Starting and growing a business is hard. For women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs, access to capital, mentorship, and networks can be even harder. That gap is why Canada has a growing number of business support programs for women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs, many of them free and designed to help you build skills, confidence, and connections—not just funding.
Across Canada, non-profit and regional programs support women and gender-diverse business owners. They help at every stage, from idea to scale. Below are some of the most relevant programs to know, including what they offer and who they are best for.
These programs focus on advisory services, mentorship, training, and peer support. Most do not provide direct grants, but they often help you become grant- or loan-ready.
The Centre for Women in Business (CWB) is a national, non-profit support organization for women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs.
What it offers
Who’s eligible
This program is often a first step if you want community and practical guidance without cost.
NLOWE provides free business advice and peer support for women entrepreneurs in Newfoundland and Labrador.
What it offers
Who’s eligible
According to program FAQs, NLOWE does not provide direct grants. Its value is in expert guidance and mentoring that helps you make better funding decisions later.
Delivered through Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs), this program supports women entrepreneurs across New Brunswick.
What it offers
Who’s eligible
This program is especially useful if you want local support with a strong understanding of regional markets.
Entrepreneurs on the Rise is a specialized program delivered by ETHOS Career Management Group.
What it offers
Who’s eligible
This program focuses on personal and professional skill development rather than funding.
WeMB (Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba) offers advisory services with a national reach.
What it offers
Who’s eligible
This is a strong option if you want hands-on help preparing for financing.
Most business support programs for women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs are non-financial. That does not make them less valuable. In practice, they often:
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter grants by province, industry, and ownership profile once your business is ready to apply.
With so many programs out there, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you decide:
1. Consider your business stage
Are you at the idea, startup, or growth stage? Some programs focus on early-stage planning, while others support expansion.
2. Check location requirements
Many programs are regional. Make sure you qualify based on where you live and operate.
3. Look for specialized support
If you identify as Indigenous, a newcomer, or have a disability, seek programs with targeted services.
4. Review the services offered
Do you need mentorship, business planning help, or connections to funders? Match your needs to what each program provides.
5. Ask about combining programs
You can often join more than one program. For example, you might use a local advisory group and a national mentorship network.
If you’re unsure where to start, GrantHub’s resource library lists both funding and non-funding programs by province and business type.
Assuming every program offers grants
Many programs focus on advice and mentorship. Always check whether funding is included or if support is non-financial.
Waiting until your business is “perfect”
Most programs accept early-stage and even idea-stage entrepreneurs. Waiting too long means missing free support.
Ignoring regional programs
Local and provincial programs often provide more hands-on help than national ones.
Not using support before applying for funding
Advisory programs can significantly improve your chances of approval for grants and loans later.
Q: Are there grants specifically for women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs in Canada?
Yes, but many programs focus on advisory support first. These supports often help you qualify for grants and loans offered by other organizations.
Q: Do I need an incorporated business to join these programs?
Usually no. Many accept sole proprietors and early-stage entrepreneurs. Each program sets its own rules.
Q: Are these programs really free?
Most listed here are free to participants, as they are funded by governments or non-profits.
Q: Can non-binary entrepreneurs apply?
Yes. Programs like the Centre for Women in Business and Entrepreneurs on the Rise explicitly include gender-diverse and non-binary entrepreneurs.
Q: Can I use more than one support program at the same time?
In most cases, yes. Advisory and mentorship programs can often be used together.
Business support programs for women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs can give you skills, confidence, and connections that funding alone cannot. Once you have that foundation, the next step is finding grants and loans that fit your business.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada—check which ones match your business profile and ownership type.
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