Loans and Capital investmentsOpen
Woman entrepreneur
Affordable financing for women, Indigenous and Black entrepreneurs
Eligible Funding
- From $25,000 to $350,000
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Types of eligible projects
Technology
Canada
Grants and Funding for Small Businesses Led by Women
This directory combines a women-entrepreneur audience with a small-business profile. Use it to compare funding for defined business projects, then review how each listing describes ownership, leadership, company size, eligible work, and timing. If one condition is flexible, broaden the search to funding for women entrepreneurs or to the Canada-wide small-business directory.
Featured grants for Directory settings - women and Small Business at a glance
66 programs
Eligible Funding- Varies by project
Eligible Industries- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Types of eligible projectsMontreal, Quebec, Canada
Grant and FundingOpenFedDev Ontario — Economic Development Initiative (Southern Ontario) — Not-For-Profit
Assistance for Francophone projects in southern OntarioEligible Funding- Varies by project
Eligible Industries- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationInnovationOntario, Canada
Eligible Funding- From $300,000 to $2,000,000
- Up to 20% of project cost
Eligible Industries- All industries
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationInnovationCanada
Grant and FundingOpenTechnology Leadership: Genomics stream
Commercializing genomics-driven crop innovationEligible Funding- Up to 45% of project cost
Eligible Industries- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationCanadaGet grants for small business for women in Canada for your business
Tell us about your business and project so we can identify relevant funding programs and practical next steps.
Loans and Capital investmentsOpenAboriginal Business Loans — Micro Loans
Funding for Indigenous business growthEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 750,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Eligible Industries- Construction
- Other services (except public administration)
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationTechnologyBusiness BuyoutNS, Canada
Grant and FundingOpenAFA — Theatre Individual Project Funding
Support for Alberta theatre and performance art projectsEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 18,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Types of eligible projectsTimeline- Closing date : September 1, 2026
Alberta, Canada
Grant and FundingOpenAgri-food Funding
Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (NWT) (ITI), Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)Funds NWT agriculture initiatives improving competitiveness innovation and resilienceEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 250,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Eligible Industries- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationEnvironment and ClimateConstruction and Renovation Human ResourcesDigital TransformationNT, Canada
Grant and FundingOpenAgriAssurance Program — Kosher and Halal Investment – Not-for-profit
Funding for national assurance system projectsEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 350,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationTimeline- Closing date : September 30, 2027
Canada
Grant and FundingWage Subsidies And InternsOpenApprenticeship START
Funding for Nova Scotia apprenticeship hiring and retentionEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 25,000 $
Eligible Industries- All industries
Types of eligible projectsHuman ResourcesNS, Canada- Platform
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Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpenBusiness Development Program (BDP)
Financial support for business growth in Atlantic CanadaEligible Funding- Up to 75% of project cost
Eligible Industries- Manufacturing
- Retail trade
- Other services (except public administration)
Types of eligible projectsTechnologyEnvironment and ClimateConstruction and Renovation InnovationNB, NL, NS, PE, Canada
Partnering and CollaborationOpenCanada's Digital Technology Cluster — Capacity-Building Program
Digital talent development and SME scale-up program in CanadaEligible Funding- From $100,000 to $2,000,000
- Up to 75% of project cost
Types of eligible projectsDigital TransformationTimeline- Open Date : March 23, 2026
Canada
Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpenCanNor — IDEANorth
Northern economic development and infrastructure supportEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 6,000,000 $
- Up to 80% of project cost
Eligible Industries- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationTechnologyConstruction and Renovation InnovationNT, Nunavut, Yukon, Canada
Wage Subsidies And InternsOpenGraduate to Opportunity (GTO) Program
Subsidy for Nova Scotia graduate salariesEligible Funding- Up to 25% of project cost
Eligible Industries- All industries
Types of eligible projectsInnovationNS, Canada
Grant and FundingOpenMRC Charlevoix-Est — Business Support
Support for creating and sustaining businesses in Charlevoix-EstEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationConstruction and Renovation Business BuyoutTimeline- Open Date : April 16, 2020
Clermont, Quebec, CanadaTurn funding opportunities for small business for women in Canada into strong applications
