Canada Opens $80 Million Fund to Support Women Entrepreneurs

The Government of Canada has opened applications for the 2027 Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) Ecosystem Fund, offering up to $80 million in non-repayable funding to strengthen business support systems for women entrepreneurs and majority women-owned businesses across the country. The initiative is being delivered through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).

The funding program aims to support projects that provide business services to women entrepreneurs while strengthening Canada’s broader entrepreneurship ecosystem. Successful projects will receive funding over four years, beginning in 2027–28, with all funded activities required to be completed by March 31, 2031.

Eligible projects must have budgets ranging from $250,000 to $6 million. Applications are open to Canadian incorporated not-for-profit organizations established at the federal or provincial level. Lead organizations must have operated for at least three years and must either have an established mandate supporting women entrepreneurs or have delivered programming focused on women entrepreneurs within the past three years.

Key Highlights:

• Canada is offering up to $80 million to support women entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses
• Eligible organizations can receive $250,000 to $6 million for qualifying entrepreneurship projects
• Applications must be submitted by November 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST

Funding is available for both new and existing organizations that have received WES funding. The additional eligibility requirements in the official application guide must also be met for applicants.

Projects are expected to be nationally distributed or serve at least four provinces or territories and not be regionally concentrated. Services and products must also be made available in both of Canada's official languages in funded initiatives as required by the Official Languages Act. Proposals can be submitted in either English or French.

The 2027 WES Ecosystem Fund has identified a number of priority areas for funding. These include better access for women entrepreneurs to equity capital, assistance for women business accelerators and incubators, and greater access to procurement and supplier diversity opportunities.

Projects in which the needs of a diverse, intersectional, and/or under-served group of women entrepreneurs are served may also be prioritized. Other areas of interest include supporting women in traditionally male dominated sectors, trade and export diversification and support for other Government of Canada objectives.

WES Ecosystem Fund has invested $285 million since 2018 to build the capacity of the entities which support women entrepreneurs. This is an opportunity for eligible organizations to build on the impact and reach of these services with their 2027 funding call.

Proposals must be submitted to interested organizations by 11.59pm (PST) until November 9, 2026. Candidates are advised to read the official application procedure carefully before applying for the post to know the eligibility, requirements, and how to apply.