On June 22, 2026, ISED Minister Rechie Valdez announced $173.7 million over five years for the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, split across the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund ($59M), the WES Ecosystem Fund ($100M), and the Knowledge Hub ($7M). The Loan Fund provides microloans up to $50,000 to women-led businesses via partner organizations, alongside funded advisory and mentorship services.
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Canada adds $173.7M to Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, incl. microloans up to $50K
Why this matters for founders
Women founders can access microloans up to $50,000 and free training/mentorship by applying through WES-funded delivery partners rather than a single federal portal; check the Ecosystem Fund partner list and Loan Fund lenders in your region to find the right intake.
Source: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (Canada.ca)
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