Open
BDC Capital — Thrive Lab for Women
Equity backing for women-led impact businesses
Offered by
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Record updated
- Funding available
- Varies by project
- Deadline
- Open continuously
- Location
- Canada
Overview
BDC Capital’s Thrive Lab for Women provides $100 million in equity and equity-like investments to women-led companies seeking positive social impact and business growth. It focuses on early-stage companies tied to food security, health and well-being, and education.
At a glance
Funding available
Varies by project
Eligible candidates
- Location
- Canada
- Eligible Industries
- All industries
- Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
- Organisation size
- All organization sizes
- Audience
- Women
- Legal structures
- For-profit business
Start applying for this program
Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Women-led, impact-driven companies.
- Companies that are actively raising capital.
- Companies that are vetted and nominated by a BDC approved co-investment partner or funded through an investment contest.
How to apply
- Find one of the investment partners in your region.
- If you have been pre-qualified by a partner not on the list, contact us.
Processing and Agreement
- Co-investment partners source, pre-qualify and recommend companies for BDC to invest in.
Additional information
- The Lab works with 25 co-investment partners.
- It is delivered in collaboration with ecosystem partners.
- Invested companies are supported with capital, resources and mentors.
Official sources
Program guide
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)Application form
Thrive Venture FundSupporting document
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)
Frequently Asked Questions about the BDC Capital — Thrive Lab for Women Program
What is the BDC Capital — Thrive Lab for Women?
BDC Capital’s Thrive Lab for Women provides $100 million in equity and equity-like investments to women-led companies seeking positive social impact and business growth. It focuses on early-stage companies tied to food security, health and well-being, and education.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the BDC Capital — Thrive Lab for Women program?
To be eligible for the BDC Capital — Thrive Lab for Women program, you must:
Women-led, impact-driven companies.
Companies at the earliest stage of development.
Companies actively raising capital and vetted and nominated by a BDC approved co-investment partner or funded through an investment contest.
Who can I contact for more information about the BDC Capital — Thrive Lab for Women?
You can contact Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).
Where is the BDC Capital — Thrive Lab for Women available?
The BDC Capital — Thrive Lab for Women program is available across Canada.
Is the BDC Capital — Thrive Lab for Women a grant, loan, or tax credit?
BDC Capital — Thrive Lab for Women is a Loans and Capital investments
Who are the financial supporters of the BDC Capital — Thrive Lab for Women?
BDC Capital — Thrive Lab for Women is funded by Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)