Canada offers 15+ grant and funding programs specifically for women entrepreneurs in 2026. The most accessible programs include the BMO Celebrating Women Grant ($10,000 non-repayable), SheEO (up to $100,000 zero-interest loans), and the federal Women Entrepreneurship Fund for export-focused businesses. Women business owners can also access general programs like IRAP (up to $1M) and CanExport ($99,999). Most women-specific grants require the business to be at least 51% owned and controlled by women or non-binary individuals.
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What Grants Are Available for Women Entrepreneurs in Canada?
Last updated:Organization: SheEO
Amount: Up to $100,000
Zero-interest loans and global network access for women and non-binary entrepreneurs working on ventures that address the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Eligibility: Majority-owned by women/non-binary, revenue-generating, scalable venture
View Details →Organization: BMO Financial Group
Amount: $10,000
Annual grant program recognizing women-owned businesses making a positive impact in Canada. Ten grants awarded each year.
Eligibility: 51%+ owned by women/non-binary/trans women, operating 2+ years
View Details →Organization: BDC Capital
Amount: Up to $5 million
Equity investment for technology companies with women in key leadership positions. Includes strategic support and network access.
Eligibility: Tech companies with women founders or C-suite leaders
View Details →Organization: Government of Canada
Amount: Up to $100,000
Supports women-owned businesses to grow through trade and export activities. Part of the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy.
Eligibility: Women-owned/led businesses with export potential
View Details →Organization: Futurpreneur Canada
Amount: Up to $60,000
Financing, mentoring, and support for young women entrepreneurs aged 18-39 starting their own business.
Eligibility: Women ages 18-39, Canadian resident, starting a business
View Details →Organization: Government of Canada
Amount: Up to $250,000
Financing and support for Black entrepreneurs, including Black women business owners, to start and scale their ventures.
Eligibility: Black entrepreneurs and business owners in Canada
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Organization: Diversity Institute
Amount: Resources & Connections
National network connecting women entrepreneurs to research, resources, and funding opportunities across Canada.
Eligibility: All women entrepreneurs in Canada
View Details →Organization: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Amount: Varies by project
Supports women and other under-represented groups in agriculture to develop skills and grow agri-food businesses.
Eligibility: Women in agriculture/agri-food sector
View Details →Organization: Government of Ontario
Amount: $5,000
Training, mentoring, and $5,000 micro-grant for new entrepreneurs. Popular entry point for women starting businesses.
Eligibility: Ontario residents 18+, complete training
View Details →Organization: Global Affairs Canada
Amount: Up to $99,999
Export development funding for SMEs. Can be combined with women-focused grants for export-ready businesses.
Eligibility: Canadian SMEs with export potential
View Details →Organization: National Research Council Canada
Amount: Up to $1 million
R&D funding for tech companies. Women-led tech companies can combine with BDC Women in Tech fund.
Eligibility: Canadian SMEs doing R&D (500 or fewer employees)
View Details →Looking for more funding options?
Explore All 118+ Canadian GrantsTop Women Business Grants Comparison (2026)
| Program | Amount | Best For | Repayment | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SheEO | Up to $100K | Impact ventures | 0% loan | Annual cohorts |
| BMO Women Grant | $10,000 | Established businesses | None | Annual deadline |
| BDC Women in Tech | Up to $5M | Tech companies | Equity | Ongoing |
| Women Entrepreneurship Fund | Up to $100K | Export businesses | None | 4-8 weeks |
| Futurpreneur | Up to $60K | Ages 18-39 | Partial | 6-8 weeks |
| Black Entrepreneurship | Up to $250K | Black women entrepreneurs | None | Ongoing |
Frequently Asked Questions: Grants for Women Entrepreneurs
What grants are available for women entrepreneurs in Canada? +
How much funding can women-owned businesses get in Canada? +
What are the eligibility requirements for women business grants? +
Are women business grants repayable? +
Can women access general business grants too? +
Summary: Women Business Grants in Canada (2026)
Canada offers 15+ grant and funding programs specifically for women entrepreneurs in 2026. The most notable include SheEO (zero-interest loans up to $100,000), the BMO Celebrating Women Grant ($10,000 non-repayable awarded annually), and the BDC Women in Technology Venture Fund (equity investments up to $5 million). The federal Women Entrepreneurship Fund provides up to $100,000 for export-focused women-owned businesses. For Black women entrepreneurs, the Black Entrepreneurship Program offers up to $250,000. Most programs require at least 51% ownership by women, non-binary, or trans individuals. Women entrepreneurs should also apply to general grants like IRAP (up to $1M for R&D), CanExport ($99,999 for exports), and provincial programs. Processing typically takes 4-12 weeks. Source: GrantCompass.ca, researched and updated February 2026.
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