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Grant and FundingOpenNADF Financing
Financing for Northern Ontario Indigenous business and economic developmentEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 500,000 $
Eligible Industries- All industries
Types of eligible projectsOntario, Canada
Grant and FundingOpenOrganic Industry Development — Increasing Market Competitiveness
Funding to help Prince Edward Island organic businesses increase market shareEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 60,000 $
- Up to 70% of project cost
Eligible Industries- All industries
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationTechnologyPE, Canada
Eligible Funding- Varies by project
Eligible Industries- All industries
Types of eligible projectsOntario, Canada
Other SupportGrant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpenPrairiesCan — Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI)
Funding to recover Canada's aerospace sector in the Prairie regionEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 10,000,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationTechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovationTimeline- Open Date : February 3, 2026
Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada
Grant and FundingOpenProduct and Market Development Program — Agricultural Industry Organizations
Supports agricultural organizations developing new products and marketsEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 30,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Eligible Industries- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale trade
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationPE, Canada- Platform
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Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) in the Prairie Provinces
Support for responsible AI commercialization and adoptionEligible Funding- From $250,000 to $5,000,000
- Up to 90% of project cost
Eligible Industries- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationArtificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyHuman ResourcesAlberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada 
Grant and FundingOpenSkills Development Fund (SDF) — Capital Stream — GROW Pathway
Funding for Ontario training centre capital projectsEligible Funding- Up to 49% of project cost
Types of eligible projectsConstruction and RenovationTimeline- Open Date : November 29, 2024
Ontario, Canada
Grant and FundingWage Subsidies And InternsOpenStaffing UP
Financial support for recruiting, hiring, and retaining employeesEligible Funding- Up to 60% of project cost
Eligible Industries- All industries
Types of eligible projectsHuman ResourcesYukon, Canada
Grant and FundingOpenSupplier Diversity Certification Program
Reimbursement for supplier diversity certification costsEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 1,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationTimeline- Open Date : April 14, 2026
- Closing date : February 26, 2027
NS, Canada
Loans and Capital investmentsOpenVessel Loan Program
Loans for fishing vessels, engines and equipment in Nova ScotiaEligible Funding- Varies by project
Eligible Industries- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Types of eligible projectsEnvironment and ClimateConstruction and Renovation Business BuyoutNS, CanadaNeed help applying for grants for small business for women in Canada?
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Loans and Capital investmentsOpenWEOC National Loan Program
Financing support for women entrepreneursEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 50,000 $
Eligible Industries- Manufacturing
- Retail trade
- Transportation and warehousing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Types of eligible projectsDigital TransformationCanada
Grant and FundingOpenClosing SoonCapital Project Grants - Social Policy - Social Medium Capital Grants
Supports upgrades to social-serving facilities for vulnerable Vancouver communitiesEligible Funding- From $25,000 to $50,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
Types of eligible projectsEnvironment and ClimateTimeline- Closing date : August 28, 2026
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Grant and FundingClosedCanExport GAC-Led Delegations
Cost-sharing support for SMEs joining GAC-led trade delegationsEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 50,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationTimeline- Open Date : February 5, 2026
- Closing date : March 5, 2026
Canada
Researchers And FacilitiesPartnering and CollaborationExpert AdviceClosediVisit
Enables SMEs to solve innovation challenges with research expertiseEligible Funding- Varies by project
Eligible Industries- Utilities
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
Types of eligible projectsTechnologyInnovationCanada
Grant and FundingClosedMusicaction - Global Funding Envelope – Support Program
Funding for Canadian music companiesEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 600,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationTimeline- Closing date : January 23, 2025
Canada- Platform
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Funding cycles open and close within days. Our real-time engine monitors policy changes and alerts you as soon as a new matching opportunity appears. 
