Women Entrepreneur Program
grant_single|update April 21, 2025
Canada
Support for women in agriculture, agribusiness and food and beverage
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDate November 14, 2019
grant_single|financingType
Loans and Capital investments
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Accommodation and food services
grant_single|grantors
- Farm Credit Canada (FCC)
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get access to financing, as well as resources designed specifically to help you develop your skills as you start or grow your agriculture, agribusiness and food and beverage businesses
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
- Unique waiver of loan processing fees up to a limit of $1,000, to be reinvested in development activities.
grant_single_labels|projects
- Starting or expanding a business in the agriculture, agribusiness, or food sectors by women entrepreneurs.
- Participating in business and competency skill development activities tailored for women in agriculture and food industries.
- Engaging in networking and mentorship programs designed for women entrepreneurs in agriculture and food sectors.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 35,000
Upgrading dairy production facilities
$ 15,000
Launching a mentorship program for women in agriculture
$ 25,000
Hosting a food and beverage networking event
$ 30,000
Developing a women-led agritech startup initiative
$ 30,000
Expanding organic vegetable farm operations
$ 20,000
Creating an online training platform for agribusiness skills
grant_single_labels|admissibility
- The applicant must be a woman involved in the agriculture, agribusiness, or food sector.
- The business must be seeking financing to start or grow its operations within these sectors.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
- Women-led businesses in agriculture
- Women-led agribusinesses
- Women-led businesses in the food industry
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
- Skill development investments for women entrepreneurs, covered by a one-time loan processing fee waiver (up to $1,000).
grant_single_labels|apply
1
Contact FCC
- Call FCC at 1-888-332-3301 to express interest in the Women Entrepreneur Loan.
- Schedule a meeting with an FCC Relationship Manager to discuss your business needs and potential loan terms.
2
Loan Application Preparation
- Gather necessary financial documents including cash flow statements and net worth statements.
- Prepare a solid business plan, considering guidance from FCC resources such as the "10 steps to a solid business plan".
3
Skills and Resource Development
- Explore and participate in events and mentoring opportunities listed for skill enhancement.
- Utilize FCC's resources for strengthening specific business competencies.
4
Application Submission
- Complete loan application with the assistance of the FCC Relationship Manager.
- Submit the application to FCC as directed during your meeting, ensuring all requirements are met and documents are included.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- Learning events address topics deemed priority by women entrepreneurs.
- An updated list of groups, events, and mentoring opportunities is accessible to participants.
- Resources such as guides, calculators, and insights are available to facilitate understanding of loans.
- The program aims to promote a diverse and open agricultural industry.
Apply to this program
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|open
Funding to build capacity in the agricultural sector
Loans and Capital investmentsgrant_card_status|open
Financing for agricultural equipment
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|open
Funding for collaborative projects on plant protein
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|open
Funding for agriculture and agri-food industry support organizations
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|open
Repayable contributions for agri-sector innovation projects
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|open
Promotional funds for chicken and turkey farmers
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|open
Financing for natural product innovations
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|open
Funding to engage an expert
Wage Subsidies And Internsgrant_card_status|open
Wage subsidies for biologically-based innovation companies
Grant and Fundinggrant_card_status|open
Supports Canadian exporters at major international food trade shows