Business Grants for Women in Canada: Current Grants + Tips for Applying
Women entrepreneurs in Canada are driving innovation, economic growth, and social change. However, they often face unique challenges in securing the financial resources needed to start and grow their businesses. Business grants specifically designed for women provide a valuable opportunity to overcome these barriers, offering non-repayable funding to support their entrepreneurial goals. These grants aim to promote inclusivity, foster innovation, and empower women-led businesses to thrive in today’s competitive market.
Key Takeaways
- Business grants are non-repayable funds designed to support women entrepreneurs in launching or expanding their businesses.
- Funding is provided by federal and provincial governments, as well as non-profit organizations.
- Eligibility criteria often include being a women-owned business, alignment with specific grant objectives, and a solid business plan.
- Grants can be used for startup costs, training, marketing, technology adoption, and more.
- Alternatives to grants include loans, mentorship programs, and equity investment opportunities.
What is a Business Grant?
A business grant is a financial award provided by government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private entities to support businesses without the requirement of repayment.
For women entrepreneurs in Canada, business grants are specifically designed to address financial barriers, encourage innovation, and promote gender equity in the business world. They provide crucial funding to help women-owned businesses succeed and contribute to Canada’s economic development.
Business grants are categorized into four primary types:
- Activity Grants: These focus on specific business functions, such as technology adoption, training, marketing, or research and development. They help fund particular activities essential to business growth and innovation.
- Audience Grants: Targeting specific groups, such as women entrepreneurs, these grants aim to foster inclusivity and address challenges faced by underrepresented communities.
- Industry Grants: These are tailored to businesses within specific sectors, such as technology, agriculture, or healthcare. They align with government and organizational priorities to drive sectoral growth.
- Regional Grants: Designed to promote economic development in particular provinces, territories, or underserved areas, these grants address regional challenges and stimulate local economies.
For women entrepreneurs, these grants collectively aim to empower underrepresented voices, promote gender equity, and drive business success in diverse industries and regions.
Grants vs Loans for Women Entrepreneurs in Canada
Business grants and loans are two common funding options for women entrepreneurs, each with unique advantages and challenges.
Business grants provide non-repayable funding, reducing financial burden for recipients. These grants are often tied to specific activities like innovation, hiring, or marketing, making them a targeted form of financial assistance. However, the application process is highly competitive, and grant availability is limited, requiring significant effort to secure funding.
On the other hand, business loans must be repaid with interest, adding financial obligations to the borrower. Loans offer flexibility in how funds are used, allowing businesses to address a broader range of needs. Approval for loans, however, depends on creditworthiness and financial stability, which can be a barrier for some entrepreneurs.
Comparison: Grants vs Loans for Female-Owned Businesses
| Criteria | Business Grants | Business Loans |
|---|---|---|
| Repayment Required? | No | Yes, with interest |
| Financial Risk | Low | High |
| Eligibility Criteria | Specific to grant objectives | A good credit score and a solid business plan needed |
| Application Process | Competitive and detailed | Easier but varies by lender |
Choosing the right funding depends on your business goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation. If you qualify, grants provide non-repayable funding that can ease financial constraints, while loans offer greater flexibility for long-term investments.
Types of Women’s Business Grants in Canada
Federal Government Grants for Women Entrepreneurs
The federal government provides grants to support women entrepreneurs in Canada by fostering innovation, promoting economic participation, and addressing barriers to entry. These grants often fund activities such as business startup costs, research and development, technology adoption, and exporting initiatives. Federal grants aim to empower women-led businesses to thrive in diverse sectors and contribute to national economic growth by targeting industries such as technology, clean energy, and arts.
Provincial Government Grants for Women Entrepreneurs
Provincial governments across Canada offer grants tailored to address regional needs and support women entrepreneurs. These grants often focus on activities such as workforce training, business expansion, and industry-specific projects. Provincial grants aim to stimulate local economies, encourage innovation, and promote inclusivity within the business landscape. By aligning with provincial priorities, these grants help women entrepreneurs overcome regional challenges and create sustainable growth.
Non-Profit Grants for Women Entrepreneurs
Non-profit organizations play a crucial role in supporting women entrepreneurs through grants and additional resources. These grants often emphasize social impact, community development, and capacity building. Activities funded may include mentorship programs, leadership training, and initiatives that address gender disparities in business. Non-profit grants are designed to empower women entrepreneurs to create meaningful and lasting contributions to their communities and industries.
Eligibility Criteria for Women’s Business Grants in Canada
Eligibility criteria for women-focused business grants often include:
1. Women-Owned Business
2. Business Stage
3. Industry Alignment
4. Location
5. Alignment with Grant Objectives
6. Documentation
Meeting these criteria is crucial for a successful application. Women entrepreneurs should carefully review grant guidelines to ensure eligibility.
