How much funding can be received?

The Women Entrepreneurship Fund is a $20 million initiative by the Government of Canada offering up to $100,000 in non-repayable contribution funding to support women-owned and women-led businesses in scaling up and pursuing new market opportunities, both domestically and globally. Eligible activities include international marketing strategies, product development, process improvements, and other activities that contribute to business growth and market expansion.

Financing terms and conditions

Non-repayable contribution funding of up to $100,000 per project for a 12-month period.
Priority applicants must cost-share a minimum of 10% of total eligible project costs; other applicants must cost-share at least 20%.
Total Canadian government assistance (federal, provincial, territorial, municipal) cannot exceed 100% of total eligible costs.

Eligible projects & activities

Business scale-up initiatives aimed at expanding company operations.
Projects focused on accessing new national or international markets.
Development and implementation of strategies to pursue market opportunities abroad, including international marketing and supply chain integration.
Product or service innovation and improvements to enhance competitiveness.
Business growth strategies supporting expansion, such as process improvements or technology upgrades.

Eligibility criteria of the Women Entrepreneurship Fund (WEF) program

The applicant must be a for-profit organization, such as an incorporated company, partnership, sole proprietorship, social enterprise, co-operative, or Indigenous organization.
The business must be women-owned (majority ownership by women) and/or women-led (women in long-term control and management, equity stake, and key decision-making roles).
The business must be a small to medium-sized enterprise with fewer than 500 employees.
The business must have been in operation for a minimum of 2 years.
The proposed project must focus on business scale-up and/or pursuing new market opportunities, and demonstrate economic viability and benefits.

Who is eligible?

For-profit organizations, including incorporated companies, corporations, and co-operatives
Individual women operating a business
Partnerships
Social enterprises
Indigenous organizations that are women-owned or women-led businesses

Who is not eligible

Not-for-profit organizations.
Government or municipal entities.

Eligible expenses

Labour costs directly related to project activities.
Purchase of machinery, equipment, and infrastructure essential to the project.
Operating costs such as management fees or working capital needed for project delivery.
Consultancy fees, including business advisory services, legal, accounting, and technical support.
Costs related to intellectual property management and protection.
Preproduction and commercialization expenses linked to the project.
Subcontracting costs for specialized services.
Production and distribution of promotional materials and management tools.
Costs to maintain the useful life of an asset for a reasonable period as part of the project.
Fees for participation in coaching, mentoring, networking events, workshops, or conferences, as well as accelerator or incubator programs.

Eligible geographic areas

Businesses located anywhere in Canada.

Eligibility criteria of the Women Entrepreneurship Fund (WEF) program

Demonstrated organizational capacity, including a clear and relevant company profile and the ability to effectively manage the proposed project.
Alignment of project activities and objectives with the aims of the Women Entrepreneurship Fund, accompanied by a clear and feasible implementation plan.
Economic viability of the project, supported by market research, competitive advantages, and anticipated economic benefits such as revenue growth, increased market share, or job creation.
Well-defined performance measurement methods, including the identification of outcomes and a clear explanation of how these outcomes will be achieved.
Provision of a detailed budget with eligible costs, clear justification for expenditures, and demonstration of value for money.

How to apply to the Women Entrepreneurship Fund (WEF) program

Review Eligibility and Guidelines

Read the application guide thoroughly to understand the Entrepreneurship Fund objectives and eligibility requirements.
Ensure your business meets the criteria of being women-owned and/or women-led, and a small to medium enterprise in operation for at least two years.

Gather Required Documents

Prepare annual financial statements for the past two years and a one-year financial forecast.
Gather a scanned copy of the application package signed by an authorized official.
Ensure incorporation documents are ready if applicable.

Complete Application Form

Fill out the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy Application Form with accurate details including applicant contact information and demographic data.
Provide a brief organization overview and describe proposed activities and objectives.

Submission

Submit the complete application package through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy portal by the specified deadline.
If in a rural or remote area with limited internet access, ensure the application package is postmarked by the deadline date and sent by registered mail.

Confirmation

Expect an acknowledgment of your application receipt within two business days.
Retain confirmation for your records.

Additional information

An organization must sign a solemn declaration attesting that it is women-owned and/or women-led to apply.
Projects and recipients will be publicly announced after approval.
Applicants must submit annual financial statements for the past two years and a one-year financial forecast as part of the application package.
In-kind contributions are not recognized under this fund.