Funding Resources for Women-Owned Businesses “ Ohhh Canada”

We've got the inside scoop on funding access that'll help your woman-powered biz grab exciting opportunities! Here is a list of resources 🚀

Federal Funding

Trade Commissioner Service Funding For Market Expansion

CanExport

As of 2022, CanExport funding may be used to cover annual supplier diversity certification costs for women-owned, Indigenous-owned, visible minority-owned and 2SLGBTQI+-owned companies when submitting a project within a market that recognizes certification (for example, the U.S.).

Canadian Technology Accelerators (CTA)

Development program to help Canadian companies with an existing technology, product or service to explore vast opportunities in foreign markets. Specific cohorts are organized for women-owned and led businesses.

Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP)

Support for Canadian companies to pursue international research and development (R&D) collaborations with foreign partners.

Funding for Women Entrepreneurs

Women in Trade – Export Development Canada (EDC)

Insurance solutions to protect your exports, working capital and financing options.

Woman entrepreneur – Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

Financing to fuel growth.

Women in Technology (WIT) Fund – Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

Venture capital for Canadian technology businesses.

Futurpreneur Canada

Financing, mentoring and support for aspiring Canadian entrepreneurs aged 18–39.

Regional Funding for Women

Eastern Canada

Atlantic Association of Community Business Development Corporations

Loans and funding opportunities for Atlantic Canada-based businesses.

Nova Scotia Business Inc. – The Export Growth Program

Financial contributions that help businesses visit or invite potential partners/clients from outside the province.

Prince Edward Island – Trade and Export Supports

Funding for international business trips and marketing.

Central Canada

Quebec

Export Québec (available in French only)

Contributions that help Quebec-based companies grow internationally.

Femmessor

Loans between $20,000 and $150,000 for women entrepreneur in Quebec.

Ontario

PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise

Community loans to help women start or grow a business.

Western Canada

SME Export Support Fund Alberta

Contributions that fund export-related activities for Alberta-based businesses.

Women's Enterprise Centre British Columbia

Business loans for BC-based business women.

Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba

Loans up to $150,000 for Manitoba businesses for start-up, expansion or the purchase of an existing business.

Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership (STEP) – Market Access Program (MAP)

Contributions for Saskatchewan-based STEP members to fund export-related activities.

Expand Your Search for Financing

Business grants and financing

Discover what the Government of Canada can do for your business through grants, loans, private and public sector financing.

Women's Enterprise Organizations of Canada

Learn about the National association of professional business support organizations for women entrepreneurs.