Funding Access
Resources and connections to help women entrepreneurs in Canada navigate the complex landscape of business financing.
Addressing the Funding Gap
Our programs are designed to help women overcome systemic barriers and access the capital they need to start and grow their businesses.
Canadian Funding Landscape
Navigate Canada's unique funding ecosystem, including government grants, angel investors, venture capital, and alternative financing options.
Investor Connections
Connect with our network of investors who are committed to supporting women entrepreneurs and understand the unique value and potential of women-led businesses.
The Funding Gap in Canada
Despite their growing numbers and economic impact, women entrepreneurs in Canada face significant barriers to accessing capital:
- Women entrepreneurs receive only 4% of venture capital funding in Canada (Female Funders & Highline Beta, 2021)
- Women-owned businesses are 30% less likely to seek financing than male-owned businesses and when they do, they request 50% less capital on average (BDC, 2022)
- Only 15.6% of Canadian angel investors are women, limiting access to networks and mentorship that often accompany early-stage funding (National Angel Capital Organization)
- Indigenous women, women with disabilities, and newcomer women entrepreneurs face even greater barriers to accessing traditional financing
Our funding access programs are designed to address these systemic barriers by providing women entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills, connections, and opportunities they need to secure appropriate funding for their businesses.
Women Entrepreneurship Strategy
The Government of Canada's Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) is a nearly $7 billion investment to help women grow their businesses through access to financing, talent, networks and expertise.
Our funding programs complement WES initiatives by providing targeted support to help women entrepreneurs navigate and access these government resources, while also connecting them with private sector funding opportunities.
Our Funding Programs
Get Your Business Funding-Ready
Before seeking external funding, it's crucial to ensure your business is prepared to attract and effectively use capital. Our programs help you develop the foundation, strategy, and materials needed to successfully secure funding.
A comprehensive evaluation of your business's readiness for different types of funding, including a detailed report with recommendations for improvement.
Learn how to create and deliver a compelling pitch that gets investors excited about your business. Includes pitch deck development, storytelling techniques, and practice sessions with feedback.
Develop realistic and compelling financial projections that demonstrate your business's potential to investors. Includes templates, tools, and one-on-one support.
Funding Resources
A comprehensive directory of grants, loans, and investment opportunities specifically for women entrepreneurs in Canada, updated monthly.
Excel templates for creating professional financial projections that will impress investors, including cash flow, profit & loss, and balance sheets.
An analysis of the funding landscape for women entrepreneurs in Canada, including trends, gaps, and opportunities across different regions and industries.
Upcoming Funding Events
Connect with angel investors, venture capitalists, and other funding sources in a relaxed networking environment. Practice your elevator pitch and build valuable relationships.
A full-day workshop to help you create and refine your investor pitch. Learn how to tell your business story, present your financials, and answer tough investor questions with confidence.
Learn about the latest government funding programs available to women entrepreneurs in Canada, including eligibility requirements, application processes, and tips for success.
Success Stories
"After struggling to secure traditional financing for my tech startup, I joined the Funding Access program. The pitch coaching and investor introductions were game-changing. Within three months, I secured $500,000 in seed funding from an investor I met through the Women Investors Network."
Jasmine T.
Founder & CEO, HealthTech Solutions, Vancouver
"The grant application support was invaluable for my small business. I had applied for government funding twice before without success. With the guidance from the program, I secured a $75,000 grant from the Women Entrepreneurship Fund that allowed me to expand my production capacity and hire two new employees."
Michelle K.
Owner, Sustainable Products Manufacturing, Quebec