WES Ecosystem Fund

As part of the Strategy, the Government is ensuring women across Canada have access to the business supports they need to start or grow a business.

The WES Ecosystem Fund is investing $85 million over five years to strengthen capacity within the entrepreneurship ecosystem and close gaps in service for women entrepreneurs. Projects must be led by non-profit organizations (including social enterprises and cooperatives) and be inclusive of the needs of diverse and under-represented women.

The WES Ecosystem Fund seeks to address gaps and build capacity in the entrepreneurship ecosystem for women. Under this Initiative, activities could include:

• Supplier diversity activities that target women entrepreneurs;
• Initiatives to support women in traditionally underrepresented sectors;
• Networking, matchmaking, and mentorship opportunities;
• Incubator and accelerator programs;
• Initiatives to support the participation of diverse and underrepresented women in entrepreneurship;
• Efforts to scale up programs that support women entrepreneurs across regions and on a national basis; and
• Other activities that will support the objectives of the WES Ecosystem Fund.