What are women entrepreneur grants in Canada?
These grants are funding opportunities, often in the form of set sums of money, issued by various providers to help women start, grow and scale their businesses. Providers include federal, provincial and territorial governments, nonprofits, private corporations and public-private partnerships.
Typically, grants differ from small business or forgivable loans because you don’t need to repay them. However, stipulations may exist regarding how the recipient can use the grant. Business grants often operate on a schedule, such as quarterly, annually or every few years.
Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements established by the grantor. For example, the company may be required to be based in a specific province or territory, employ a certain number of people, fulfill an environmental or social impact mission or generate a minimum or maximum revenue.
Many business grants for women entrepreneurs are open for a limited time, creating valuable opportunities for applicants who stay informed and apply early. You can stay informed about new grant and loan opportunities by speaking with colleagues, seeking out networking opportunities, signing up for women-centred business organization newsletters and following relevant companies on social media.
Is it hard to apply for government grants for women entrepreneurs?
Applying for grants often involves gathering bank statements, tax returns, revenue documentation and other business-related records. While gathering documentation takes time, confirming your eligibility before applying prevents wasted effort.
Canadian grants for women entrepreneurs
Canadian businesswomen have several funding opportunities for their startups, including loans, grants and other types of business financing. Many business grants in Canada are industry-specific rather than demographic-based, and some apply only to nonprofit or social enterprise organizations. Certain grants operate nationally, while others are available by province, territory or through local economic development groups.
Here is a list of financing options and business grants for women entrepreneurs, including programs that support women’s business ventures at various stages of growth:
Women in Trade
Export Development Canada’s (EDC) Women in Trade services help Canadian women-owned businesses succeed in international markets. They typically offer a range of financial solutions and resources. For instance, EDC’s Inclusive Trade Investments Program helps female-owned businesses address underfunding challenges by providing equity capital.
Women in Technology Venture Fund
The Women in Technology Venture Fund, offered through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), helps women-led technology companies grow by investing in their businesses. This support includes strategic investment, planning resources and assistance with soliciting Series B financing.
Series B financing is a second round of funding issued by private investors to meet specific milestones beyond the startup stage.
Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund
This fund provides microloans of up to $50,000 to women business owners and entrepreneurs, helping them expand their companies and reach new markets. Available through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, it’s supported by nonprofits such as Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada, Coralus and Evol.
These groups provide financial support, promote business development and outline their own qualification guidelines for applicants.
WeMB
WeMB, formerly known as the Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba, offers various resources and support for women entrepreneurs in the province, including loans of up to $150,000 for small businesses or startups trying to expand their operations.
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE)
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) supports female-led small businesses through flexible loan lending programs and practical guidance. Their expert business advisory team helps entrepreneurs strengthen operations, explore growth opportunities and build long-term success across Alberta.
The Scotiabank Women Initiative
The program offers services such as access to capital for women who own, co-own or are starting a business.
WeBC
WeBC, formerly known as the Women’s Enterprise Centre of British Columbia, provides loans up to $150,000 to women entrepreneurs in BC. These loans are available to acquire a business, scale and grow startups and expand business projects with flexible repayment terms.
PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise
PARO is a nonprofit organization that helps empower women-led Ontario small business owners by promoting economic development through microfinancing programs. They offer various funding options, including loans and grants, for women and non-binary entrepreneurs. PARO also provincially represents the Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada’s National Loan Program, which provides loans up to $50,000.
Startup Women
While not specific to grants, Startup Women is available to early-stage entrepreneurs across Canada. This annual program offers topic-focused webinars, interactive one-on-one meetings with Startup Women industry leaders and advisory circles.
Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards
The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards, operated by Cartier, INSEAD Business School and McKinsey & Company, offer a top prize grant of up to $100,000 as a cash prize, with a runner-up receiving up to $30,000. Winners receive the grant, along with valuable support and resources to help grow their businesses. These awards aim to support and celebrate successful businesses led by women.
Canadian Women’s Foundation
The Canadian Women’s Foundation (CWF) typically offers funds and programs to support low-income women, trans, non-binary and two-spirit individuals in starting a business or learning a skilled trade. They provide economic development grants every five years.
Canada Media Fund
The Canada Media Fund provides over $300 million annually to media-creating companies across a range of industries, including film, television, software, video games and mobile applications. Eligibility requirements generally include being a for-profit business, developing projects primarily in Canada and proving that the company will take the product to market. Businesses receive funding in various streams, including development, production and marketing.
IFundWomen Grants
IFundWomen Grants partnered with Visa Canada in 2022 to provide up to $10,000 through their “She’s Next Grant.” Eligibility requirements specify that your business must be a woman-owned business, meaning you must own at least 51% of the business operating in Canada.
You must also be a legal Canadian resident and at least the age of majority in your province or territory at the time of entry, and your business must have been operating for at least two years.
Applicants must also have a company that offers products or services generating revenue in the market. You can submit a universal application to IFundWomen Grants to receive notifications when relevant funding becomes available.
Government of Canada
The federal government of Canada provides a database of business financing and grants at the national, provincial and territorial levels. You can browse government-led financing programs, capital investments and loans, ways to reduce your business costs through tax credits and grant details to help launch and grow your company.
Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs)
Founded in 1975, CBDCs assist startups and small businesses in Atlantic Canada in growing and thriving by providing loans, loan guarantees, technical services and equity financing to existing and aspiring business owners.
This program is available to all business owners, offering a range of programs tailored to meet diverse organizational needs. CBDCs typically assist entrepreneurs who require customized financing unavailable from traditional sources.
Global Fund for Women
The Global Fund for Women champions gender equality and invests in groups that advance the human rights of women and girls worldwide. This international organization provides grants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 annually to support projects, operating expenses and advocacy work. First-time recipients typically receive between $5,000 and $13,000, enabling women-led initiatives to expand their reach and influence.
Canada continues to create new pathways for women entrepreneurs to access business financing and strengthen their role in the economy. With the right mix of financial support, networking and mentorship, women can continue building successful businesses across every province and territory.