Applying for Grants in Canada: Top 5 Tips for Female Entrepreneurs
1. Research Available Grants
2. Tailor Your Application
3. Showcase Impact
4. Prepare Thorough Documentation
5. Leverage Support Resources
Alternatives to Grants for Female-Owned Businesses in Canada
Business Loans & Credit for Women Entrepreneurs
For women who may not qualify for grants or require additional funding, business loans are a viable alternative. Programs like the Canada Small Business Financing Program offer favorable terms, including lower interest rates and flexible repayment schedules. Loans can provide the capital needed for equipment purchases, operational expenses, or scaling efforts. Establishing good credit and preparing a strong business plan is critical for securing loans tailored to women entrepreneurs.
Startup Programs for Women Entrepreneurs
Startup programs, including incubators and accelerators, provide a blend of funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities tailored for women entrepreneurs. These programs often focus on skill development, connecting participants with industry leaders, and preparing them for long-term success. Participating in these programs can also open doors to partnerships and additional funding opportunities.
Equity Investment Programs for Women Entrepreneurs
Equity financing, through angel investors or venture capital firms, is an excellent option for women entrepreneurs with scalable business models. In exchange for equity, these programs provide significant funding and access to experienced mentors who can help navigate the challenges of growing a business. Equity investment is ideal for businesses aiming for rapid growth and substantial market impact.
Business Grants for Women in Canada – Current Grants Available
In the sections below you’ll find a sample of the federal and provincial business grants currently available for female-owned businesses in Canada:
No specific amount has been identified.
Grant
Description:
Persons with disabilities may have specific needs in their workplace. In some cases, the work environment must be adapted according to the person’s abilities to meet the requirements of the job. In these situations, it is possible to reimburse the employer for certain costs necessary for the integration or retention of this clientele.
No funding involved
In-Kind Support
Description:
Invest Ottawa’s vision is for Canada’s Capital to be the best city in the world for all women founders and business owners to launch, grow and scale commercially successful, globally oriented and sustainable companies.
We are on a journey that we know will take time, long-standing leadership, and extensive community collaboration. But we’re determined to move the dial and to create long-lasting change.
N/A
Subsidy, Grant
Description:
The Wage Subsidy program can help you make your application more attractive and make it easier for an employer to recruit you. You will increase your chances of finding sustainable employment or acquiring skills that will be useful in another job.
No fixed amount
Investment
Description:
Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative is helping to increase the availability of capital for Canada’s high-potential innovative firms, including those in the life sciences sector and for entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups, such as women and racialized communities. Please note that VCCI does not make direct investments into companies. Under Budget 2021, VCCI is investing up to $450 million through three streams:
1. Funds-of-funds stream investing up to $350 million in funds-of-funds;
2. Life sciences stream investing up to $50 million in VC funds primarily focused on investing in high-growth potential technology companies Canada’s life sciences sector; and,
3. Inclusive growth stream investing up to $50 million in VC funds to support increased access to VC for underrepresented groups, such as women and racialized communities.
$475 weekly $370 weekly The financial assistance you receive depends on your situation and will be determined at the time of your registration. You may also be entitled to reimbursement of certain expenses, such as child care costs; transportation costs; training costs; accommodation costs, if you have to travel to follow the training. “
Subsidy
Description:
If you want to take training to find a job, you could receive financial assistance by participating in the Workforce Training Measure.
no fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Talent to Watch Program supports emerging filmmakers looking to finance the production stage of their first feature film project(s).
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
Provide assistance in the form of coaching, technical advice and financial support to help eligible individuals start a business.
$1,000
Grant
Description:
The Supplier Diversity Certification Pilot Program (SDCPP) offers diverse-owned businesses* financial support to obtain supplier diversity certification through one of the five following certifying bodies in Canada:
CAMSC (Canadian Aboriginal & Minority Supplier Council)
IWSCC (Inclusive Workplace & Supply Council of Canada)
CGLCC (Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce)
WEConnect International Canada
WBE Canada (Women Business Enterprises Canada)
No funding involved
In-Kind Support
Description:
We want to see large companies recognize and tap into the untapped resources and expertise within Newfoundland and Labrador. Our goal is to diversify the pool of suppliers that corporations select, encouraging more women-owned businesses from Newfoundland and Labrador to pursue larger contracts and showcase their potential on a national and global scale.
$10,000
Grant
Description:
Under the Micro-Loan Program, women+ entrepreneurs from across Unama’ki – Cape Breton will be eligible to apply for a loan of up to $10,000 offered at a prime rate with zero percent interest and no payments for the first six months.
No funding involved
In-Kind Support
Description:
The mastermind groups are non-competitive micro-networks of women entrepreneurs that focus on member success through facilitated peer advising. NLOWE will host mastermind groups throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
No funding involved
In-Kind Support
Description:
Whether you are curious about export or you have begun to do business internationally, our Export Consultant can provide assistance. By breaking exporting into steps, we simplify and clarify the process of taking your product or service to the global stage. We provide services at each step in the process, to guide you along the export continuum from curiosity to action.
Varies depending on the specific call and project requirements.
Grant
Description:
The Government of Quebec offers financial support to Quebec organizations for the implementation of international cooperation and solidarity projects. This support is offered in particular according to the priorities of its international action set out in the International Vision of Quebec .
