Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) — 2026 Guide
Federal funding to help women entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale their businesses. Includes grants, loans, and ecosystem support through WES Ecosystem Fund recipients.
Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) — Complete Guide 2026
What Is the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy?
The Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) is a $6 billion federal government initiative to help women entrepreneurs in Canada start, grow, and scale their businesses. It includes direct grants, loans, mentorship, and networking through a national network of funded organizations.
How Much Funding Is Available?
WES funding varies by stream and organization delivering it:
- WES Ecosystem Fund grants: $20,000–$100,000 for women-led businesses through regional delivery organizations
- BDC WES loans: Up to $1M at favorable rates for women-owned businesses
- Export Development Canada WES: Up to $100K for export-ready women-led businesses
- Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub: Research, resources, and connections (free)
Who Is Eligible?
- Business at least 51% owned and led by a woman or non-binary individual
- Incorporated or registered in Canada
- Specific requirements vary by delivery organization
- Both new businesses (under 2 years) and established businesses qualify for different streams
How to Apply
WES is delivered through 50+ regional organizations across Canada. Find your regional WES recipient organization at ised.canada.ca/wes or through Women's Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC).
- Find your regional WES delivery organization (varies by province)
- Complete their application (usually 5–10 pages)
- Provide proof of women's ownership/leadership
- Submit business plan and financial projections
Regional WES Organizations by Province
- Ontario: Women's Enterprise Skills Training (WEST), Centre for Women in Business
- BC: Women's Enterprise Centre (WEC-BC), Futurpreneur
- Alberta: Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE)
- Quebec: Femmessor, AFÉAS
- Atlantic: Women's Enterprise Organizations of Canada regional offices
- Prairies: Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan, Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba
WES vs Other Women's Programs
- WES (federal): Grants + loans through ecosystem organizations. Best for growth-stage businesses.
- Starter Company Plus (Ontario): $5K grant. Best for brand-new Ontario businesses.
- BDC Women in Tech: Loans up to $1M for women-led tech companies
- Futurpreneur: Up to $60K financing for entrepreneurs 18–39
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to be 100% women-owned to qualify for WES?
- No. The standard is 51%+ women ownership. The business must also be primarily led and managed by a woman.
- Can I get both WES funding and a BDC loan?
- Yes. Many women entrepreneurs stack WES ecosystem grants with BDC loans and other federal programs. There is no rule against combining non-repayable grants with loans.
- How long does WES funding take to receive?
- Varies by delivery organization. Expect 4–12 weeks from application to funding decision. Some emergency or microgrant streams can be faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES)?
- WES is a $6 billion federal initiative providing grants ($20K–$100K), loans (up to $1M through BDC), and business support to women-owned businesses across Canada through 50+ regional delivery organizations.
- How do I apply for WES funding?
- Find your regional WES delivery organization at ised.canada.ca/wes. Requirements vary by organization, but you'll need to show 51%+ women ownership, a business plan, and financial statements.
- Can a new business apply for WES?
- Yes. Both startups and established businesses qualify for different WES streams. New businesses often access WES through the WES Ecosystem Fund's early-stage programming.
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