Closed
Women Entrepreneurship Strategy’s Ecosystem Fund
Funding to strengthen women entrepreneurship ecosystem
Last Update: April 10, 2026
Funding available
$ 250,000 - $ 3,000,000
Timeline
- Closing date : September 26, 2022
Location
Canada
Overview
This program provides non-repayable contribution funding for projects that strengthen the women entrepreneurship ecosystem in Canada, with funding of up to $3,000,000 per project. Eligible initiatives include mentoring, networking, capacity building, innovative business supports, and partnership-based services for women entrepreneurs.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
- Enhance an existing program
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 3,000,000 $
- Minimum amount : 250,000 $
Timeline
- Closing date : September 26, 2022
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Retail trade
- Health care and social assistance
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Other Education
- Research
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Women & girls
- LGBTQ+ community
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Mentoring, networking, and related support
- Training, coaching, and capacity-building for women entrepreneurs
- Innovative business development and deployment supports
- Development of learning materials, tools, and workshops
- Inclusive networks, procurement diversity, meetings, events, and outreach
Documents Needed
- 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
Official resources
Eligibility
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
Selection criteria
- 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
How to apply
1
Review Eligibility and Partner Requirements
- Ensure your organization is a Canadian not-for-profit and falls under eligible categories such as business support organizations or post-secondary institutions.
- Verify that your organization has a minimum of three years of operation and meets the women-focused mandate or programming criteria.
- Identify appropriate partner organizations that complement your project's goals and obtain a signed letter of support from each partner.
2
Develop Project Proposal
- Draft a detailed project proposal addressing gaps in the women entrepreneurship ecosystem.
- Outline project scope, activities, expected outcomes, and budget details.
- Describe your organization's capacity and experience in managing similar projects.
- Ensure all services are planned to be delivered in both official languages.
3
Prepare Required Documentation
- Complete the application form and Budget Detail Template.
- Gather three years of past financial statements and incorporation documents for the lead applicant.
- Prepare a sustainability plan outlining how the project will continue post-funding.
- Include letters of support from partner organizations.
4
Submit Application
- Download and complete all forms using Adobe Reader or a similar PDF reader, as the forms are not compatible with web browsers.
- Submit the complete application package, including all attachments, before the deadline by clicking the "Submit" button on the PDF form.
- Ensure submission is done well before the deadline to avoid any technical issues.
5
Post-Submission Follow-up
- Wait for confirmation and further instructions from the funding body if the application is successful.
- Prepare for quarterly and annual reporting if the project receives funding.
Processing and Agreement
- 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
Additional information
- 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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy’s Ecosystem Fund Program
What is the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy’s Ecosystem Fund?
This program provides non-repayable contribution funding for projects that strengthen the women entrepreneurship ecosystem in Canada, with funding of up to $3,000,000 per project. Eligible initiatives include mentoring, networking, capacity building, innovative business supports, and partnership-based services for women entrepreneurs.
How much funding can be received?
Women Entrepreneurship Strategy’s Ecosystem Fund Funds up to $3,000,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy’s Ecosystem Fund program?
To be eligible for the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy’s Ecosystem Fund program, you must:
Canadian not-for-profit or association
At least 3 years in operation
Project focused on women entrepreneurs
What expenses are eligible under Women Entrepreneurship Strategy’s Ecosystem Fund?
Mentoring, networking, and related support
Training, coaching, and capacity-building for women entrepreneurs
Innovative business development and deployment supports
Development of learning materials, tools, and workshops
Inclusive networks, procurement diversity, meetings, events, and outreach
Who can I contact for more information about the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy’s Ecosystem Fund?
You can contact Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) by email at wes-sfe@ised-isde.gc.ca or by phone at 1-800-328-6189.
Where is the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy’s Ecosystem Fund available?
The Women Entrepreneurship Strategy’s Ecosystem Fund program is available across Canada.
Is the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy’s Ecosystem Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Women Entrepreneurship Strategy’s Ecosystem Fund is a Partnering and Collaboration