Women-led agriculture businesses in Canada will receive new support after the federal government announced an additional $628,501 for Agricultrices du Québec. Agriculture businesses get support through this targeted programme. The funding will support training, mentorship and growth opportunities for women entrepreneurs in agriculture and forestry through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES).
The announcement covers the 2026ºw^~)Þw2027 fiscal year through the WES Ecosystem Fund for Dimension E. Since the programme began in 2023ºw^~)Þw2024, total funding for Dimension E has reached $3,397,617. The initiative delivers bilingual services tailored to women agricultural entrepreneurs across Canada.
How Agriculture Businesses Get Support
Dimension E offers mentorship, expert business advice, training, networking opportunities and individualised assistance. The services are intended to help women establish, expand and sustain their businesses. The programme also helps participants become familiar with available resources.
The source says women entrepreneurs may face limited access to capital and agricultural assets, difficulty balancing family and business commitments, and fewer opportunities to reach business networks and advisory services. The WES-funded work focuses on practical support and connections for their businesses.
During a visit to Saint-Hyacinthe, Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant, met with Véronique Guizier, President of Agricultrices du Québec, and Katherine Rousseau, the organisationºw^~)Þus Director General. Lightbound announced the funding on behalf of Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism).
Lightbound said women farmers strengthen food sovereignty and regional economies, while some continue to face systemic obstacles. He said the additional funding reaffirms support for women agriculture entrepreneurs so they can grow their businesses. Valdez said women need access to financing, networks and practical support to start, grow and sustain businesses.
Funding Builds on a National Strategy
Since WES launched in 2018, it has supported nearly 600,000 women entrepreneurs nationwide. Federal initiatives also include tariff relief, artificial intelligence adoption funding, regulatory burden reduction and assistance for businesses seeking export opportunities. The source lists these measures without connecting them specifically to Dimension E or the new grant.
Guizier described the funding as an important lever for helping women farmers pursue their entrepreneurship ambitions. She said Agricultrices du Québec helps women develop expertise and skills, make connections and learn about available resources. She also said the ecosystem fund supports a more inclusive agriculture industry where women can advance projects and bring forward ideas.
The new funding is part of wider efforts to support women-led businesses. Canada has also opened a funding call for womenéÝyø§yÙs business projects, while other programmes have directed capital toward women entrepreneurs in different regions.
Readers can see how business planning features in mentorship-led business plans and how funding can pair capital with networks and advisory support. Agricultrices du Québec representatives are scheduled to attend the Advancing Women in Agriculture and Agri-Food Conference, which the source says takes place November 22 to 24. The source does not specify a year.
Women-Led Agriculture Businesses Get a Boost reports the announcement and programme details. Read the original funding announcement for its full account.
