Women Entrepreneurship Strategy
The full and equal participation of women in the economy is not just the right thing to do; it's the smart thing to do.
Studies show that by advancing gender equality and women's participation in the economy, Canada could add up to $150 billion in GDP. Only 16% of Canadian small and medium-sized businesses are owned by women, and the Government of Canada is working to change that.
The government is advancing women's economic empowerment with the first ever Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), a more than $6-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.
Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund New
The Government of Canada has launched a call for applications for not-for-profit organizations to deliver the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund. The loan fund will provide loans of up to $50,000 to women business owners and entrepreneurs so they can start up, scale up and access new markets.
WES Ecosystem Fund Update coming soon
Are you a woman entrepreneur looking for networks that offer support, mentorship or help in growing your business? Check out the WES-funded ecosystem organizations that exist across Canada to help you achieve your business goals.
The Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub Updated
Are you looking for data on women's entrepreneurship? Check out the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, a one-stop source of knowledge, data and best practices for women entrepreneurs.
Partner programs
- Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
- BDC: Women in Technology Venture Fund
- Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI)
- Export Development Canada (EDC)
- EDC: Women in Trade
- Women and Gender Equality Canada: Women's Program
- Farm Credit Canada: Women Entrepreneur Program
- Public Services and Procurement Canada: Office of Small and Medium Enterprises
- Trade Commissioner Service: Business Women in International Trade
- Trade Commissioner Service: CanExport
Related links
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