WES Ecosystem Fund

WES Ecosystem Fund

The second call for proposals of the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) Ecosystem Fund is now closed. We are no longer accepting applications.

The Government of Canada is committed to advancing gender equality and women's economic empowerment and to supporting women entrepreneurs through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (the Strategy).

As part of the Strategy, the Government is ensuring women across Canada have access to the business supports they need to start or grow a business.

To date, the WES Ecosystem Fund has invested $100 million over five years to strengthen capacity within the entrepreneurship ecosystem and close gaps in service for women entrepreneurs.

In Budget 2021 an additional $65 million was provided to the WES Ecosystem Fund.

The first call of the WES Ecosystem Fund (2022) valued at $25 million, launched January 11, 2022 and closed March 15, 2022, focused on supporting not-for-profit organizations to strengthen capacity and address ecosystem gaps for diverse populations of women entrepreneurs. Recipients of 2018 funding were not eligible to apply.

The second call of the WES Ecosystem Fund (2022) (valued at $40 million), launched July 28, 2022 and closed September 26, 2022. This call focused on supporting not-for-profit organizations to provide business supports for women entrepreneurs and strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Canada. The funding prioritized projects in areas of strength for women, as well as projects providing services to women entrepreneurs in rural and remote areas or the North. Recipients of 2018 funding were eligible to apply.