15 Business Grants and Loans for Women in Canada

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Where to Find Business Grants for Women

In Canada, there are many options for funding new business ventures – most are focused on an industry or specific types of businesses, such as technology startups.

With loans, you’ll generally be able to apply whenever you need the money, but business grants run on a schedule, be it quarterly, annually, or every few years. Some business grants for women are national in scope, while others are limited to a province or supported by local economic development groups.

Without further ado, here are 15 business grants and financing options that are either geared exclusively toward women entrepreneurs or that aspiring and established women business leaders can apply for:

1. Women in Trade

Is the wider world the apple of your eye? Export Development Canada’s (EDC) ‘Women in Trade’ services are designed to help Canadian women-owned and -led businesses succeed in international markets. They do this by offering financial solutions and a bevvy of resources. For example, EDC’s Inclusive Trade Investments Program assists diverse women-owned businesses in addressing underfunding challenges by providing equity capital.

2. The Zensurance Small Business Grant 2025

Although not exclusive to women entrepreneurs and business owners, we thought highlighting Zensurance’s annual Small Business Grant worthwhile. Zensurance offers a $10,000 grant to one Canadian* small business, startup, self-employed professional, or entrepreneur and five $1,000 grants to others. The application window for 2025 opened on February 18, 2025. You have until March 18, 2025, to apply.

Last year, the Down East Dance Academy in Montague, P.E.I., was our $10,000 grant winner.

* Excluding Quebec, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

3. Scotiabank Women Initiative

The Scotiabank Women Initiative is not a grant but a program for the bank’s clients who identify as women or non-binary. It’s designed to increase their economic and professional opportunities to be successful through access to capital, advisory services, and mentorship.

4. DELIA Micro Loan Program

The DELIA Micro Loan Program is offered through Nventure (formerly the Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation) with funding from FedDev Ontario and the federal government. It provides up to $15,000 low-interest loans to women-owned, for-profit businesses across Canada. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, reside in Canada, be a sole proprietor or an organization that is more than 50% woman-owned, and be at least 19 years old to qualify.

5. Amber Grant for Women

Open to both Canadian and American women entrepreneurs, the Amber Grant offers a $10,000 grant each month. Monthly winners are also eligible to win another $25,000 at the end of the year. The deadline to qualify for the $10,000 February grant is February 28, 2025. Note: There is a $15 application fee.

6. Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs)

Founded in 1975 to help startups and small businesses in Atlantic Canada thrive and grow, CBDCs provides loans, loan guarantees, equity financing and technical services to existing and aspiring entrepreneurs. Although not exclusive to women, many programs are suitable for many different business needs. CBDCs aim to help entrepreneurs who require customized financing unavailable from traditional sources.

7. Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund

The Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund offers up to $50,000 micro-loans to women entrepreneurs and business owners to expand their companies and tap into new markets. Offered through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, loans are provided by government-recognized not-for-profit organizations, including the Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada, the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Associations, Coralus, and Evol. Each not-for-profit has its application and qualification guidelines.

8. PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise

PARO is a not-for-profit that aims to empower women small business owners in Ontario and promote community economic development through a microfinancing program. It offers programs to enhance enterprise development and to provide for the support and development of women in business.

9. WeMB

WeMB (formerly the Manitoba Women’s Enterprise Centre) offers a range of resources and support for women entrepreneurs in that province, including loans of up to $150,000 for women-owned startups or small businesses looking to expand their operations.

10. WeBC

Formerly known as the Women’s Enterprise Centre of British Columbia, WeBC provides business loans of up to $150,000 for women entrepreneurs in B.C. Loans are available for startups to scale and grow, to acquire a business, and for business expansion projects with flexible repayment options over a five-year term. 

11. Women Entrepreneurs Saskatchewan (WESK)

Women Entrepreneurs Saskatchewan (WESK) is a non-profit, membership-based organization that offers loans up to $150,000 for women-owned businesses in Saskatchewan. Its goal is to help women in Saskatchewan start, grow, and scale their businesses. Additionally, WESK provides women entrepreneurs with business advisory services, training, and networking opportunities and is affiliated with the Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada.

12. Women of Influence+

Offered collectively by RBC and Women of Influence+, this program offers grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. It aims to celebrate the achievements of women entrepreneurs and provide them with the recognition and financial support they need to continue building successful businesses.

13. Cartier Women’s Initiative

The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards is a global program supporting women founders of businesses with financial aid, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Divided into 9 regions (including North America), winners receive a cash prize, personalized coaching, and access to a global entrepreneur network. Applications open April 18 to June 25, 2025.

14. Community Initiatives Program

The Community Initiatives Program is offered through the Alberta government with operating grants of up to $75,000 for Alberta-based, non-profit organizations focused on addressing social issues. It has two application deadlines per year on January 30 and July 15. 

15. Starter Plus Program

The provincial government offers grants of up to $5,000 to Ontario’s entrepreneurs and small business owners through its Starter Company Plus program. The program is open to any Canadian citizen 18 or older who wants to start a new company, expand an existing company, or buy a business in Ontario.

Other Business Financing and Resources for Canadian Women

Here are four different options to explore as you seek financial support for your startup:

Startup Women

Startup Women offers support to early-stage women entrepreneurs across Canada. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, and there’s no fees involved. Although the program does not offer funding or grants, it does offer a wealth of resources, connections with established women business leaders and mentors, and tools to help you find the financing your emerging company needs.

Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE)

The AWE does not provide grants but offers loans for women-led small businesses in that province. It has several lending programs and a business advisory team to help entrepreneurs enhance and grow their businesses.

IFundWomen Grants

IFundWomen Grants provides grants to women entrepreneurs. The organization has partnered with various corporations, including Visa, Caress, Johnnie Walker, BOTOX Cosmetic, and COMCAST, to facilitate funding initiatives. You can submit a ‘universal grant application‘ to IFundWomen Grants, and the organization will contact you about grants you qualify for when they become available.

Canadian Women’s Foundation

The Canadian Women’s Foundation (CWF) provides programs and funds for women, Two Spirit, trans, and non-binary individuals on low incomes to start a business or learn a skilled trade.

Futurpreneur

Futurpreneur offers financing, mentoring, and support for aspiring business owners aged 18 to 39 who want to start, buy, and grow a business. It’s not exclusive to women, but this national non-profit organization provides young entrepreneurs with the loan financing, mentorship, and resources they need.

Government of Canada

The federal government provides a searchable database of business grants and financing, whether national, provincial, or territorial. There are government-led financing programs, loans and capital investments, information on tax credits to reduce your business costs, and details on grants to help launch or grow a business.

Why Business Insurance Matters for Your Startup

Starting and growing a business is tough. You’re constantly juggling the unexpected. But it’s not just daily challenges – accidents, lawsuits, and sudden losses can hit when you least expect them. 

That’s why small business insurance is vital – it helps you bounce back when the unexpected happens, so you can focus on what you do best: running and growing your business.

Fill out our online application for a free quote in less than five minutes. 

Zensurance is trusted by over 350,000 Canadian small business owners, entrepreneurs, and independent professionals to help protect their assets. Let us worry about getting the low-cost, customized business insurance you need.

Also, know that business insurance policies for sole proprietors are tax deductible, so protecting your startup or small business is more affordable than you think.

– Updated February 19, 2025.