Women’s entrepreneurship support fund opens $80-million call
Eligible organizations have until November 9 to seek part of up to $80 million for projects supporting women entrepreneurs.
Organizations that provide business support to women entrepreneurs can now apply to a federal funding call worth up to $80 million over four years.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada says successful applicants to the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy Ecosystem Fund will receive non-repayable contributions beginning in 2027–28. Proposed projects must help women across Canada start, grow or scale businesses through services such as networks, training and mentorship.
Eligible organizations may submit proposals in English or French until November 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time. The call is aimed at organizations delivering support programmes; it is not a direct grant application for individual business owners.
The government announced a broader $173.7-million, five-year renewal of the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy in June. That package includes separate funding for loans and a knowledge hub.
Source: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Ecosystem Fund call, September 24, 2026.
Illustrative stock image: Redd Francisco / Unsplash Licence. The people pictured are not identified with the funded programme; WordPress may crop or resize the image for display.
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