$20,000
Grant
Description:
The Ontario Creates-CMF IDM Futures Forward Program is a partnership with Ontario Creates and the Canada Media Fund (CMF) that provides funding for early-stage project-related development.
This program seeks to support companies that often have barriers to accessing project funding and to support the very beginning of a project’s creative process with the objective of giving a project a better chance to succeed in future stages of funding.
No specific amount was identified.
Subsidy
Description:
The Wage Subsidy program allows employers to obtain financial assistance to support the reception and employment integration of people of determination, but who face obstacles in finding employment.
$10,000
Grant
Description:
Supports women and non-binary founders from equity-deserving groups with $10,000 in non-matching funds and growth coaching.
$50,000
Grant
Description:
For founders with a product in-market and generating revenue: build a growth plan and execute it with hands-on support and potential access to $50,000.
no fixed amount
Loan
Description:
FCC provides financing to women entrepreneurs in agriculture, agribusiness and agri-food to start or grow their business.Through our research and discussions with women in agriculture, we discovered three key needs: increased access to capital to start or grow their business, access to business and competency skill development for themselves and their business, and access to tools, resources, and people to learn from and be inspired.
No fixed amount
Grant, Subsidy,
Description:
If you are an immigrant and have no work experience in North America, the Program to Assist with the Integration of Immigrants and Visible Minorities into Employment (PRIIME) could help you. It could give you the opportunity to acquire initial work experience in Quebec in your field of expertise.
Your new employer may receive wage support and a subsidy for additional costs, such as
the salary of an escort;
training costs;
the implementation of specific integration activities.
no fixed amount
Investment
Description:
Export Development Canada (EDC) has committed $200 million to invest in companies founded or led by diverse Canadians
For Canadian exporting businesses owned and led by people identifying as women, Indigenous, Black and other dimensions of diversity, one of the main barriers to growth is lack of equitable access to capital. This program helps address that challenge and create more opportunities for growth.
no fixed amount
Grant, In-Kind Support
Description:
The Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association and Invest Nova Scotia have developed the Digital Marketing Asset Development Program – Indigenous (DMADPI) to support Nova Scotia’s band-owned companies in their ongoing digital marketing activities.
Through financial and project management assistance, the program seeks to support band-owned companies with the development of custom digital marketing assets to elevate their national and international sales efforts, and help them succeed in an increasingly competitive digital sales reality.
$50,000.00
Grant
Description:
Digital Greenhouse is a digital innovation initiative for Canadian individuals, groups and organizations. It supports short-term projects that leverage digital technology to address sectoral and digital challenges, including:
1. the development of new digital tools and solutions that increase the resilience, sustainability, and discoverability of the arts sector,
2. the development of sector-wide and cross-sector collaborations, partnerships, and networks to support innovative digital business models, revenue models and monetization strategies,
3. sectoral approaches aimed at strategically increasing the digital/data literacy and ongoing digital transformation of the arts sector,
4. addressing challenges and exploring digital solutions related to accessibility, equity, diversity, decolonization, social justice, and climate responsibility created by, or relevant to, the digital world,
5. addressing challenges and exploring solutions related to the lack of access to digital infrastructure for remote regions and Northern and under-represented communities.
No specific amount was identified.
Grant, Subsidy
Description:
Meeting the needs in attraction, integration and retention of talent, among others.
Promote, develop and consolidate a culture of science and innovation.
Improve the competitiveness and productivity of businesses.
Develop new markets, new partnerships or new collaborations.
No specific amount has been identified.
Grant
Description:
This program offers technical assistance to employers who are considering implementing collective dismissals. Besides, it provides financial support to help cover the expenses associated with running the committee and carrying out reclassification activities.
No funding involved
In-Kind Support
Description:
The start-up services are free of charge and available to any woman in Newfoundland and Labrador who is interested in starting a business
No funding involved
In-Kind Support
Description:
Whether you are ready to hire your first employee or take your business in a whole new direction, our Business Growth Advisors can provide assistance. Our Advisors can provide you with one-on-one confidential services to help you better understand your business operations and advise you in the steps you can take to grow.
$350,000
Loan
Description:
Helping ambitious business owners from underserved communities get the financing, education and support they need to succeed.
no fixed amount
Entrepreneurship Program
Description:
ACTIVATE HER PEI is a six week program led by PEIBWA and the Atlantic Canadian Women in Growth Partnership. The program will take participants through the steps of creating a strategic business plan & process for their business, while providing additional resources to help take their concept from ideation to implementation.
no fixed amount
Entrepreneurship Program
Description:
Accelerate HER PEI is a 12-week program led by PEIBWA and delivered from PEIBWA’s Rural Women’s Business Centre both in-person and virtually. This program will serve high-potential women business owners operating in PEI. Participants will benefit from free access to business support services customized to meet their individual needs. This includes weekly group meetings, one-on-one mentorship, peer support, and a pool of expertise with a variety of businesses and industry leaders.
About the author
Maurice
