will Business Grants for Female-Owned Businesses
In 2026, women entrepreneurs across Canada will have access to a wealth of funding opportunities which are in place to help foster growth, innovation and success.
As of today, there are over 55 business grants and funding options for female owned businesses which you can see below, enabling you to secure the needed funding to take your business to the next level.
These business grants and funding options are available across all industries and provinces of Canada, as well, are aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs who are attempting to overcome the financial barrier and active their business goals.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your existing business, this guide will help you navigate the landscape of grants for women entrepreneurs in Canada, educating you on women entrepreneur financing, female entrepreneur grants and the available small business loans for women.
Business grants for women entrepreneurs can provide a financial boost that is required to turn innovation into a reality, expand operations and overcome the unexpected challenges of business ownership.
Join us as we explore the different business grants and government funding options for female-owned businesses in 2026.
Are Female-Owned Business Grants Right For You?
As we review the 55+ business grants and government loans for women entrepreneurs, it is imporatnt to know if you and your business are a fit.
Business grants and funding programs for women are specifically created to help support female entrepreneurs at various stages of their business venture. With that in mind, a number of factors are at play to determine if a female-owned business grant or program is right for you. These factors include the below:
☑️ The business must have female ownership.
If you are hoping to apply to a women focused grant or funding program, your business must be majority female owned. Meaning 51% or more of the business must be owned by a woman, or multiple women.
☑️ The business must be legally registered. (Sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation)
☑️ The business must be located in Canada. Certain women programs will require a specific location, or province.
☑️ Certain female grants and business loans require that a business be in a certain stage. This can vary, but can include from the startup process, to the growth and expansion process.
☑️ Certain grants are industry-specific, focusing on sectors like technology, healthcare, retail, or green initiatives. It’s essential to ensure your business aligns with the grant’s industry focus.)
☑️ The intended use of the grant funds can influence eligibility. Common purposes include research and development, marketing, scaling operations, hiring staff, and purchasing equipment.
In addition to this, as a woman in business, your first priority should be to have a solid business plan. One that outlines your business goals, strategies, financial projections as well, showcases that you are a female entrepreneur.
By meeting these general qualifications, women entrepreneurs can access a number of business grants and funding options to support their business in Canada.
You can review all business grants and funding options for women entrepreneurs within the Funding Database.
If you are considering starting a business, or have an existing business that is majority female-owned (51%), you should consider government funding and business grants.
With that in mind, you must have expenses that you’d like to cover. Have a look at the below, to see what small business grants for women entrepreneurs can be used for!
What Can Small Business Grants for Women Be Used For?
Women business grants and funding options can be used to cover a number of startup and expansion costs as you run your business. Here are some of the more commonly used user cases as how to benefit from the available funding:
☑️ To cover the initial startup and/or expansion costs
☑️ To assist you with purchase of tools, equipment and inventory to lower your initial costs
☑️ To help you adopt technology use in your business and get your business online
☑️ To provide you costs for marketing and advertising campaigns, or hire marketing related assistance
☑️ To give you working capital for the every day, day to day expenses
☑️ To cover the cost of wages for yourself, your staff and provide training
** ☑️ **and much more
These are just a few of the expenses that a female owned business can utilize business grants and funding towards. For a full list, access the Funding Database and take advantage of over 1,500 different options, covering hundreds of possible expenses your business may have.
What are the types of Female Owned government funding options?
The government of Canada, including the local and provincial government offices provide a large number of options for small business owners and female entrepreneurs to take advantage of. These options vary from business to business, however the majority will come in the form of business grants, business loans and tax breaks/credits.
While these funds are all government funds, some can be government backed as well (via banks and lenders).
Business Grants for Women
Business grants for female business owners, considered free money is often the best form of funding that a business owner can obtain as it can give a business several key benefits, including:
Government grants for Women offer several benefits for businesses, including:
- Non-Repayable Funding: These are grants that do not need to be repaid, unlike loans, which helps businesses manage cash flow and reduce financial burden.
- Financial Support: These business grants provide crucial financial support, allowing businesses to invest in growth, innovation, and development without impacting their capital reserves.
- Risk Mitigation: Accessing these business grants reduces the financial risk associated with new projects, research and development, or expansion plans.
- Competitive Advantage: Government grants can enhance a business’s competitive edge by enabling investments in new technology, skilled labor, and market expansion.
- Encourages Innovation: Grants often target innovative projects, helping businesses develop new products, services, or processes that can lead to significant market advantages.
- Improves Credibility: Receiving a government grant can enhance a business’s credibility with investors, customers, and partners, as it demonstrates government support and validation of the business’s potential.
- Access to Expertise: Many grant programs offer additional resources such as mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to industry experts, which can be invaluable for business growth and development.
- Job Creation: These business grants aimed at job creation help businesses hire more staff, contributing to local economic development and increasing the company’s operational capacity.
