Resources for Business Women in International Trade
Trade Update • MARCH 13, 2021
Ahead of this year’s celebration of International Women’s Day, the Trade Commissioner Service recently updated its online information concerning the various services offered to Business Women in International Trade.
The TCS, a division of Global Affairs Canada, provides free advice to help companies navigate the complexities of international markets and make better business decisions. Part of its mission is to contribute positively towards closing the gender gap in Canada by—among other things—helping female entrepreneurs improve their chances of achieving business success.
“The more we can get women active in the international trade space, the better off the Canadian economy will be,” says TCS Deputy Director Michael Mancini, adding for emphasis, “the better off Canada will be.”
Canadian businesses that are owned, managed or controlled by one or more women may benefit from the following services.
Federal Funding for Women Entrepreneurs
- Women in Trade – Export Development Canada: Insurance solutions to protect your exports, working capital, and financing options.
- Woman Entrepreneur – Business Development Bank of Canada: Financing solutions to help grow new and established businesses.
- Women in Technology Fund – BDC: Venture capital for Canadian technology businesses.
- Futurpreneur Canada: Non-profit organization providing financing, mentoring, and support for aspiring Canadian entrepreneurs aged 18–39.
- CanExport – TCS: Financial support to help your Canadian business develop and access exciting new export opportunities.
- Canadian Technology Accelerators – TCS: Help for Canadian companies with an existing technology, product, or service to explore vast opportunities in foreign markets.
Regional Funding for Women Entrepreneurs
Eastern Canada
- Atlantic Association of Community Business Development Corporation: Loans and funding opportunities for Atlantic Canada-based businesses
- Nova Scotia Business Inc. – The Export Growth Program: Financial contributions that help businesses visit or invite potential partners/clients from outside the province.
- Prince Edward Island – Trade and Export Supports: Funding for international business trips and marketing.
Central Canada
- Export Québec (available in French only): Contributions that help Quebec-based companies grow internationally.
- Femmessor: Loans between $20,000 and $150,000 for women entrepreneur in Quebec.
- PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise: Non-profit organization providing government-backed community loans to help women start or grow a business.
Western Canada
- SME Export Support Fund Alberta: Contributions that fund export-related activities for Alberta-based businesses.
- Women’s Enterprise Centre British Columbia: Business loans for BC-based businesswomen.
- Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba: Loans up to $150,000 for Manitoba businesses for start-up, expansion, or the purchase of an existing business.
- Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership – Market Access Program: Contributions for Saskatchewan-based STEP members to fund export-related activities.
Other Resources
- Women-Focused Business Delegations and Events: TCS normally hosts delegations and events throughout the year that enable Canadian women-owned/led firms to explore international opportunities, access supplier diversity opportunities, and gain important market knowledge. Note: No delegations/events are currently scheduled for 2021 due to ongoing COVID-19 travel restrictions, but these can be expected to resume once circumstances allow.
- Supplier Diversity Program Certification: Almost all Fortune 500 companies these days have supplier diversity programs. However, in order to take advantage of these potential growth opportunities for women, you must first certify your qualifying business through one of the following organizations:
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