Foreword

Capital West Mortgage Inc. is proud to announce the Capital West Women in Business Scholarship — an annual $5,000 award supporting women in British Columbia who are pursuing a business degree and aspire to build a career in the financial or mortgage industry. Founded in 2001, Capital West is one of BC’s leading integrated real estate finance companies operating across four divisions: Alternative Lending, Commercial Brokerage, Properties, and Investor Services. The Alternative Lending Division manages Pacifica Mortgage Investment Corporation.

This scholarship is being established by co-founder Shannon Hillman, who serves as President of the Alternative Lending Division and is one of two Managing Directors of Pacifica Mortgage Investment Corporation. Shannon is an active industry leader, serving on the boards of the BC MIC Managers Association (BCMMA) and the Canadian Alternative Mortgage Lenders Association (CAMLA), where she sits on the Compliance Committee and co-chairs the Western Canada Committee.

Shaped by resilience, strong partnerships, and a belief that timing and opportunity can define a career, Shannon is establishing this scholarship to invest in the next generation of women entering the financial industry to pay forward the guidance that once changed her own life.

Qualification Criteria

This scholarship is open to any woman residing in British Columbia who is:

• A high school graduate or current post-secondary student

• Enrolled in, accepted to, or returning to complete a Business or Finance degree at any accredited BC institution

• At any stage of their degree , whether just starting out, currently enrolled, or returning to finish

• Demonstrating an interest in pursuing a career in the financial or mortgage industry

• Able to demonstrate financial need

Selection Criteria

Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee. Recipients will be chosen based on:

• Strength of the personal essay and clarity of career goals

• Demonstrated commitment to the financial or mortgage industry

• Academic standing

Application Process

To apply, please submit the following documentation to womeninbusiness@capitalwest.ca:

• Personal essay (500–750 words) outlining goals and interest in finance

• Proof of enrollment or acceptance to an eligible BC program

• One letter of reference from a teacher, employer, or community leader

• Current transcript or academic record