Federal Government
The Women Entrepreneurship Strategy from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada announced in Budget 2018, and $2 billion investment seeks to double the number of female-owned and female-led businesses by 2025.
Women Entrepreneurship Fund: a total of $30 million to women-owned and led businesses across Canada to grow and reach new markets.
WES Ecosystem Fund: Over 50 projects were funded through this initiative. These projects are led by non-profit organizations and take into account the needs of diverse and under-represented women.
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$15 million in government funding to offer support and advice to women entrepreneurs whose businesses were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub: a one-stop source of knowledge, data and best practices for women entrepreneurs.
We mention the closed programs in case people want to learn more about how diversity is evolving and as a way for people to connect with their member of parliament representative. We believe that knowledge is power, and open two-way respectful dialogue is power too.
We also want to highlight a few programs that are still available and open for applications:
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) The Government of Canada, through Western Economic Diversification Canada is providing loans of up to $60,000 for eligible women-run businesses to help small businesses cope with financial hardship and recovery from economic disruption resulting from COVID-19. (Deadline: March 22, 2021)
Women in Trade Investments Program from Export Development Canada (EDC) was announced in May 2019. This $50-million program provides equity capital specifically designed to help Canadian women entrepreneurs. Last February, EDC has established three new commitments of support:
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Increase funds available for its Women in Trade Investments Program to $100 million, and significantly boost targets for this underrepresented group of exporters
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$2 billion by 2023 in financing and insurance solutions on commercial terms for women-owned businesses exporting or looking to export
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A commitment to serve 1,000 women-owned and women-led business customers by 2023
Financial Institutions
You might already be working with a financial institution or seeking one out. There is likely a chance they have programs for our diverse communities.
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC): Women in Technology Venture Fund
Bank of Montreal (BMO): Celebrating women grant program
Vancity Credit Union: Unity Women Entrepreneur loans
Regional
We are fortunate to be able to connect with the following organizations and the people who lead them.
Programs to highlight:
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Business loans up to $150K
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Personalized business advice
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Business skills training
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Mentoring connections
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Supportive community
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and many more programs on the website
The Forum is a Canadian-based charity that energizes, educates, mentors, and connects self-identified women entrepreneurs to be wildly successful, promoting strengthened economies and thriving communities.
Programs to highlight:
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and many more programs and support on the website
A non-profit organization devoted to helping BC women start, lead and grow their own business. Our purpose is to empower women entrepreneurs to make an impact in the world by offering integrated services and capital that recognize, value and support their unique approach.
Location: Vancouver Office – Suite 550, 555 West 12th Avenue V5Z 3X7
Contact: 800-643-7014 or [email protected]
Purpose Coaching Grant
We are pleased to launch an annual Purpose Advisory Grant for Women Entrepreneurs. We figured the best way to contribute to social change is to create more successful entrepreneurs. And we know that good bookkeeping combined with timely coaching is a recipe for success. We’re keeping things simple, so here’s the grant details:
Offer:
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12 month subscription to Quickbooks Online
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1 hour per month of mentorship / coaching from our Advisors
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Private Slack channel to communicate
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Valued at $2000+
Criteria:
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Identify as a female (or transgender, etc.) Canadian
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Must be registered Canadian based business
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Self-employed or incorporated
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Regular internet access to a web-camera enabled computer
Ask:
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Name & Business Name
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Email & Contact Info
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Resume or Short Profile of your Business / Startup Idea
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Short Response to the question “What do you need from us to help your business thrive?”
Apply by sending us the information with the button below and we’ll get back to you. While we’re sure that every submission can use coaching, our small firm can only support one entrepreneur at this time.
