The Government of Canada is committed to advancing gender equality and women�s economic empowerment and to supporting women entrepreneurs through the�Women Entrepreneurship Strategy�(the Strategy).
As part of the Strategy, the Government is ensuring women across Canada have access to the business supports they need to start or grow a business. To date, the WES Ecosystem Fund has invested $100 million over five years to strengthen capacity within the entrepreneurship ecosystem and close gaps in service for women entrepreneurs.
Eligibility
Projects must be led by not-for-profit organizations and be inclusive of the needs of diverse and under-represented women. Partnerships/consortia proposals are encouraged.
Project Scope
Through this call, funding consideration will be given to projects that:
- are national in scope, or serve a minimum of 5 provinces and territories (multi-regional)
- priority will be given to projects that deliver services in all provinces and territories
- have a maximum budget of $4,000,000
- have a minimum budget of $400,000
Eligible focus areas include one or more of the following:
- scale-up
- supplier diversity
- recovery planning/adaption
- start-ups
- other areas that will support/contribute to strengthening the network of women entrepreneurship organizations in Canada or the Ecosystem Fund objectives
Projects�must�include mentorship and networking as one component of project activities.
Application Timeline:
- The Government of Canada invites eligible organizations to submit proposals for the WES Ecosystem Fund no later than March 15, 2022 (12 pm PST).
- Applications must include all of the required information outlined in the application guide to be considered in the next stage of the selection process.
Late submissions will not be considered. Late submissions will not be considered.
For More Information:�Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) Ecosystem Fund Webpage
