Women Entrepreneurship Strategy’s Ecosystem Fund

• Completed application form
• Project proposal paper
• Three years of past financial statements
• Incorporation document for the lead applicant
• Completed budget detail template
• Sustainability plan
• Letter(s) of support from partners
• M-30 disclosure for Quebec-based organizations, if applicable

Who is eligible?

• Canadian not-for-profit organizations
• Canadian not-for-profit associations
• Business and entrepreneur support organizations
• Research and innovation hubs
• Indigenous organizations, post-secondary institutions, and business accelerators/incubators

Who is not eligible

• Crown organizations
• Community Futures Development Corporations
• Community Business Development Corporations
• Sociétés d'aide au développement des collectivités
• Centres d'aide aux entreprises

Eligible expenses

• Staff salaries, benefits, and materials
• Capital costs tied to eligible activities, including equipment and infrastructure
• Project operating costs such as management fees and working capital
• Marketing, promotion, communication, translation, and professional fees
• Space or equipment for workshops, events, meetings, and training tools

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Direct funding to third parties, including loans, financing, or grants
• Capital investments and refinancing of existing debt
• Assets purchased above fair market value
• Amortization, land acquisition, building acquisition, and goodwill
• Costs incurred before the contribution agreement is signed

Eligible geographic areas

• Canada
• National projects across Canada
• Multi-regional projects covering at least 5 provinces and territories
• Rural and remote areas
• The North: Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut

• Strength of the organization’s experience and project management capacity
• Clear, evidence-based gaps addressed by the project
• Ability to deliver services in English and French
• Quality of activities, timelines, and partner roles
• Value for money and sustainability after funding ends

• Step 1: Prepare the application package
  • Complete the application form and the project proposal.
  • Gather the required financial statements, incorporation document, budget template, sustainability plan, and partner support letters.
• Step 2: Complete the proposal documents
  • Provide the project details requested in the application guide.
  • Include the M-30 disclosure if your organization is based in Quebec and it applies.
• Step 3: Submit the application online
  • Open the secure PDF forms with a PDF viewer.
  • Attach the required documents and click the Submit button in the form.
  • Submit before the deadline.

• Applications are reviewed only after the deadline
• Only the most recent application is considered if more than one is submitted
• Incomplete or late applications may be rejected
• Successful applicants sign a contribution agreement with the Government of Canada
• Funded recipients must submit quarterly updates, annual audited reports, and a final report

• Applicants may submit only one application.
• Late applications and incomplete packages may be rejected.
• Successful projects and funded amounts will be publicly disclosed.
• Recipients must share data with the Women’s Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub.