Hey there, fellow innovators and game-changers! As March rolls in, so does Women’s History Month—a time to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women throughout history and to continue supporting the incredible women shaping our future. At Innovation Factory, we’re all about championing diversity and inclusion, and what better way to do that than by shining a spotlight on resources and funding opportunities for women entrepreneurs?
Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out on your entrepreneurial journey, we’ve got your back. We’ve assembled a curated list of top resources and funding opportunities tailored specifically for women entrepreneurs in Canada.
1. Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES)
The Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, launched by the Government of Canada, offers a range of programs and initiatives designed to support women entrepreneurs at every stage of their business journey. From access to capital to mentorship programs, WES is a one-stop-shop for female entrepreneurs looking to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
Check it out here.
2. Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC)
WEOC is a network of organizations across Canada dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs. Their website is a treasure trove of resources, including training programs, networking events, and funding opportunities specifically tailored to the needs of women-owned businesses.
Learn more here.
3. BDC’s Women Entrepreneur Loan Fund:
Discover their solutions to help you make your projects a reality. BDC’s commercial loans are geared to businesses that have been in operation for at least 12 months. For businesses younger than 12 months, their partners can help you get off the ground.
Learn more here.
4. Women Business Enterprises (WBE) Canada
Women Business Enterprises Canada Council (WBE Canada) is a Canadian non-profit organization that is opening doors for Canadian women-owned businesses to supply chains across Canada, North America, and globally.
WBE Canada represents Canadian women’s business enterprises (WBEs) that are changing supply chains around the globe.
Learn more here.
5. Innovation Factory’s Beyond Boundaries Program
Last but not least, our Beyond Boundaries program is a 5-week accelerator program in Halton Region that advances women’s economic empowerment. This program supports women entrepreneurs to grow, scale-up their business and reach global markets.
Created to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by the diversity of women who start and run businesses, the program offers:
- Skills development by expert mentors in key areas including finance, technology, sales and growth
- Understanding and exploration of new markets and global opportunities
- Mentorship and advisory support
- Targeted connections through networking events and strategic introductions
Applications are open annually in January. Learn more about Beyond Boundaries here.
So, whether you’re looking for funding to scale your business or seeking guidance on navigating the entrepreneurial landscape, know that you’re not alone. There’s a whole community of women entrepreneurs cheering you on and ready to support you every step of the way.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s continue to uplift, empower, and amplify the voices of women in business.
