Ottawa Renews $30M in Microloans for Women Entrepreneurs
The federal government is extending funding for the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, which has distributed over 1,600 loans since 2022.
Govgrant newsroomOctober 13, 2026 · 2 min read- Funding amount
- $30 million in renewed funding for the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund
- Loan size
- Up to $50,000 per microloan
- Delivered by
- Women's Enterprise Organizations of Canada, National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association, Nventure, and Evol
- Track record
- Nearly 1,600 loans totalling over $50 million since 2022
- Announcement date
- October 13, 2026
What was announced
The federal government announced $30 million in renewed funding for the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund on October 13, 2026. The program is part of the broader Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), which aims to help women entrepreneurs access financing, training, and networks needed to build and grow their businesses.
Since the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund launched in 2022, it has delivered nearly 1,600 loans worth over $50 million to women entrepreneurs across Canada. The funding renewal supports the continuation and expansion of this initiative.
How the program works
Four not-for-profit organizations deliver the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund: Women's Enterprise Organizations of Canada, National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association, Nventure, and Evol. These organizations provide microloans of up to $50,000 to help women entrepreneurs start or grow their businesses.
Beyond financing, the organizations also offer wrap-around services to help women entrepreneurs navigate challenges and build sustainable businesses. This support structure is designed to remove barriers facing women entrepreneurs, including those in under-represented sectors.
Broader context
The Women Entrepreneurship Strategy extends beyond the Loan Fund. In June 2026, the government announced $173.7 million in renewed funding for WES over five years. Since its launch in 2018, WES has supported more than 600,000 women entrepreneurs across Canada.
Women entrepreneurs are also benefiting from other federal initiatives, including tariff relief measures, funding for AI adoption, red tape reduction, and support for exporting to new markets. The government is investing in removing systemic barriers through additional programs such as the Black Entrepreneurship Program and the 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply directly through the government for a Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund microloan?
No. The loans are delivered by four not-for-profit organizations: Women's Enterprise Organizations of Canada, National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association, Nventure, and Evol. You would need to contact one of these organizations to apply.
What can I use a Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund microloan for?
The source indicates the loans are available to help women entrepreneurs start or grow their businesses, but does not detail specific allowable uses. Contact one of the delivering organizations or check the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy official page for details on eligible uses.
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