Women's Enterprise Society Funding Ontario 2026

Published March 2, 2026 · Updated for 2026 program landscape

Women entrepreneurs in Ontario face a well-documented financing gap: research consistently shows that women-owned businesses receive less venture capital, face higher loan rejection rates, and access smaller credit facilities than equivalent businesses owned by men. Federal and provincial programs have responded with dedicated streams designed to close this gap. This guide covers the most significant funding sources for women entrepreneurs in Ontario in 2026 — from WES and WEKH-linked programs to BDC's dedicated women in business streams and provincial supports.

Women's Enterprise Society of Canada (WESC)

The Women's Enterprise Society of Canada (WESC) — also known as Women's Enterprise Centre in BC, or affiliated organizations in other provinces — provides business loans, advisory services, and business skills training for women entrepreneurs. In Ontario, the equivalent functions are fulfilled by a network of organizations including:

• Women's Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor (WEST): Provides business training, start-up support, and connections to financing for women in southwestern Ontario
• WBE Canada (Women Business Enterprises Canada): Certification organization that connects certified women-owned businesses to corporate and government procurement opportunities
• Women's Economic Forum Ontario: Regional programming and networking that feeds into national funding ecosystems

BDC Women Entrepreneurs Program

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has a dedicated Women in Technology Venture Fund and provides enhanced financing options for majority women-owned businesses (51% or more):

• Business loans: BDC offers term loans from $10,000 to several million, with flexible repayment and no requirement for traditional collateral in some streams — making it more accessible than bank financing for women-owned businesses
• Women Entrepreneurs Grant (now closed, watch for replacements): BDC previously offered direct grants of up to $10,000 for women-owned businesses — the program closed but BDC periodically launches successor programs. Check bdc.ca/women for current offerings
• Advisory services subsidy: BDC offers subsidized consulting services to qualifying clients — women-owned businesses often receive additional fee reductions

Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) — Federal Programs

The federal Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), announced in 2018 and extended through subsequent budgets, channels over $2 billion into women's entrepreneurship across Canada. It funds a network of regional delivery organizations that provide:

• WES Ecosystem Fund organizations: These regional bodies provide mentorship, skills development, networking, and connections to capital for women entrepreneurs. Ontario has multiple WES Ecosystem organizations — search Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) for your regional contact
• Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH): Research and resource network that connects women entrepreneurs with data, best practices, and local programs
• WES Loan Fund partners: Community lending organizations (CDFIs) that received WES funding to provide business loans of $5,000–$150,000 to women-owned businesses at below-market rates

Starter Company Plus for Women Entrepreneurs

Ontario's Starter Company Plus program is not gender-specific, but it is administered through regional Small Business Centres and many offices actively prioritize diverse applicants including women. Key details:

• Up to $5,000 non-repayable grant for new businesses
• Mandatory business training (typically 2–3 days)
• Mentorship component included
• Must be a new business (less than 3 years old), Ontario resident, and not a full-time student
• Applications open seasonally — contact your local Small Business Centre for intake dates

FedDev Ontario — Enabling Inclusive Growth

FedDev Ontario's Enabling Inclusive Growth stream specifically targets businesses owned by underrepresented groups, including women:

• Non-repayable contributions from $500,000 to $10 million for southern Ontario businesses
• Projects must create employment, invest in productivity, and demonstrate economic impact
• Women-owned businesses score additional points in the evaluation criteria
• Applications by invitation following an Expression of Interest

RBC Women in Business Program

While not a government grant, the RBC Women in Business Program provides preferred access to business credit, coaching, and connections. Several major Canadian banks have similar programs that reduce the friction of accessing capital for women entrepreneurs and are worth pursuing alongside government programs.

Practical Application Tips for Women Entrepreneurs

Get WBE Certified. Women Business Enterprises (WBE) Canada certification opens doors to corporate and government procurement programs that specifically target women-owned businesses. The certification requires at least 51% women ownership and control. Annual fee is modest relative to the procurement opportunity.

Apply to multiple WES Ecosystem organizations. There is no rule against engaging multiple regional WES organizations — many women entrepreneurs access programming from 2–3 organizations simultaneously. Each offers different programming, events, and connections to capital.

Document your ownership clearly. Many programs require evidence that a woman holds 51% or more of equity AND has day-to-day operational control. Have your shareholder agreement and corporate ownership records organized before applying.

Related reading: Grants for Women Business Owners | BDC Advisory Services Guide | Grant Blog