Grant and Funding Programs Offered by The Road to Hope
Overview of Available Grants and Funding
The Road to Hope is a foundation dedicated to promoting women's entrepreneurship in Quebec and New Brunswick. Founded by Hermante Ayotte, a pioneering female entrepreneur who established Quebec's first integrated occupational health clinic in 1977, the foundation awards two $50,000 grants annually to exceptional women entrepreneurs. The program is delivered in partnership with the New Brunswick Economic Council Foundation, the DeGama Foundation, and the Quebec Employers' Council. View The Road to Hope's website for more information.
Content last updated: March 6, 2026
About The Road to Hope
What is the mission of The Road to Hope?
To support, inspire, and propel women entrepreneurs of today and tomorrow through grants, mentorship, and the celebration of inspiring journeys, creating a lasting momentum toward economic equality.
What type of organization is The Road to Hope?
The Road to Hope is a Foundation.
What is The Road to Hope's official website?
The Road to Hope's official website is https://laroutedelespoir.ca/en/.
What else should I know about The Road to Hope?
Role of the Foundation in the Funding Ecosystem
The Road to Hope Foundation occupies a unique position in the Quebec and New Brunswick entrepreneurial support landscape. Unlike traditional funding bodies, it focuses specifically on women entrepreneurs who face economic challenges and lack resources to achieve their goals. The foundation aims to provide financial support to those who are not yet established, rather than rewarding already successful entrepreneurs.
Grant Program Details
The Hermante Ayotte Grant is the foundation's flagship program, offering $50,000 annually to women entrepreneurs in Quebec and New Brunswick. Since the program's inception in 2022, a total of $450,000 has been distributed to women entrepreneurs across both provinces. The grants are awarded in collaboration with the New Brunswick Economic Council Foundation, the DeGama Foundation, and the Quebec Employers' Council.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed based on entrepreneurial skills, social engagement, personal involvement, and family commitment. Candidates must be majority shareholders (over 51%) of their business, have been operating for at least two years, and be based in Quebec or New Brunswick. The foundation looks for women who demonstrate tenacity, audacity, and a commitment to their communities.
History and Evolution
The foundation was established by Hermante Ayotte, who became one of Canada's first female mentors recognized by the Federal Development Bank of Canada. In 1977, she founded the Industrial and Preventive Medicine Clinic of Quebec (CMIPQ), becoming the first woman to own and operate a specialized medical clinic in occupational health and safety. Her 20+ years of mentoring young women entrepreneurs inspired the creation of this grant program.
Impact and Reach
The foundation has recognized multiple outstanding women entrepreneurs through its annual gala, including recipients from companies such as Iso-Protek, SIMKHA biocosmétiques, Secur-Alert, CaCO3 Biotech, Kaffeine Espresso Bar, and others. The program has expanded to include both a main grant and a "Coup de cœur" (People's Choice) award.
Institutional Partnerships
The foundation works closely with established partner organizations including the Foundation of the New Brunswick Economic Council, the DeGama Foundation, and the Quebec Employers' Council (Conseil du patronat du Québec). These partnerships ensure broader reach and credibility in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.