Organizations across Saskatchewan could have an opportunity to secure federal funding to help women start, expand and strengthen their businesses through a new $80-million national funding initiative.
The federal government has launched a call for proposals under the <a href="https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/ised/en/programs-and-initiatives/women-entrepreneurship-strategy” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank”>Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) Ecosystem Fund, aimed at improving access to business training, mentorship, financing networks and other supports.
Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism, announced the funding opportunity Sept. 24.
Up to $80 million in non-repayable contributions will be available to successful applicants over four years, beginning in 2027-28.
Applications open until Nov. 9
The funding is intended for eligible organizations that deliver programs and services to women entrepreneurs rather than providing direct grants to individual business owners.
Projects must focus on helping women establish businesses, expand existing operations or access new markets.
Eligible organizations have until Nov. 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time to submit proposals in English or French.
For Saskatchewan organizations, that deadline falls at 1:59 a.m. CST on Nov. 10.
The federal government says the program is designed to address barriers that women encounter when seeking business financing, training and professional networks.
Potential benefits for rural Saskatchewan
The initiative could create opportunities for organizations supporting women-owned businesses in rural communities, including those across west-central Saskatchewan.
Women entrepreneurs play a role in local economies through retail, agriculture, professional services, tourism and other small businesses.
Access to business development programs, mentorship and financial resources can be particularly important in smaller communities where specialized services may be less readily available.
Organizations serving rural entrepreneurs could potentially apply for funding to expand their programming, provided they meet federal eligibility requirements.
The announcement did not identify specific Saskatchewan recipients or establish provincial funding allocations.
