The Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund offers loans of up to $50,000 to help women start or grow a business, or reach international markets. You apply through a delivery organization, not to the government. In southern Ontario the listed organizations are Nventure and NACCA.
Amount
Loans of up to $50,000
Status
Year-roundThe official page says the delivery organizations are currently accepting applications.
Type
Loan (repaid)
Run by
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, through delivery organizations
Where
All of Canada
Checked on
Nov 13, 2026
Who it's for
Women entrepreneurs starting or growing a business
Detailed criteria are set by each delivery organization
What it covers
Starting up, scaling up and reaching international markets
How to apply
Go to a delivery organization that serves your area. For southern Ontario the page lists Nventure and NACCA.
Check that organization's criteria and apply through its website.
Good to know
This is a loan, so it's repaid.
Interest rates, terms and eligibility details aren't on the federal page. Each delivery organization sets them.
The fund was renewed in June 2026 with a further $59 million through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy.
Questions
Who do I apply to in Waterloo Region?
The official page lists Nventure and NACCA as delivery organizations for southern Ontario. You check their criteria and apply on their sites.
Is the fund still running?
Yes. The official page says the delivery organizations are accepting applications, and the fund got a further $59 million in June 2026.
Up to 15% of eligible project costs. Loans up to $5 million, interest-free during the project period (up to 4 years), with up to 30% (max $500,000) forgivable if targets are met. Grants only in limited cases: up to $500,000 for small rural firms, or $1.5 million for strategic projects.
Government of Ontario (Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade)All of Ontario
