Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES)

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

1. 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.).
2. Ecosystem Fund: open intake calls happen periodically — check the WES Ecosystem Fund page.
3. 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.