Closed
Source verified September 11, 2026
Woman entrepreneur
Affordable financing for women, Indigenous and Black entrepreneurs
Get notified when Woman entrepreneur reopens
Latest source updateLast Update: September 29, 2026Latest change: Applications for the Inclusive Entrepreneurship Loan are now closed, and the direct application form link has been removed.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 29, 2026
Latest change: Applications for the Inclusive Entrepreneurship Loan are now closed, and the direct application form link has been removed.
Inclusive Entrepreneurship Loan Closed
Applications for the Inclusive Entrepreneurship Loan are now closed as of September 30, 2026. The page no longer includes the direct loan application form link and now directs visitors to a BDC expert for other financing and business support. The page also shows closing language for the program and keeps the loan overview content in place, indicating a shift away from active intake to referral-based support.
Funding available
$ 25,000 - $ 350,000
Deadline
Unspecified
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. It supports growth projects, new or used equipment purchases, and technology investments, including hardware, software, and e-commerce websites.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
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
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
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 2
Activities funded
- Launch growth projects.
- Develop new products.
- Launch a marketing campaign.
- Invest in technology.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Businesses at least 51% owned and led by women, Indigenous, or Black entrepreneurs.
- Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and at least the age of majority in their province or territory.
Who is not eligible
- Businesses that are not at least 51% owned and led by women, Indigenous, or Black entrepreneurs.
Eligible expenses
- Inventory purchases.
- New or used equipment.
- Hardware and software.
- A new e-commerce website.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
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.
Processing and Agreement
- Sign and receive your funds.
- After receiving your funds, complete the Entrepreneurship Fundamentals online course to receive an additional interest rate reduction, conditions apply.
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. It supports growth projects, new or used equipment purchases, and technology investments, including 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:
Based in Canada.
Revenue of less than $3M.
At least 51% owned and led by women, Indigenous, or Black entrepreneurs.
What expenses are eligible under Woman entrepreneur?
Launch growth projects.
Develop new products.
Launch a marketing campaign.
Invest in technology.
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