Government Loans for Women Entrepreneurs
Much like traditional bank loans, government loans for women are not different in a standard sense that you are still borrowing money, however, government loans have number of key benefits to a business owner utilizing them, including:
- Lower Interest Rates: Government loans often come with lower interest rates compared to traditional bank loans, making them more affordable and reducing the overall cost of borrowing.
- Flexible Repayment Terms: These loans typically offer more flexible repayment terms, allowing businesses to choose repayment schedules that align with their cash flow and financial situation.
- Access to Larger Amounts: Government loans may provide access to larger amounts of capital than other funding sources, enabling businesses to undertake significant projects or expansions.
- Support for Specific Sectors: Many government loan programs are tailored to support specific industries or sectors, providing targeted financial assistance to businesses in those areas.
- Encourages Investment in Innovation: Government loans often support innovation and development projects, helping businesses invest in new technologies, research, and development efforts that can drive growth and competitiveness.
- Boosts Business Credit: Successfully securing and repaying a government loan can help build and improve a business’s credit history, making it easier to obtain additional financing in the future.
- Job Creation and Economic Growth: Government loans can facilitate job creation and contribute to local economic development, benefiting both the business and the wider community.
- Supplementary Support: In addition to financial assistance, government loan programs may offer supplementary support such as business advisory services, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Less Stringent Requirements: Government loans may have less stringent eligibility and collateral requirements compared to private sector loans, making it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to qualify
Tax Breaks / Tax Credits For Female-Led Businesses
One of the easier funding types offered by the government of Canada is the available tax breaks and credits. These tax breaks and credits directly reduce the amount of taxes a business owes, resulting in significant cost savings that can be reinvested into the business.
By lowering tax liabilities, businesses retain more of their earnings, improving cash flow and financial stability. This also can encourage businesses to invest in new equipment, research and development, employee training, and other growth initiatives that might otherwise be cost-prohibitive.
No matter of the type of funding, be it a government business grant, a government loan, or a tax break/credit, as a startup or growing business, you should regularly check available government funding options and take advantage of them.
How Much Grant Money Or Funding Can I Get As a Female Owned Business?
Our Funding Database currently has over 1,500 different funding options available; including 55+ female owned business grants and funding options.
A typical female business owner , starting up, or expanding their business, will be eligible to 4-5 different options. Multiple more options, if regular funding searches are conducted (this is done by our experts for you).
Funding amounts and how much you can get in grant funding varies from business to business, as it is based on your specific funding needs, in accordance to the expenses that you wish to cover.
Currently, for 2026, business grants and funding ranges from $1,000 to $500,000 (larger options are available when combined)
2026 Women Entrepreneur Small Business Grants and Funding List - 55+ Options
Government funding options are constantly changing.
New city and provincial and federal options are constantly closing; and new incentives are coming in. Staying on top of these funding options is crucial to ensure you don’t miss any business grants and funding options for 2026.
Below is a list of over 55+ **for women **business grants, government loans and funding options that can help your female-led small business.
If you wish to consider any of the options, speaking with a qualified expert is recommended - call 1-800-288-9691.
55+ Grants and Funding for Female Entrepreneurs
| Program Name | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| WISE Fund | Various amounts | Grants for sports administrators, coaches, officials and teachers offering or creating opportunities for girls and women in sport. |
| Film and Video Individual Project Funding | $15,000 | Funding for individual Alberta artists and arts administrators for specific film and video arts projects. |
| Future Capital Executive Program | Various amounts | Harness the power of early-stage investing as a tool for corporate innovation and professional development. |
| Angel Academy | Various amounts | Educational investor accelerator program designed for female leaders in corporate and tech sectors. |
| TECHNATION’s Career Ready Program | $7,000 | Wage subsidy program supporting businesses hiring students for work-term placements. |
| Fierce Founders Intensive Track | $50,000 | Support and funding for women and non-binary founders. |
| WEOC National Loan Program | $50,000 | Business management training, trade missions, advice, and networking for women-owned enterprises in Nova Scotia. |
| Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Business Loans | $150,000 | Financial and advisory support for women entrepreneurs. |
| Business Loans for Youth | $70,000 | Unsecured loans for women entrepreneurs in BC aged 19–39. |
| WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS | $150,000 | Network of community financial development corporations supporting a vibrant Quebec economy. |
