From: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Advancing gender equality and women’s economic empowerment isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also the smart thing to do. Studies show that by advancing gender equality and women’s participation in the economy, Canada could add billions of dollars in GDP.
Only 17.8% of Canadian small and medium-sized businesses are owned by women. The Government of Canada is working to change that with Canada’s first ever Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), launched in 2018.
WES includes nearly $7 billion in investments and commitments that are helping hundreds of thousands of women access the financing, networks and expertise they need to start up, scale up and expand into international markets.
Find out how the WES is helping Canadian businesswomen find success.
Discover how the WES Inclusive Women Venture Capital Initiative is helping build a more equitable venture capital environment for Canadian women.
Find organizations offering up to $50,000 in loans to help your business start up, scale up and access international markets.
Find organizations offering business support such as training, mentorship and networking opportunities in your region.
Explore the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub to get key data on women entrepreneurship, gain useful insights for your business and link in with learning events and networking opportunities.
25,600+
total loans or non-repayable grants provided
316,700+
times WES services accessed
3,700+
networking and learning events
Read our 2023 progress report to find out how WES is making a difference by:
Find out how the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy has helped individual businesses.
Also Recrutement was able to expand its services and find helpful networks thanks to the WES.
WES programs helped this Indigenous-owned artisanal tea company incorporate, scale up its capacity to roast wild rice, and get intellectual property protection.
Watch more WES success story videos
Women Entrepreneurship Strategy – IC.gc.ca
