How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50000% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund?

Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund is funded by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), Government of Canada, Innovation Canada

What are Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund's eligibility criterias?

Applicants must be women entrepreneurs. Loans are available particularly for start-ups, underrepresented groups, or sole proprietorships. Business must be located in Canada.

Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund

Last Update: June 16, 2025

Canada

Loans for women entrepreneurs

Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $50,000

Timeline

Open Date : June 28, 2022

Financing Type

Loans and Capital investments

Eligible Industries

All industries

Grant Providers

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
Government of Canada
Innovation Canada

Status

Open

Overview of the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund program

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.

Financing terms and conditions

Loans of up to $50,000 available to female entrepreneurs, notably for start-up businesses or sole proprietorships.

Eligible projects & activities

Starting or growing a business led by a woman entrepreneur.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 50,000

Creating a tech startup focusing on AI solutions for small businesses

$ 50,000

Starting a mobile hair salon for low-income women

$ 50,000

Launching an eco-friendly clothing brand

$ 50,000

Establishing a local farm-to-table restaurant

$ 50,000

Opening a new bakery specializing in gluten-free products

$ 50,000

Launching an online platform for Indigenous art

Eligibility criteria of the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund program

The application must be submitted by a female entrepreneur.
The loan specifically targets start-up businesses or sole proprietorships for which access to credit is more difficult.
The application must be submitted to one of the selected funding organizations (for example: Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada, NACCA, Nventure, Coralus, Evol).

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 to the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund program

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.