Launching or scaling a business as a woman in Canada often means overcoming unique barriers—from securing funding to finding mentorship. Fortunately, there’s a growing ecosystem of support dedicated to women in business. Are you seeking grants for women entrepreneurs, business loans for women, or assistance from the women entrepreneurship program? Here’s a list of powerful resources every female entrepreneur should know about.
#1 – Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES)
The federal Women Entrepreneurship Strategy provides comprehensive support through funding, the Women Entrepreneurship Fund, and the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub. This cornerstone program connects women entrepreneurs with government grants, accelerators, and learning resources.
#2 – Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund
Delivering microloans up to $50,000, the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund targets underrepresented women entrepreneurs across Canada. These small business loans for women are accessible via not-for-profit channels.
#3 – Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC)
Through WEOC, women can access business loans for women, training, and advisory services via regional affiliates. Their National Loan Program provides up to $50,000 in flexible financing.
#4 – PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise
Ontario-based but serving across Canada, PARO Centre offers peer lending, microfinancing, and business coaching. This support makes community-driven entrepreneurship accessible.
#5 – Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (IWE)
The IWE Program, delivered by NACCA in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada, provides access to capital, mentorship, and microloans up to $50,000 specifically for Indigenous women entrepreneurs.
#6 – Coralus (formerly SheEO)
Coralus offers an innovative, community-funded model of grants for women-owned businesses through collective philanthropy and long-term, interest-free capital for women-led ventures.
#7 – Futurpreneur Canada – Women in Entrepreneurship Initiative
Futurpreneur’s dedicated initiative delivers mentorship, and tailored support for women aged 18–39. Nearly 42% of Futurpreneur-supported businesses are women-owned—twice the national average.
#8 – BDC Women in Technology Venture Fund
The Women in Technology Venture Fund, funded by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), provides equity financing to women-led tech companies. While the fund is currently closed to new investments, it remains one of the world’s largest women-led capital pools.
#9 – Startup Canada – Startup Women Program
The Startup Women Program offers year-round webinars, roundtables, and networking for early-stage women-identifying entrepreneurs across Canada—free of charge with a focus on funding, scaling, and leadership.
#10 – Regional Development Agencies: PacifiCan, PrairiesCan & FedDev Ontario
Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) act as key access points for funding and programs tailored to women entrepreneurs in different parts of the country. These agencies don’t just administer national programs like the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy—they also partner with local women’s enterprise organizations and fund regional initiatives unique to their area.
- PacifiCan works with WeBC to offer loans, training, and mentorship in British Columbia.
- PrairiesCan funds Women’s Enterprise Centres in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
- FedDev Ontario supports women-focused organizations like PARO and DELIA in Southern Ontario.
Ready to Start Your Franchise Journey as a Woman Entrepreneur?
From small business grants for women to micro loans, these resources span public, private, and community sectors—equipping you with funding, mentorship, and growth networks. Whether you’re tapping into government grants for female entrepreneurs Canada or leaning on female entrepreneur grants, this ecosystem supports robust start-ups and scale-ups alike.
Speak with a FranNet franchise consultant if you’re ready to get started. We’ll match you with the right franchise and walk you through the process from start to finish. Schedule your free consultation today!