A program by SEED Winnipeg

In Manitoba, you count. Your skill. Your career. Your ambition. They all count.

Recognition Counts helps you, as an immigrant, build on the skills you already have. Get tailored financial counselling, a loan of up to $30,000, and the career support you need — no Canadian credit history required.

Find out how →

Ways you can use the loan

A flexible, low interest loan of up to $30,000, built around the things that move your career forward.

Education assistance

Pay for tuition, textbooks, computers and other training related expenses.

Professional registration fees

Cover the cost of regulatory exams, licences and other required fees.

Work tools and equipment

Buy tools, work clothing and personal protective equipment for your job.

Living expenses

Cover essential costs like groceries, rent, transportation and childcare.

Are you eligible for a Recognition Counts loan?

Answer four short questions to find out.

A loan designed with you in mind

Recognition Counts offers flexible, affordable loans built for internationally trained professionals, with no Canadian credit history required. Follow in the footsteps of more than 0 clients who have received over $0 million in loans and now work in a wide range of jobs across Manitoba.

Recognition Counts
Traditional lender
Designed for skilled immigrants
Not designed for skilled immigrants
Loan up to $30,000
Loan amounts vary
Low interest rate
Higher interest rates
No loan fees or penalties
Fees and penalties are common
Flexible 7 year repayment term*
Stricter and shorter repayment terms
Ongoing support from program advisors
No personalized career support
Covers a range of expenses (training, exams, tools, childcare, etc.)
Usually limited to tuition or standard expenses
No Canadian credit history required
Often requires Canadian credit history
*All loans have a 6.5 year term with no minimum repayment period.

Making it count: real stories

Hear from people who used Recognition Counts to move their careers forward in Manitoba.

Michelle, a Recognition Counts client who now works as a nurse

If it wasn't for SEED's support with the process, with the money, and for my sanity, I don't know where I'd be. They have paved the path for future generations of my family.

Michelle
Nurse
Moody, a Recognition Counts client who now works as a family dentist

The support from SEED was amazing. They answered all my questions, gave me advice and followed up with me after my exams. This really encouraged me to finish.

Moody
Family Dentist
Lucrecia, a Recognition Counts client who is an internationally trained medical doctor

As an internationally trained physician, Recognition Counts has been an essential part of my journey back to medical practice in Canada.

Lucrecia
Medical Doctor

An easy six step process

From your first conversation with a Referral Partner to a finalized loan.

1

Find a Referral Partner*

*A career specialist who guides you through your employment goals.

2

Get your registration code

3

Complete your plan

4

Get an expert review

5

Schedule a session

Attend a one-on-one session after a Loan Coordinator contacts you.

6

Submit a loan application

Meet with an Assiniboine Credit Union account manager to finalize.

SEED Winnipeg

Recognition Counts is a program of SEED Winnipeg

SEED Winnipeg offers free financial empowerment programs and services to increase opportunities for Manitobans living on low incomes. We collaborate with many diverse partners to increase our impact and build stronger communities.

Make your skills and career count.

Learn more about Recognition Counts and find a Referral Partner near you.

Get started