Grant and FundingClosedCyber Security Innovation Network
Supports pan-Canadian cyber security research, commercialization, and talent developmentEligible Funding- Up to 50% of project cost
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationTechnologyHuman ResourcesInnovationTimeline- Open Date : May 6, 2021
- Closing date : July 25, 2021
Canada
Grant and FundingClosedDigital Health Innovation Fund
Supports collaborative research through federated data sharingEligible Funding- Minimum amount : 1 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationArtificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyInnovationDigital TransformationTimeline- Open Date : October 1, 2025
- Closing date : November 15, 2025
Canada
Wage Subsidies And InternsClosedDigital Skills Internships
Internship wage subsidy for digital skill developmentEligible Funding- Up to 100% of project cost
Types of eligible projectsDigital TransformationTimeline- Closing date : May 22, 2026
Canada
Grant and FundingClosedOTF — Community Building Fund - Operating Stream
Supports operating viability for Ontario community-serving organizationsEligible Funding- From $10,000 to $250,000
- Up to 80% of project cost
Types of eligible projectsTimeline- Closing date : June 30, 2026
Ontario, Canada- Grant and FundingClosed
Women Entrepreneurship Fund (WEF)
Supporting women entrepreneurs in growth and market opportunitiesEligible Funding- From $10,000 to $100,000
- Up to 10% of project cost
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationTimeline- Closing date : November 15, 2018
Canada Find funding programs for small business for women in Canada that fit your project
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Loans and Capital investmentsClosedPacifiCan — Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Business Scale-Up and Productivity
Financing to accelerate growth in British ColumbiaEligible Funding- From $200,000 to $5,000,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
Eligible Industries- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationTechnologyBC, Canada- Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingExpert AdviceClosed
Protein Industries Canada — Artificial Intelligence
AI co-investment for plant-based agrifood innovationEligible Funding- Up to 45% of project cost
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationArtificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyDigital TransformationTimeline- Open Date : April 1, 2023
- Closing date : August 30, 2024
Canada 
Grant and FundingClosedCanada - Manitoba Job Grant
Discontinued support for Manitoba employer trainingEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 100,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Eligible Industries- All industries
Types of eligible projectsHuman ResourcesManitoba, Canada
Grant and FundingClosedCanada United Small Business Relief Fund
Support for safe reopening and digital growthEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 5,000 $
Eligible Industries- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Retail trade
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Types of eligible projectsTechnologyConstruction and Renovation Digital TransformationOntario, Canada
Eligible Funding- From $30,000 to $100,000
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationTechnologyHuman ResourcesInnovationTimeline- Closing date : June 16, 2026
Canada- Platform
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Grant and FundingClosedCMF Sector Development Support - Organizational Advancement Stream
Funding for screen sector organizational growthEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 100,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Types of eligible projectsHuman ResourcesTimeline- Open Date : July 3, 2026
- Closing date : July 10, 2026
Canada
Wage Subsidies And InternsClosedEnergy Training Program for Students
Funding for Nova Scotia students and recent graduates in the energy sectorEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 12 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Types of eligible projectsHuman ResourcesTimeline- Open Date : April 22, 2024
- Closing date : August 31, 2024
NS, Canada
Wage Subsidies And InternsClosedESDC — Apprenticeship Service Program
Support for SMEs to take part in apprenticeshipEligible Funding- Minimum amount : 5,000 $
Types of eligible projectsHuman ResourcesTimeline- Open Date : October 24, 2022
- Closing date : March 31, 2024
Canada
Loans and Capital investmentsClosedEvol — Conventional loans for women entrepreneurs
Loan fund for women entrepreneurs focused on sustainable developmentEligible Funding- From $20,000 to $50,000
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationBusiness BuyoutTimeline- Open Date : November 15, 2023
- Closing date : February 28, 2024
Canada
Grant and FundingExpert AdviceClosedi.d.e.a. Fund
Funding and support for high potential businesses focusing on a sustainable and green recoveryEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 30,000 $
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationEnvironment and ClimateInnovationTimeline- Open Date : March 28, 2023
- Closing date : April 18, 2023
Ontario, CanadaGet grants for small business for women in Canada for your business
Tell us about your business and project so we can identify relevant funding programs and practical next steps.
