Canada has opened a call for proposals aimed at organizations providing business support to women entrepreneurs. The Women Entrepreneurship Strategy Ecosystem Fund will make up to $80 million in non-repayable contributions available to successful applicants.
The funding is scheduled for distribution over four years, beginning in 2027-2028. Eligible organizations can submit proposals in English or French until November 9, 2026, at 11:59 pm (PT). The call focuses on projects that help women start, grow, and scale businesses.
Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism, announced the call on September 24. The government announcement distributed by CNW describes financing, training, and networks as priorities for women entrepreneurs.
The Call Funds Organizations Providing Business Support
The immediate applicants are eligible organizations proposing projects, rather than individual founders seeking a business loan. Successful proposals will receive non-repayable contribution funding through this call. The supported projects are intended to provide business services to women entrepreneurs across Canada.
The government says the initiative continues its work to remove barriers, including those affecting women in under-represented sectors. The announcement presents the funding as support for business development. It does not report completed results from this new proposal round.
Valdez linked the call to the government’s wider economic ambitions. She said women need financing, networks, and support to grow businesses and contribute to Canada’s economy. Those statements describe the government’s rationale for the program and its expected role.
The Ecosystem Fund Sits Within a Broader Renewal
The proposal round follows the government’s June 2026 announcement of a further $173.7 million for the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy over five years. That renewal includes $100 million for the Ecosystem Fund. Its stated purpose includes access to networks, training, mentorship, and new markets.
A separate $59 million allocation supports the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund. That fund works through partner organizations to deliver loans of up to $50,000 to women business owners and entrepreneurs. It is distinct from the non-repayable contributions offered through the current Ecosystem Fund call.
The renewal also assigns $7 million to the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub. The government describes the hub as a source of knowledge, data, and best practices. Nearly $8 million is allocated to program operating costs.
According to the announcement, the strategy has supported more than 600,000 women entrepreneurs since launching in 2018. For organizations seeking to participate in the new round, the immediate milestone is the November 9 proposal deadline. Disbursement to successful applicants is scheduled to begin in 2027-2028.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply through the new Ecosystem Fund call?
Eligible organizations can submit proposals for projects providing business support to women entrepreneurs across Canada.
How much funding is available in this proposal round?
Up to $80 million in non-repayable contribution funding will be available to successful applicants over four years starting in 2027-2028.
What is the deadline for submitting proposals?
Eligible organizations may submit proposals in English or French until November 9, 2026, at 11:59 pm (PT).
Is the Ecosystem Fund call the same as the Loan Fund?
No. The separate Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund supports partner organizations delivering loans of up to $50,000 to women business owners and entrepreneurs.
