The federal government is making up to $80 million available over four years to organizations that support women entrepreneurs across Canada through a new call for proposals under its Women Entrepreneurship Strategy.
Women Entrepreneurship Strategy funding will be directed to projects that provide business supports intended to help women start, grow and scale their companies. Eligible organizations have until Nov. 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PT to submit proposals in English or French.
Funding to begin in 2027-28
The funding will be provided as non-repayable contributions, with disbursements scheduled to begin in the 2027-28 fiscal year. The program is intended to provide women entrepreneurs with access to business supports, including networks, training and mentorship.
The announcement comes as the federal government renews its broader Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, which was launched in 2018. In June, the government announced a further $173.7 million over five years for the strategy.
"The Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, the first of its kind in Canada, includes more than $7 billion in investments to strengthen women entrepreneurship across Canada," the government said in its news release.
The renewed funding announced in June includes $100 million for the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy Ecosystem Fund, $59 million for the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, $7 million for the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub and nearly $8 million for program operating costs.
Strategy funding
The Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund provides funding to partner organizations that deliver loans of up to $50,000 to women business owners and entrepreneurs, while the Knowledge Hub serves as a source of knowledge, data and best practices for women entrepreneurs.
The government said the renewed strategy is intended to continue addressing barriers faced by women entrepreneurs, including those in under-represented sectors. Since the strategy was launched, it says more than 600,000 women entrepreneurs across Canada have received support through WES.
"Women entrepreneurs are essential to building the strongest economy in the G7. When women have the financing, networks and support they need to grow their businesses, they create jobs, strengthen communities and help grow Canada's economy. Through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, we are helping more women turn their ideas into successful businesses and ensuring they have the opportunity to contribute fully to Canada's economic strength," said Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism).
The government also said women entrepreneurs are benefiting from broader federal measures aimed at small businesses, including tariff relief, funding for artificial intelligence adoption, red-tape reduction and support for exporting to new markets.
The federal government said it is also investing in programs aimed at addressing systemic barriers faced by diverse entrepreneurs, including the Black Entrepreneurship Program and the 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program, as well as organizations such as Futurpreneur.