Funding Programs for Women-Owned Businesses in Canada
If you’re a woman that owns a small business, it can be very difficult to find funding for your business. This is why we did the work to research and put together all of the grants that are available for female entrepreneurs.
You will find that there’s a number of loan programs with favourable terms and in most cases, these terms are much better than what you would find with your usual lender, despite the fact that there are only a few programs that offer grants for women-owned businesses.
If you look hard enough you will quickly see that there are some unique and intriguing programs to get the funding you need that you never would have thought was available.
GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH GRANTS & LOANS
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As a woman, starting or expanding a small business in Canada, the below 18 grants for women can help you further your business. If you need help, guidance and support in determining which of these 18 government grants for women are right for you; or if you want to see other funding options for women in business, consider using the Funding Database and getting expert assistance.
Entrepreneur Programs for Women Across Canada
Unfortunately, this will be the only category where you will find a grant program, and it also does not offer much money. However, it is still free money so you should still give it a shot.
There are a variety of loan programs where you will find some of the unique programs already mentioned if you are interested in trying something new.
2026 Incentives for New Female Entrepreneurs
Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation (Northumberland CFDC) - DELIA (2026)
DELIA is a loan initiative for women-led and women-owned businesses that are driven by innovation in the Southern Ontario area. This program is delivered by the Northumberland CFDC along with the support of FedDev Ontario and is powered by CORL Financial Technologies.
Communitech - Fierce Founders Intensive Track (2026)
Women-identifying and/or non-binary founders can receive help from Communitech’s Fierce Founders Intensive Track to build a plan for growth to scale their businesses faster.
Qualified participants receive support to execute a customized growth plan with hands-on help from experienced growth coaches. The Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario will match seed funds of up to $50,000 to the strongest growth plans.
Wellington Waterloo Community Futures - Rural Women in Business Loans (2026)
This program encourages women-owned businesses in rural areas to grow into profitable and flourishing enterprises. Loans of up to $250,000 are available, along with assistance for business plan development and the application process.
PARO - Peer Lending Circles - A Micro-Finance Program for Women (2026)
Peer lending circles connect women entrepreneurs to share advice, experiences, and networks. PARO Peer Circles help women build connections with other enterprising women.
AgriDiversity Program - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (2026)
This program supports under-represented groups in the agriculture sector, including women, by helping them overcome key barriers and fully participate in the industry.
Women Entrepreneur Grants
StartUp Canada - Startup Women
Startup Women provides micro-grants to women-led science, technology, engineering, and math businesses in Canada to help them start and grow.
Equity Investment for Women Entrepreneurs
Communitech Fierce Founders Uplift
The Uplift program supports and funds women-identifying and/or non-binary founders to help scale their businesses.
Export Development Canada - Women in Trade
This program supports women-led businesses expanding internationally by providing insights and financial solutions.
StandUp Ventures
StandUp Ventures provides investment and mentorship to businesses with at least one woman in a C-level position and equitable ownership.
Business Development Bank of Canada - Women in Technology Venture Fund
The Women in Technology Venture Fund invests in technology companies led by women entrepreneurs.
Pitch for the Purse
This program provides mentorship and coaching to help women entrepreneurs pitch their business vision and secure funding.
Loans for Women Entrepreneurs
Farm Credit Canada - Women Entrepreneur Program
This loan program supports women in agribusiness, agriculture, and food sectors to start or grow their businesses.
SheEO
SheEO provides interest-free loans to women-led businesses focused on environmental and social sustainability.
Women Entrepreneur Awards
Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards
This annual international program supports women impact entrepreneurs with strong environmental or social missions.
In-Kind Support for Women Entrepreneurs
Business Development Bank of Canada - Women Entrepreneur
This program provides learning and networking opportunities for women-owned technology businesses.
PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise
PARO supports women-owned businesses through networking and lending programs between $500 and $5,000.
Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada
This organization supports women entrepreneurs by sharing innovative ideas across the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Women Entrepreneur Programs - Northern Ontario
Wakenagun CFDC - Women in Business Loan
This loan supports women who want to start or grow a majority woman-owned business.
Women Entrepreneur Programs - Quebec
Femmessor Loans for Women
Femmessor supports Quebec women business owners by financing and supporting the creation, growth, and acquisition of businesses.
Women Entrepreneur Programs - British Columbia
Women’s Enterprise Centre Business Loans for Women
Loans are available to women-owned businesses in BC, along with free business training, advice, and mentorship.
Women Entrepreneur Programs - Alberta
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Business Loans for Women
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs offers loans of up to $150,000 and community support for women-owned businesses.
Women Entrepreneur Programs - Saskatchewan
Women Entrepreneurs Saskatchewan Financing
WESK provides loans of up to $150,000 or more through partnerships to support women business owners.
Women Entrepreneur Programs - Manitoba
Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba Financing
Loans of up to $150,000 are available to businesses that are at least 50 percent woman-owned.