| Women in Business New Brunswick | Various amounts | Services, resources, training, and networking for women entrepreneurs in New Brunswick. |
| Vancity Unity Women Entrepreneurs Program | $100,000 | Loan opportunities for women entrepreneurs. |
| Cartier Women’s Initiative Award | $100,000 | Funding for women entrepreneurs leading high-growth potential businesses. |
| Women’s Enterprise Centre Business Loan | $150,000 | Financial assistance, counselling, and business information for female entrepreneurs. |
| Shes Next Program | $10,000 | Grant + 1-year IFundWomen Coaching Membership for 10 selected women entrepreneurs. |
| Pitch for the Purse | Various amounts | Seed funding competition for female founders. |
| Woman Identifying Business Owner Micro-grant | $5,000 | Micro-grants for women-identifying business owners to scale their business. |
| Business Loans for Women | Various amounts | Loans for women entrepreneurs in BC to start, buy, or grow a business. |
| PARO Prosper Peer Lending Circles | $5,000 | Loans for Northern Ontario women who belong to PARO Circles. |
| NextStep Program for Indigenous Women | Various amounts | Supports early-stage Indigenous women entrepreneurs in business planning and advising. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs | Various amounts | Support, consultation, and networking for women entrepreneurs in NL. |
| Microlending for Women in Ontario Program | Various amounts | Skills training, mentoring, and microloans for low-income women starting businesses. |
| Women Program | Various amounts | Funding for women’s organizations fighting domestic violence. |
| PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise | Various amounts | Guidance and support for women in business in Northern Ontario. |
| Prince Edward Island Business Women’s Association | Various amounts | Advice, mentoring, networking, and resources for women in business on PEI. |
| Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Association | Various amounts | Counselling, mentoring, information, and financing for Alberta’s women entrepreneurs. |
| Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) – Pan-Territorial Fund | Various amounts | Supports inter-jurisdictional economic projects across northern territories. |
| BMO Launch Me Entrepreneurship Program & Competition | $20,000 | Business development competition for early-stage entrepreneurs. |
| Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc. | Various amounts | Loans, advisory support, training, and networking for Saskatchewan women entrepreneurs. |
| Financing | $450,000 | Loans for underrepresented entrepreneurs (including women) in Quebec. |
| Canada-India Acceleration Program | $20,000 | Helps female tech entrepreneurs enter the Indian market and build growth networks. |
| Proof of Concept Program | $250,000 | Funding for innovative natural products and technologies. |
| Pique Ventures | Various amounts | Funding for female-led ventures. |
| Women in Technology Venture Fund | Various amounts | Women-focused fund investing from seed to Series A/B ($500K–$30M revenue companies). |
| AgriTalent | $7,000 | Wage subsidy in agriculture for student hires (up to $7,500 per student). |
| Canadian Agricultural Partnership AgriDiversity Program | Various amounts | Funding for under-represented groups in Canadian agriculture. |
| Beef Breeder Co-operative Program | $75,000 | Supports calf production to address Ontario feedlot shortages. |
| FCC Women Entrepreneur Program | Various amounts | Financing options for women in agriculture and food. |
| Women in Trade | Various amounts | EDC support for women-owned businesses expanding globally. |
| Women Entrepreneurs in Saskatchewan Financing | $150,000 | Loans and advisory services for Saskatchewan women entrepreneurs. |
| Femmessor Loans for Women | Various amounts | Financing for women-owned businesses in Quebec. |
| Women’s Business Development Program | $100,000 | Supports Métis women in Saskatchewan to overcome barriers and access financing. |
| Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Growth Loan | $150,000 | Helps Alberta women start or grow businesses. |
| Youth Business Loans | $70,000 | Loan opportunities for women entrepreneurs aged 19–39. |
| Women in Business Loan | $150,000 | Funding for female founders in the Wakenagun community. |
| Regional Diversification Pool | $350,000 | Loans for SMEs in Eastern Ontario. |
| Funding for Business Projects | $50,000 | Microcredit loans for excluded entrepreneurs via Microcrédit Montréal. |
| Startup Canada Women Founders Fund | Various amounts | Supports women entrepreneurs from marginalized backgrounds. |
| Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba | $150,000 | Loans and support for Manitoba women starting, expanding, or acquiring businesses. |
| Disruption Ventures | Various amounts | Venture capital for female-founded companies. |
| ***Supporting Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs | $50,000 | NADF support for Indigenous women starting or growing businesses. |
| ***Science and Technology Internship Programme (CGC-STIP) | $24,000 | Supports green jobs tied to natural resources sectors. |
| ****Promoting Women Online | Various amounts | No description provided. |
| ****S.E.A. Program | — | Program enabling completion and execution of a business plan. |
| ****PROOF OF CONCEPT | $250,000 | No description provided. |
| ****ACCESS TO TALENT PROGRAM | $75,000 | Helps SMEs hire experienced individuals to achieve key milestones in natural product/technology development. |
| WEOC National Loan Fund | $50,000 | Loans for women and non-binary entrepreneurs to start, scale, or maintain a business. |
| Community Economic Development (CED) | Various amounts | Grant funding for community projects in Peterborough, BC. |
| Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund | $50,000 | Funding for Indigenous women entrepreneurs. |