- Grant and FundingClosed
Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North — Not-For-Profit
Funding for economic development in Northern CanadaEligible Funding- Varies by project
Eligible Industries- All industries
Types of eligible projectsInnovationNT, Nunavut, Yukon, Canada 
Grant and FundingClosedInnovation Guelph — Rhyze Up! Program
Accelerator for women- and nonbinary-led scale-upsEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 5,600 $
Eligible Industries- All industries
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationInnovationDigital TransformationOntario, Canada- Grant and FundingClosed
Innovation Guelph — Rhyze Ventures Program
National accelerator for women and nonbinary scale-upsEligible Funding- From $5,000 to $12,000
Eligible Industries- All industries
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationBusiness BuyoutGuelph, Ontario, Canada 
Eligible Funding- Maximum amount : 1,320 $
Eligible Industries- All industries
Types of eligible projectsInnovationCanada- Partnering and CollaborationExpert AdviceClosed
Invest Nova Scotia — Export Accelerator for Diverse-Owned Businesses
Supports diverse-owned Nova Scotia businesses expanding into Canadian marketsEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 3,750 $
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationInnovationTimeline- Open Date : June 9, 2026
- Closing date : July 14, 2026
NS, Canada - Platform
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Filter thousands of active funding opportunities with granular precision. Our explorer instantly matches your company profile with regional and national credits. - Grant and FundingClosed
Musicaction — Artist career, skills and business development
Financial aid for music career and business developmentEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 100,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Eligible Industries- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationQuebec, Canada 
Grant and FundingWage Subsidies And InternsClosedNative Women’s Association of Canada — National Apprenticeships Program
Inclusive apprenticeship hiring support across CanadaEligible Funding- From $10,000 to $20,000
Types of eligible projectsHuman ResourcesTimeline- Open Date : January 1, 2023
- Closing date : December 31, 2023
Canada
Grant and FundingClosedNGen — Pilot Projects
Funding for collaborative advanced manufacturing projectsEligible Funding- From $100,000 to $250,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
Eligible Industries- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationTechnologyInnovationOntario, Canada
Grant and FundingClosedOAC — Artists in Communities and Schools Projects
Support for community-engaged arts projects in OntarioEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 20,000 $
Eligible Industries- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Types of eligible projectsInnovationDigital TransformationToronto, Ontario, Canada
Eligible Funding- From $10,000 to $125,000
- Up to 50% of project cost
Eligible Industries- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Types of eligible projectsHuman ResourcesOntario, CanadaTurn funding opportunities for small business for women in Canada into strong applications
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- Grant and FundingClosed
Ontario Creates-CMF — IDM Futures Forward Program
Supports early-stage project developmentEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 20,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Types of eligible projectsDigital TransformationTimeline- Open Date : October 23, 2024
- Closing date : December 16, 2024
Toronto, Ontario, Canada 
Expert AdviceClosedPAC — Help for Small and Medium Enterprises
Free procurement support for businessesEligible Funding- Varies by project
Eligible Industries- All industries
Types of eligible projectsTechnologyEnvironment and ClimateHuman ResourcesInnovationDigital TransformationCanada
Grant and FundingClosedPerennia — On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF)
Supports Nova Scotia farmers adopting climate-friendly practicesEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 100,000 $
- Up to 85% of project cost
Types of eligible projectsEnvironment and ClimateTimeline- Closing date : June 30, 2026
NS, Canada- Loans and Capital investmentsClosed
Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) — Regional Relief and Recovery Fund – Women’s Enterprise Initiative Stream
Financing support for pandemic-affected businessesEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 60,000 $
Eligible Industries- All industries
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationArtificial Intelligence (AI)Construction and Renovation Human ResourcesDigital TransformationAlberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada - Grant and FundingClosed
Protein Industries Canada — Strengthening the Canadian Supply Chain Program
Supports Canadian plant-based innovation and local supply chain resilienceEligible Funding- From $37,500 to $150,000
- Up to 75% of project cost
