Money may not be everything, but it is the oxygen that breathes life into startups and entrepreneurial ventures. For Canadian women entrepreneurs who endeavour to bring their business ideas and strategies to fruition, getting the funding they need to kickstart their companies can be daunting.
Although business grants and loans are available to women in Canada, determining the best option to fund your startup and whether or not you qualify can be challenging.
Every grant and loan has unique requirements and deadlines. Either way, you’ll need various documents to qualify for a grant or loan, including a business plan and business insurance that adequately covers your liability risks.
Where to Find Business Grants for Women in Canada
In Canada, there are many options for funding new business ventures – including federal government programs, provincial initiatives, banks, non-profits, and private organizations. Most are focused on an industry or specific types of businesses, such as technology startups, exporters, or community-based enterprises.
With loans, you’ll generally be able to apply whenever you need the money, but business grants run on a schedule, be it quarterly, annually, or every few years. Some business grants for women are national in scope, while others are limited to a province or supported by local economic development groups.
Tip: Many programs define a “women-owned business” as being at least 51% owned and controlled by women. Always confirm eligibility criteria before applying.
Without further ado, here are 15 business grants and financing options that are either geared exclusively toward women entrepreneurs or that aspiring and established women business leaders can apply for:
1. The Zensurance Small Business Grant
Although not exclusive to women entrepreneurs and business owners, the Zensurance Small Business Grant program is open to all Canadian* small businesses, startups, self-employed professionals, and entrepreneurs.
For each round of the program, Zensurance offers one $10,000 grant and five $1,000 grants to five other finalists.
To be eligible to win, a business owner needs to get a free insurance quote (unless they are an existing Zensurance client), submit details about their business and what they would do with the funds through our grant entry form online, and follow us on one of our social channels.
Please visit our grant web page to read the full terms and conditions and to know when a new grant launches.
* Excluding Quebec, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
2. Women in Trade
Is the wider world the apple of your eye? Export Development Canada’s (EDC) ‘Women in Trade’ services help Canadian women-owned and women-led businesses expand internationally through financing and export-focused resources.
Notably, EDC’s Inclusive Trade Investments Program provides equity capital to address underfunding challenges faced by diverse women entrepreneurs.
3. Scotiabank Women Initiative
The Scotiabank Women Initiative is a financing and advisory program, not a grant. It supports women and non-binary entrepreneurs with access to capital, mentorship, and tailored business education.
4. DELIA Micro Loan Program
The DELIA Micro Loan Program is offered through Nventure (formerly the Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation) with funding from FedDev Ontario and the federal government.
It provides up to $15,000 low-interest loans to women-owned, for-profit businesses across Canada. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, reside in Canada, be a sole proprietor or an organization that is more than 50% woman-owned, and be at least 19 years old to qualify.
5. Amber Grant for Women
Open to both Canadian and American women entrepreneurs, the Amber Grant offers a $10,000 grant each month. Monthly winners are also eligible to win another $25,000 at the end of the year. Note: There is a $15 application fee, which applicants should factor into their decision.
6. Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs)
Founded in 1975 to help startups and small businesses in Atlantic Canada thrive and grow, CBDCs provides loans, loan guarantees, equity financing and technical services to existing and aspiring entrepreneurs.
While not women-exclusive, many CBDC programs actively support women entrepreneurs who may not qualify for traditional bank financing.
7. PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise
PARO is a non-profit organization offering microloans, training, and peer support to women entrepreneurs in Ontario, with a focus on community economic development.
8. WeMB (Manitoba)
WeMB provides business loans of up to $150,000 to women-owned startups and expanding businesses in Manitoba, along with advisory services and training.
9. Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund (Canada)
Offered through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund provides loans of up to $50,000, particularly supporting startups, sole proprietors, and underrepresented women entrepreneurs.
10. WeBC
WeBC provides business loans of up to $150,000 for women entrepreneurs in B.C. Loans are available for startups to scale and grow, to acquire a business, and for business expansion projects with flexible repayment options over a five-year term.
11. Women Entrepreneurs Saskatchewan (WESK)
Women Entrepreneurs Saskatchewan (WESK) is a non-profit, membership-based organization that offers loans up to $150,000 for women-owned businesses in Saskatchewan.
Its goal is to help women in Saskatchewan start, grow, and scale their businesses. Additionally, WESK provides women entrepreneurs with business advisory services, training, and networking opportunities and is affiliated with the Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada.
12. Women of Influence+
Offered collectively by RBC and Women of Influence+, this program offers grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. It aims to celebrate the achievements of women entrepreneurs and provide them with the recognition and financial support they need to continue building successful businesses.
13. Cartier Women’s Initiative
The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards is a global program supporting women founders of businesses with financial aid, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Divided into nine regions (including North America), winners receive a cash prize, personalized coaching, and access to a global entrepreneur network.
14. Community Initiatives Program (Alberta)
The Community Initiatives Program is offered through the Alberta government with operating grants of up to $75,000 for Alberta-based, non-profit organizations focused on addressing social issues.
15. Starter Plus Program (Ontario)
The provincial government offers grants of up to $5,000 to Ontario’s entrepreneurs and small business owners through its Starter Company Plus program.
The program is open to any Canadian citizen 18 or older who wants to start a new company, expand an existing company, or buy a business in Ontario.
Other Business Financing and Resources for Canadian Women
Here are four different options to explore as you seek financial support for your startup:
Startup Women
Startup Women offers support to early-stage women entrepreneurs across Canada. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, and there’s no fees involved. Although the program does not offer funding or grants, it does offer a wealth of resources, connections with established women business leaders and mentors, and tools to help you find the financing your emerging company needs.
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE)
The AWE does not provide grants but offers loans for women-led small businesses in that province. It has several lending programs and a business advisory team to help entrepreneurs enhance and grow their businesses.
IFundWomen Grants
IFundWomen Grants provides grants to women entrepreneurs. The organization has partnered with various corporations, including Visa, Caress, Johnnie Walker, BOTOX Cosmetic, and American Express, to facilitate funding initiatives.
You can submit a ‘universal application’ to IFundWomen Grants, and the organization will contact you about grants you qualify for when they become available.
Canadian Women’s Foundation
The Canadian Women’s Foundation (CWF) provides programs and funds for women, Two Spirit, trans, and non-binary individuals on low incomes to start a business or learn a skilled trade.
Futurpreneur
Futurpreneur offers financing, mentoring, and support for aspiring business owners aged 18 to 39 who want to start, buy, and grow a business. It’s not exclusive to women, but this national non-profit organization provides young entrepreneurs with the loan financing, mentorship, and resources they need.
Canada Small Business Financing Program
Available through the federal government, the Canada Small Business Financing Program helps make it easier to get business loans from financial institutions.
Why Business Insurance Matters for Women-Owned Startups
Starting and growing a business means managing risk alongside opportunity. From client disputes to cyber incidents and property damage, unexpected events can derail a business without proper coverage.
That’s why small business insurance is vital for women-owned startups and small businesses – it protects your income, assets, and long-term growth. Many grant and loan providers also require proof of insurance before releasing funds.
Business insurance policies for sole proprietors are tax deductible, making protection more affordable than many entrepreneurs realize.
Complete our online application for a free insurance quote in under five minutes.
Zensurance is trusted by hundreds of thousands of Canadian small business owners, entrepreneurs, and independent professionals to help protect their assets. Let us worry about getting the low-cost, customized business insurance you need to help your business thrive and grow.
– Updated February 2, 2026.
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