Women entrepreneurs across Canada are set to benefit from a significant new federal investment aimed at strengthening business growth, increasing access to funding, and removing barriers to entrepreneurship.
On June 22, 2026, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), announced $173.7 million over five years to continue and expand the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES).
The announcement was made in Lethbridge, Alberta, and reflects the federal government’s ongoing commitment to supporting women-owned businesses as key drivers of economic growth, innovation, and job creation.
Supporting Women Entrepreneurs Across Canada
Women-owned businesses continue to play a vital role in Canada’s economy, yet many entrepreneurs still face challenges accessing capital, mentorship, training, and professional networks.
The renewed investment seeks to address these barriers by providing women entrepreneurs with the resources and support needed to start, grow, and scale their businesses.
“Women entrepreneurs are essential to building the strongest economy in the G7,” said Minister Valdez. “They create jobs, strengthen communities and contribute to a Canada that is strong for everyone.”
Key Funding Highlights
The renewed funding package includes support for several flagship initiatives under the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy:
Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund
A total of $59 million has been allocated to the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, which provides loans of up to $50,000 to women business owners and entrepreneurs through partner organizations.
The program has already supported more than 1,600 loans to women entrepreneurs across Canada, helping them access the capital needed to launch and grow their ventures.
WES Ecosystem Fund
The federal government will invest $100 million in the WES Ecosystem Fund, which supports non-profit organizations delivering:
- Business training
- Advisory services
- Mentorship programs
- Networking opportunities
- Market access support
The fund helps women entrepreneurs develop the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to build sustainable businesses.
Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub
An additional $7 million will support the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, a national network consisting of:
- 10 regional hubs
- More than 250 partner organizations
- Researchers
- Business support organizations
- Entrepreneurship stakeholders
The Knowledge Hub plays a critical role in generating data, research, and best practices that inform policies and programs supporting women entrepreneurs.
Building on a Proven Track Record
Since its launch in 2018, the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy has supported more than 500,000 women entrepreneurs across Canada.
The latest investment builds on that success while reinforcing the government’s broader efforts to strengthen small businesses through initiatives such as:
- AI adoption support
- Export development programs
- Tariff relief measures
- Red tape reduction initiatives
- Inclusive entrepreneurship programs
The government also continues to support diverse entrepreneurs through initiatives such as the Black Entrepreneurship Program, the 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program, and partnerships with organizations like Futurpreneur Canada.
Why This Matters
For many women entrepreneurs, access to funding remains one of the biggest challenges to business growth. Limited access to capital, mentorship opportunities, and professional networks can slow expansion and reduce access to new markets.
The renewed Women Entrepreneurship Strategy investment aims to help close these gaps by creating more opportunities for women to build thriving businesses, create jobs, and contribute to Canada’s economic prosperity.
As the entrepreneurial landscape continues to evolve, investments like these help ensure that women founders, innovators, and business leaders have the tools they need to succeed.
Looking Ahead
The announcement represents a significant step forward for women-owned businesses and organizations that support women entrepreneurs across Canada.
For women founders, business owners, and aspiring entrepreneurs, the continued expansion of the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy offers new opportunities to access financing, mentorship, training, and networks that can help turn ideas into sustainable, scalable businesses.
At Women of Rubies, we celebrate initiatives that empower women to pursue entrepreneurship, build wealth, create impact, and strengthen communities. We look forward to seeing how this investment helps unlock the potential of even more women entrepreneurs across Canada.
Source: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and the Office of the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism).
