ISED - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

10/13/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/13/2026 11:46

Minister Valdez announces access to capital for women entrepreneurs

Minister Valdez announces access to capital for women entrepreneurs

From: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

News release

Building the strongest economy in the G7 requires the full and equal participation of women. Through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), the federal government is helping more women entrepreneurs access the financing, training and networks they need to succeed as we build a stronger, more competitive Canada.

October 13, 2026 - Winnipeg, Manitoba

Building the strongest economy in the G7 requires the full and equal participation of women. Through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), the federal government is helping more women entrepreneurs access the financing, training and networks they need to succeed as we build a stronger, more competitive Canada.

Today, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), announced $30 million in renewed funding for the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund.

Through the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, four not-for-profit organizations are providing microloans of up to $50,000 to help women entrepreneurs start or grow their businesses. The organizations also provide robust wrap-around services that help women entrepreneurs navigate challenges and build sustainable businesses.

The organizations delivering these services are:

Since launching in 2022, the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund has delivered nearly 1,600 loans totalling over $50 million to help women entrepreneurs reach their business goals.

To continue removing barriers facing women entrepreneurs, including those in under-represented sectors, the Government of Canada announced in June 2026 funding for WES with $173.7 million 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 the federal government's broader efforts to strengthen small businesses, including tariff relief measures, funding for AI adoption, red tape reduction and support for exporting to new markets.

Quotes

"Women entrepreneurs are essential to building the strongest economy in the G7. When women have the financing, networks and support they need to grow their businesses, they create jobs, strengthen communities and help grow Canada's economy. Through the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, we are helping more women turn their ideas into successful businesses and ensuring they have the opportunity to contribute fully to Canada's economic strength as we build a stronger, more competitive Canadian economy."
- The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)

Quick facts

  • The Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), the first of its kind in Canada, includes more than $7 billion in investments to strengthen women entrepreneurship across Canada.

  • In June 2026, the Government of Canada announced that it was renewing funding for WES with a further $173.7 million over five years.

  • The government is also investing in removing systemic barriers faced by diverse entrepreneurs through programs like the Black Entrepreneurship Program and the 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program and organizations like Futurpreneur.

Contacts

Erin Quevillon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)
[email protected]

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
[email protected]

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ISED - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada published this content on October 13, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 13, 2026 at 17:46 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]