Early-stage health startups often face challenges finding small, non-dilutive funding that fits their needs. The WiHI Seed Program helps women-led health science companies in Ontario bridge this gap. If you are building a medical device, digital health, or diagnostics company, this checklist will help you see if you qualify.
The WiHI Seed Program is run by the Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO). It offers up to $10,000 in non-dilutive seed funding and advisory support to help women-led health startups move forward from the earliest stage.
Check if your business meets these main requirements:
Eligible companies must be:
This includes:
Your company needs to meet at least one of these criteria:
Management roles must be senior and have real decision-making power, such as CEO, COO, or other C-suite positions. Titles without real influence do not count.
The WiHI Seed Program is for businesses at the pre-seed or seed stage. To qualify:
This means equity investments and venture capital. Grants and other non-dilutive funding usually do not count toward this limit.
OBIO is looking for startups that:
The program is very competitive. Only startups with strong potential are selected.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly filter programs by province and industry, making it easier to compare WiHI with other health startup grants.
If your business is accepted, you can receive:
This money is usually non-repayable. Check with your accountant for tax details, as rules can vary.
Thinking any women-founded company qualifies
Your business must have at least 50% women ownership or senior management. Partial ownership or junior roles do not meet the requirement.
Applying without Ontario incorporation
The company itself must be incorporated and based in Ontario. Founders living in Ontario is not enough.
Ignoring the capital raised limit
If your company has raised more than $3 million in dilutive capital, you are not eligible.
Being unclear about your health focus
Your product must clearly support human health. General wellness or consumer apps without a health science angle may not qualify.
Here are some tips to help your application stand out:
Many successful applicants use GrantHub to explore other health and women-focused funding options in Ontario, making it easier to plan their next steps.
Q: Is the WiHI Seed Program only for startups led by women?
Yes. Your company must have at least 50% women-identified ownership or senior women-identified management with real authority.
Q: How much funding can my startup receive?
Eligible companies can get up to $10,000 in non-dilutive seed funding, plus advisory support.
Q: Is WiHI Seed funding repayable?
No. The funding is generally non-repayable. However, tax rules may vary, so check with a professional.
Q: Can WiHI Seed funding be combined with other grants?
Often yes. Many companies combine WiHI funding with programs like IRAP or other provincial grants, as long as they follow stacking rules.
Q: What types of health companies are eligible?
Medical devices, diagnostics, digital health, digital therapeutics, and other human health science companies can apply.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of grant programs across Canada — including those for women-led and health innovation companies — so you can see which ones fit your business.
If your startup meets most of this WiHI Seed Program eligibility checklist, you could be a good fit for early non-dilutive funding. Before applying, look at other Ontario health and women-led startup programs to build your funding strategy. GrantHub can help you find and compare these opportunities, with filters for province, industry, and ownership profile.
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