Open
Source verified July 10, 2026
Woman entrepreneur
Flexible financing for underserved entrepreneurs
Funding available
$ 25,000 - $ 350,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Businesses at least 51% owned and led by women, Indigenous, or Black entrepreneurs.
See full eligibility
Overview
The Inclusive entrepreneurship loan offers up to $350,000 to Canada-based businesses at least 51% owned and led by women, Indigenous, or Black entrepreneurs. Financing supports growth projects, equipment purchases, and technology investments such as hardware, software, and e-commerce websites.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 350,000 $
- Minimum amount : 25,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- $ 3,000,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Black Canadians
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Launching growth projects.
- Purchasing new or used equipment.
- Investing in technology and e-commerce.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Businesses at least 51% owned and led by women, Indigenous, or Black entrepreneurs.
Eligible expenses
- Inventory purchases for growth projects.
- New or used equipment.
- Hardware, software, and e-commerce website development.
How to apply
- See if you’re eligible by providing information on the business and shareholders and confirming that you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Apply online by filling out a loan application with a BDC specialist.
- Sign and receive your funds, then complete the Entrepreneurship Fundamentals online course to receive an additional interest rate reduction, conditions apply.
Processing and Agreement
- Applicants sign the loan and receive their funds.
- After funding, completing the Entrepreneurship Fundamentals online course can provide an additional interest rate reduction, subject to conditions.
Additional information
- BDC offers free resources for women entrepreneurs, including articles, tools and exclusive content to support business management.
- A free Digital maturity assessment tool is available to help businesses evaluate readiness for digital transformation.
- BDC provides a free Learning Centre with self-paced courses aimed at building business leadership skills.
- BDC also promotes networking and learning opportunities through upcoming events for entrepreneurs.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Woman entrepreneur Program
What is the Woman entrepreneur?
The Inclusive entrepreneurship loan offers up to $350,000 to Canada-based businesses at least 51% owned and led by women, Indigenous, or Black entrepreneurs. Financing supports growth projects, equipment purchases, and technology investments such as hardware, software, and e-commerce websites.
How much funding can be received?
Woman entrepreneur Funds up to $350,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Woman entrepreneur program?
To be eligible for the Woman entrepreneur program, you must:
51%+ owned and led by women, Indigenous, or Black entrepreneurs.
Based in Canada.
Revenue under $3 million.
What expenses are eligible under Woman entrepreneur?
Launching growth projects.
Purchasing new or used equipment.
Investing in technology and e-commerce.
Who can I contact for more information about the Woman entrepreneur?
You can contact Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) or by phone at 1-877-232-2269.
Where is the Woman entrepreneur available?
The Woman entrepreneur program is available across Canada.
Is the Woman entrepreneur a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Woman entrepreneur is a Loans and Capital investments