Federal (Canada)
Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES)
A federal portfolio of programs supporting women-led businesses across Canada — including the WES Ecosystem Fund, the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, and BDC Thrive Lab.
What it is
The Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) is a federal umbrella program with several distinct components:
- WES Ecosystem Fund — non-repayable contributions to organizations that deliver capacity-building programs for women entrepreneurs.
- Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund — loans up to $50,000 for women-owned and women-led businesses, delivered through partner organizations.
- BDC Thrive Lab for Women — venture investment vehicle for high-growth women-led companies.
Who qualifies
- For loans/contributions to businesses: at least 50% women-owned and women-led.
- For ecosystem-fund recipients: not-for-profit organizations delivering programs to women entrepreneurs.
- Canadian operations.
How much
- WES Loan Fund: up to $50,000 per business.
- Ecosystem Fund: non-repayable contributions to delivery organizations (varies).
- Thrive Lab: equity investments — terms vary by deal.
How to apply
- WES Loan Fund: apply through one of the seven partner organizations listed on the WES Loan Fund page (Canadian Women's Foundation, NACCA, Coralus, etc.).
- Ecosystem Fund: open intake calls happen periodically — check the WES Ecosystem Fund page.
- Thrive Lab: pitches go through BDC Capital's normal venture intake.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the streams — the Loan Fund is for businesses; the Ecosystem Fund is for delivery organizations, not direct to entrepreneurs.
- Assuming "women-led" is enough — the loan stream typically requires at least 50% women ownership and women in active leadership.
- Missing the regional partners — different partner organizations cover different regions; apply to the right one.