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationTimeline- Closing date : October 7, 2025
Canada - Platform
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Skills for Success Program — Research and Innovation Stream
Funding for research to support the skills development of adultsEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 7,500,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Types of eligible projectsHuman ResourcesInnovationTimeline- Open Date : January 26, 2022
- Closing date : March 9, 2022
Canada - Grant and FundingClosed
Skills for Success Program — Training and Tools Stream
Funding for foundational and transferable skills training and developmentEligible Funding- Maximum amount : 10,000,000 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
Types of eligible projectsHuman ResourcesDigital TransformationTimeline- Open Date : January 26, 2022
- Closing date : March 9, 2022
Canada 
Grant and FundingClosedToronto Circular Food Innovators Fund
Supports Toronto businesses in implementing reusable foodservice systemsEligible Funding- From $5,000 to $35,000
- Up to 75% of project cost
Eligible Industries- Accommodation and food services
Types of eligible projectsEnvironment and ClimateToronto, Ontario, Canada- Grant and FundingClosed
Trade Commissioner Service — CanExport Associations
Funding for industry export expansion activitiesEligible Funding- From $20,000 to $500,000
- Up to 75% of project cost
Types of eligible projectsCommercializationTimeline- Open Date : November 25, 2025
- Closing date : January 6, 2026
Canada 
Eligible Funding- Varies by project
Types of eligible projectsDigital TransformationTimeline- Closing date : March 27, 2026
Ontario, CanadaNeed help applying for grants for small business for women in Canada?
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Other SupportGrant and FundingClosedCareer Launcher Apprenticeship Program
Support for hiring first-year apprenticesEligible Funding- From $5,000 to $10,000
Types of eligible projectsHuman ResourcesTimeline- Open Date : January 1, 2023
- Closing date : March 31, 2024
Canada
Questions about funding for women-led small businesses
Guidance on ownership, leadership, business size, project evidence, and useful broader searches.
How do the women-entrepreneur and small-business filters interact?
The shortlist combines an audience condition with a business-size condition. A funding source may define women’s ownership, leadership, or decision-making differently, and it may measure size through employees, revenue, assets, or another test. Review both definitions instead of assuming the directory labels establish eligibility.
What can demonstrate that a small business is led by women?
Depending on the source, evidence may include incorporation or ownership records, shareholder information, governance documents, executive roles, signing authority, or a description of who controls strategic decisions. Requirements are not uniform. Use the current wording to determine whether ownership, leadership, operational control, or several conditions must be shown.
How should a women-led company assess the small-business condition?
Prepare current employee, revenue, ownership, affiliate, and operating information that may affect the size test. Some sources assess the applicant alone, while others consider related entities or a specific reporting period. A company should use the definition in each listing rather than relying on its everyday description as a small business.
Which projects can women-led small businesses usefully search for?
Start with the planned business change: product development, technology adoption, productivity, hiring, training, market entry, export preparation, environmental improvement, or expansion. These themes help organize a search but do not establish support. The strongest shortlist connects the company profile to a defined project, budget, stage, and measurable outcome.
What should a women-led small business prepare before applying?
Build a concise project plan, timeline, cost breakdown, financing plan, recent financial information, and evidence for the relevant ownership, leadership, and size conditions. Explain the business need and expected result. Confirm whether commitments, purchases, or hiring must wait until a particular application or approval stage.
When should I use a broader directory for women entrepreneurs?
Use the broader women-entrepreneur directory when the audience condition is fixed but the organization may not fit a small-business definition. Use the small-business directory when size matters but ownership or leadership is not required. Province, industry, or project directories can be better when geography or planned work is the strongest qualifier.
Does a directory match confirm that a women-led business qualifies?
No. The match reflects the audience and size information available to the directory. Final eligibility may also depend on legal structure, ownership thresholds, operating history, location, sector, project stage, eligible expenses, financial capacity, and timing. Read the current source and resolve any ambiguous definition before preparing a full application.