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Women Entrepreneurship Fund (WEF) - Canada
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Women Entrepreneurship Fund (WEF)

Supporting women entrepreneurs in growth and market opportunities
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
$ 10,000 - $ 100,000
Timeline
  • Closing date : November 15, 2018
Location
Canada

Overview

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.

/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Develop an online presence
  • Access new markets
  • Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 100,000 $
  • Minimum amount : 10,000 $
  • Up to 10% of project cost
Timeline
  • Closing date : November 15, 2018

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Canada
Legal structures
  • For-profit business
  • Sole proprietorship
  • Social economy enterprise
  • Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • 500 employees maximum
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Persons with Disabilities
  • Language Minorities
  • Newcomers to Canada
  • Other Racialized Persons
  • Rural or Northern Residents
  • Women

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • 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

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.

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.

Contacts

ic.wes-sfe.ic@canada.ca
1-800-328-6189

Frequently Asked Questions about the Women Entrepreneurship Fund (WEF) Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Women Entrepreneurship Fund (WEF). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Women Entrepreneurship Fund (WEF)?

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.

How much funding can be received?

Women Entrepreneurship Fund (WEF) Funds up to 10% of admissible expenses, capped at $100,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the Women Entrepreneurship Fund (WEF) program?

To be eligible for the Women Entrepreneurship Fund (WEF) program, you must: For-profit, women-owned and/or women-led business Small to medium enterprise (less than 500 employees) Minimum 2 years in operation

What expenses are eligible under Women Entrepreneurship Fund (WEF)?

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.

Who can I contact for more information about the Women Entrepreneurship Fund (WEF)?

You can contact Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) by email at ic.wes-sfe.ic@canada.ca or by phone at 1-800-328-6189.

Where is the Women Entrepreneurship Fund (WEF) available?

The Women Entrepreneurship Fund (WEF) program is available across Canada.

Is the Women Entrepreneurship Fund (WEF) a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Women Entrepreneurship Fund (WEF) is a Grant and Funding

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