Women Entrepreneurship Strategy
The full and equal participation of women in the economy is not just the right thing to do; it's also good for the bottom line.
That's why the Government of Canada is advancing women's economic empowerment with the first ever Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), a nearly $5-billion investment that aims to increase women-owned businesses’ access to the financing, talent, networks and expertise they need to start up, scale up and access new markets. In Fall 2020, the Government committed to accelerating the work of the WES.
Only 16% of Canadian small and medium-sized businesses are owned by women. Yet studies show that by advancing gender equality and women's participation in the economy, Canada could add up to $150 billion in GDP.
Video: Women Entrepreneurship Strategy
Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion, invites you to find out more about the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy.
Women Entrepreneurship Fund
Learn more about the Women Entrepreneurship Fund and the hundreds of women-led businesses across Canada receiving up to $100,000 in federal funding to help them grow and reach new markets.
WES Ecosystem Fund
Are you a woman entrepreneur looking for networks of support, mentorship or help in growing your business? Check out the WES funded ecosystem organizations that exist to help you achieve your business goals across Canada.
The Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub
Are you looking for data on women's entrepreneurship? Check out the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, your one-stop source for knowledge, data and best practices for women entrepreneurs.
WES Expert Panel
In 2019, the Panel advised on a range of issues, including identifying and providing options to solve gaps in services and supports available to women entrepreneurs in Canada. The Panel has provided recommendations to the Government and has fulfilled its mandate.
Canada Business App
The Canada Business App complements the Government of Canada's efforts to make it easier for small businesses.
Latest news for women entrepreneurs
| Date | News item |
|---|---|
September 18, 2020 |
Empowering women leadership in the agriculture and agri-food sector |
September 18, 2020 |
Minister Ng announces more support for women entrepreneurs in the tech sector in southern Ontario |
September 9, 2020 |
|
September 2, 2020 |
Encouraging women entrepreneurship in Quebec for a stronger economy |
August 25, 2020 |
Minister Ng announces more support for women entrepreneurs in southern Ontario |
July 17, 2020 |
FedDev Ontario supports women-led businesses to rebuild, reopen and revive in southern Ontario |
News archives
Other Women Entrepreneurship Strategy programs
Business Women in International Trade
Want to grow and explore new markets? Majority women-owned firms and women entrepreneurs can explore potential trade opportunities in international markets through Global Affairs Canada's Trade Commissioner Service's Business Women in International Trade initiatives.
Farm Credit Canada
Are you a women entrepreneur in the agriculture and agri-food sector? Farm Credit Canada unveiled a Women Entrepreneur Program – an investment of $500 million over the next three years – to provide financing, events and resources specifically for women entrepreneurs to start or grow their businesses.
Business Development Bank of Canada
Need access to financing? Are you part of a women-led business in tech? The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), has committed to increase its lending to majority women-owned businesses to $1.4 billion. In addition, the BDC Capital Women in Technology Venture Fund - a $200 million Fund, one of the largest funds of its kind world wide – is investing in women-led technology companies and building a robust ecosystem to support women in tech today and in the future.
In 2018-2019, BDC's WE Talk Business Boot Camps also provided women entrepreneurs and businesses owners across Canada with practical advice on leadership, growth strategies, financial literacy, sales and marketing, and human resources.
Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative
Curious about how the venture capital ecosystem is being made more inclusive? The $400-million Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI) aims to improve financing opportunities for women and under-represented groups. A portion of the funds made available under this initiative are dedicated to enhancing diversity and increasing women's participation in the venture capital ecosystem.
Export Development Canada
As part of its approach to supporting women in trade, Export Development Canada (EDC) has committed to supporting women-owned and -led businesses that are exporting or looking to begin exporting by facilitating $2 billion in trade by 2023, serving 1,000 unique customers by 2023 and increasing support available through the Women in Trade Investment Program to $100 million.
Department for Women and Gender Equality
The Department for Women and Gender Equality has provided $4 million in funding through its Women's Program since 2016-2017 for projects working to strengthen economic opportunities for entrepreneurial women. Budget 2019 announced $160 million over 5 years for the Women's Program.
CanExport
CanExport provides direct financial assistance to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) registered in Canada to help them develop new export opportunities and markets, especially high-growth emerging markets.
Public Services and Procurement Canada
The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises within Public Services and Procurement Canada aims to increase the participation of businesses led by Canadians from under-represented groups, including women, in the government marketplace. The Office actively engages with smaller businesses to understand and try to reduce barriers that impede them from participating in federal procurement.
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