vegetarian, her life changed when she connected with her Windmill career coach, Robert. With support from a Windmill loan, Binal completed her exams and is now back to her profession, bringing smiles to her patients.
Physician
Payam immigrated to Canada to continue his medical education and secure a residency. The path to obtaining a medical license was challenging, requiring costly exams and certifications. With financial assistance from Windmill Microlending, Payam covered these expenses, easing the financial burden and letting him focus on his studies. Despite the challenges of recertifying skills and adjusting to life in a new country, Payam eventually matched into a family medicine residency at the University of British Columbia.
Teacher
Mina and her husband moved to Calgary in April 2020, seeking freedom and better opportunities due to political unrest in Iran. Despite pandemic challenges and job shortages, Mina pursued TESOL certification with a $6,000 Windmill loan. She rebuilt her teaching career, advancing to a management role while continuing to teach part-time. Mina now shares her experiences with other immigrants, advising them to focus on building a new life in Canada without comparing it to their past.
Psychotherapist
Parikshit, originally from India, moved to Canada in 2019 to study psychotherapy. Facing financial challenges during an internship in BC, he turned to Windmill for support. The loan helped him cover living expenses, complete his studies, and become a registered counsellor. He now works in BC, supports an online mental health initiative in India, and credits Windmill for helping him achieve his career goals and find meaningful work in his field.
Osteopath
Liliana, originally a dentist from Bogota, Colombia, now lives in Barrie, Ontario, and has found a new career in healthcare. After moving to Canada in 2019, she faced accreditation barriers and financial challenges, leading Liliana to work in a factory. With a Windmill loan, she retrained in osteopathy and now finds joy in helping her clients. Liliana plans to open a clinic with her husband in the near future.
These statistics represent the real change we bring to the lives of new Canadians. We’re not just providing loans; we’re fostering a journey toward prosperity, inclusion, and growth. By supporting Windmill, you’re helping create a brighter, fairer, and more diverse Canada where everyone thrives and contributes. Together, we turn the potential of new Canadians into prosperity for them and for our country.
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.
In approved loans
With roughly $120 million invested in new Canadians, Windmill embodies the belief that every dollar is an investment in a brighter future.
Historical repayment rate
Our borrowers’ dedication shines through in their impressive repayment rate, showcasing their determination, skills, and the impact of their success.
