How to Apply for the WiHI Seed Program in Ontario

How to Apply for the WiHI Seed Program in Ontario

If you’re building a women-led health science startup in Ontario, early-stage funding can be hard to find. The WiHI Seed Program helps close that gap with non-dilutive funding and expert support designed for young companies. This guide explains who qualifies, what you can get, and how to apply with confidence.

The WiHI Seed Program is delivered by the Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO) and targets high-potential startups working in human health sciences.

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What Is the WiHI Seed Program and Who Is It For?

The WiHI Seed Program provides up to $10,000 in non-dilutive seed funding, plus advisory support, to women-led health science companies in Ontario.

Eligible businesses must meet all of the following:

• Be a private, for-profit company based in Ontario
• Operate in human health sciences, including:
  • Medical devices
  • Diagnostics
  • Digital health or digital therapeutics
  • Therapeutics
• Women-identified leadership, defined as:
  • At least 50% women-identified ownership, and/or
  • At least 50% women-identified management in senior, strategic decision-making roles (C-suite or equivalent)
• Early-stage capital history, having raised:
  • Less than $3 million CAD in dilutive capital to date

This program is designed for seed-stage companies that are still validating their technology, market need, or commercialization plan.

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How Much Funding Can You Receive?

Approved companies can receive:

• Up to $10,000 in non-dilutive funding
• Access to a 6-month advisory and mentorship program delivered through OBIO’s Women in Health Initiative (WiHI) network

The funding is generally non-repayable, meaning you do not give up equity or pay the money back. Tax treatment depends on your company’s structure and should be confirmed with your accountant.

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How to Apply for the WiHI Seed Program

Applications are submitted directly through OBIO when the program intake is open. The program is competitive and focuses on both innovation strength and leadership readiness.

Step-by-step application process:

1. Confirm your eligibility

   • Double-check ownership, leadership composition, and capital raised to date.
   • Make sure your product clearly fits within human health sciences.

2. Prepare your core materials

   • Company overview and incorporation details
   • Description of your health innovation and problem solved
   • Clear explanation of women-identified ownership or leadership
   • Summary of prior funding raised
   • Planned use of the $10,000 seed funding

3. Submit your application through OBIO

   • Applications are reviewed by OBIO and WiHI stakeholders.
   • Strong applications clearly show market need, innovation potential, and ability to carry out your plan.

4. Participate in advisory programming if selected

   • Successful applicants receive both funding and structured advisory support.

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly confirm if the WiHI Seed Program fits your business profile before you invest time in applying.

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What Can WiHI Seed Funding Be Used For?

While OBIO does not publish a rigid expense list, seed funding is typically used for early-stage activities such as:

• Market validation or customer discovery
• Early product or prototype development
• Regulatory or commercialization planning
• Business strategy and investor readiness

Your application should clearly link spending to near-term business milestones.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not clearly proving women-led leadership
   Applications often fail when ownership or management roles are unclear. Be explicit about titles, decision-making authority, and equity split.

2. Applying too late-stage
   If you’ve raised close to or above $3 million in dilutive capital, your application may be screened out early.

3. Vague use-of-funds explanations
   “General operations” is not enough. Tie every dollar to a specific outcome.

4. Underestimating competitiveness
   This is a high-potential program. Weak market validation or unclear differentiation can hurt your chances.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the WiHI Seed Program only for startups in Toronto?
No. Any eligible company based in Ontario can apply, regardless of city or region.

Q: Is the WiHI Seed Program funding repayable?
No. The funding is generally non-repayable and non-dilutive. Tax treatment depends on your business circumstances.

Q: Can I combine WiHI Seed funding with other grants?
Often yes. WiHI Seed funding can usually be stacked with programs like IRAP or other provincial innovation grants, subject to each program’s rules.

Q: How competitive is the WiHI Seed Program?
It is competitive and targets high-potential startups. Clear innovation, strong leadership, and a realistic commercialization path are essential.

Q: What counts as a health science company?
Companies working in medical devices, diagnostics, digital health, digital therapeutics, or therapeutics focused on human health qualify.

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