Open
Source verified May 28, 2026
Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund
Loans for women entrepreneurs
Funding available
$ 50,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Opened June 28, 2022
Location
Canada
Overview
Receive a microloan of up to $50,000 to start or grow your business if you are a woman entrepreneur, particularly if you are a start-up, from an underrepresented group or a sole proprietorship.
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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 a new product or service
- Develop an online presence
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 50,000 $
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Startups
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Starting or growing a business led by a woman entrepreneur.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Women-led businesses or female sole proprietorships.
- Start-up businesses founded by women.
- Businesses owned by women entrepreneurs facing difficulties in accessing credit.
- Indigenous women-owned businesses (through partner Indigenous financial institutions).
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
How to apply
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Identify Appropriate Organization Visit the websites of the selected delivery organizations: WEOC, NACCA, Northumberland, Coralus, and Evol.
- Determine which organization best suits the needs of your business based on their specific focus and regional service providers.
- Step 2: Review Eligibility and Application Requirements Check the specific eligibility criteria and application requirements of the chosen delivery organization.
- Review any provincial or territorial service provider specifics if applicable to your location.
- Step 3: Prepare Application Documents Compile necessary documents such as business plans, financial statements, and personal identification.
- If applicable, prepare a statement on how the loan will be used to start or grow your business.
- Step 4: Complete the Application Fill out the application form provided by the chosen delivery organization on their website.
- Ensure all information is accurately provided and that the form is fully completed.
- Step 5: Submit Your Application Submit the application electronically through the delivery organization’s portal or follow their specified submission method.
- Apply within specified deadlines as applicable to ensure consideration.
- Step 6: Confirmation and Follow-up Receive confirmation of application submission, which may vary by organization.
- Monitor email or contact from the organization for any follow-up action required.
Additional information
- Coralus does not operate a continuous intake for loan applications.
- NACCA acts as an umbrella organization for Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFIs) across Canada serving Indigenous entrepreneurs.
- Each selected delivery organization may have differing application processes and requirements; details can be found on their respective websites.
- The program is part of the broader Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) initiated by the Government of Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund Program
What is the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund?
Receive a microloan of up to $50,000 to start or grow your business if you are a woman entrepreneur, particularly if you are a start-up, from an underrepresented group or a sole proprietorship.
How much funding can be received?
Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund Funds up to $50,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund program?
To be eligible for the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund program, you must:
Applicants must be women entrepreneurs.
Loans are available particularly for start-ups, underrepresented groups, or sole proprietorships.
Business must be located in Canada.
What expenses are eligible under Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund?
Starting or growing a business led by a woman entrepreneur.
Where is the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund available?
The Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund program is available across Canada.
Is the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund is a Loans and Capital investments
Who are the financial supporters of the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund?
Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund is funded by Innovation Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)