Business Resources
Support for Every Stage of Your Business Journey
Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, we’ve gathered a collection of resources to support women in business at every stage. From funding programs and mentorship opportunities to practical tools and training, you’ll find what you need to keep moving forward.
Federal
BDC offers support to Canadian businesses impacted by trade uncertainty, particularly due to U.S. tariffs. The resources include expert advice, flexible financing options, and tools to help businesses adapt and maintain cash flow. BDC is committed to assisting businesses through this period by providing guidance on how to pivot and reduce risks associated with trade challenges.
For more details, visit BDC's support for trade uncertainty.
The Canada Council for the Arts is Canada's national public arts funder, supporting professional artists and arts organizations through grants, services, prizes, and payments. Its mission is to foster and promote the study, enjoyment, and production of works in the arts, contributing to a vibrant and diverse arts and literary scene across the country.
The Council champions artistic excellence and invests in a wide range of disciplines, ensuring that Canadian art reaches audiences both domestically and internationally. Through its funding programs, it supports over 3,500 artists and more than 1,900 arts organizations in over 2,000 communities nationwide.
For more information, visit the Canada Council for the Arts website.
The Canada Summer Jobs program offers wage subsidies to employers creating summer job opportunities for youth aged 15 to 30. The initiative supports not-for-profit, public sector, and small private sector organizations, helping them hire youth while fostering valuable work experience. This program aims to strengthen communities and build a skilled, diverse workforce.
For more details, visit the Canada Summer Jobs page.
The Student Work Placement Program provides paid work experience for post-secondary students in Canada, helping them gain valuable industry-related skills. Through partnerships with educational institutions and businesses, the program offers wage subsidies to employers who provide co-op placements, internships, and other work opportunities. This initiative supports students in building their careers while addressing employer needs for skilled workers.
For more details, visit the Student Work Placement Program page.
The Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) aims to support Canadian women entrepreneurs by providing access to financing, networks, and mentorship. Launched in 2018, WES includes nearly $7 billion in investments to help women start, scale, and expand their businesses. The initiative also promotes gender equality, aiming to strengthen Canada's economy by increasing women's participation in entrepreneurship.
For more information, visit the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy page.
Provincial
Employment Ontario offers free services to help job seekers, workers, and employers across the province. Whether you're looking to build new skills, find a job, or hire staff, Employment Ontario provides support through training programs, career counselling, job search assistance, and hiring incentives.
With hundreds of service locations and online tools, it's a one-stop resource for employment and training opportunities in Ontario.
For more information, visit the Employment Ontario page.
The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) is the province’s primary arts funding body, supporting artists and arts organizations since 1963. Through grants, advisory services, and research, OAC fosters a vibrant arts community across Ontario, reaching millions through events and educational activities. Its programs span various disciplines and prioritize equity, ensuring that the arts remain accessible and impactful for all Ontarians.
Find out more on the Ontario Arts Council website.
The Ontario government offers a range of hiring and training incentives to help businesses, not-for-profits, and public-sector organizations offset costs associated with employee training and recruitment. Programs include funding for apprenticeships, financial support for youth employment, and the Canada-Ontario Job Grant, which helps businesses pay for employee training. These incentives aim to support workforce development while boosting business growth.
For more information, visit the Hiring and Training Incentives for Employers page.
PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise provides resources and support for women entrepreneurs across Northern Ontario. They offer various services, including business training, mentorship, and funding programs. PARO aims to empower women in business by building strong networks, offering tools for business growth, and providing opportunities for collaboration. Their services cater to entrepreneurs at different stages of their journey, from startup to expansion.
For more information, visit PARO's website.
Municipal
The City of Ottawa’s Arts Funding Program supports local professional artists, collectives, and not-for-profit arts organizations through project and operating grants. Project grants fund time-limited activities, while operating grants provide ongoing support to established organizations with a history of year-round programming. The program prioritizes equity by supporting Indigenous and equity-seeking communities, and offers grant-writing assistance and accessibility support to applicants.
Get more information on the City of Ottawa Arts Funding Program website.
A Business Improvement Area (BIA) is a local association of business and property owners who work together, with municipal support, to improve and promote their commercial district. BIAs focus on physical enhancements, marketing, and economic development to help local businesses thrive. Established under section 204 of the Municipal Act, 2001, each BIA is governed by a board of management and funded through a special levy paid by member businesses as part of their property taxes. Ottawa is home to 18 BIAs across its urban, suburban, and rural communities.
Learn more about local BIAs on the City of Ottawa website.
Invest Ottawa supports businesses at all stages of growth, offering a variety of programs and services designed to help entrepreneurs, startups, and established companies thrive. With a focus on tech, innovation, and global expansion, Invest Ottawa provides resources such as mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to key industry networks. It also offers support for talent development and connections to government resources to drive economic growth in the Ottawa area.
For more details, visit the Invest Ottawa website.
The City of Ottawa offers a range of economic support programs to assist businesses in the region. These initiatives aim to foster growth, innovation, and sustainability within the local economy. The city's economic support services include access to funding opportunities, resources for business development, and information on regulatory requirements. By providing these services, Ottawa supports businesses in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities for expansion and success.
For more details, visit the City of Ottawa Economic Support page.
Other
BMO for Women offers resources and financial services tailored to support women entrepreneurs. Through programs like BMO Celebrating Women, the bank helps women access capital, build financial confidence, and grow their businesses. They provide tailored advice, funding opportunities, and access to a community of like-minded women. Their commitment includes a $5 billion capital investment to support women-led businesses in Canada.
For more details, visit BMO for Women.
Business Sisters is a bilingual social enterprise that supports rural women entrepreneurs in Eastern Ontario. They offer free advisory services, mentorship, and workshops designed to meet the unique challenges of running a business in rural communities. Through connection and collaboration, Business Sisters helps women grow sustainable businesses and thrive together.
Learn more on the Business Sisters website.
Carrot Cache is a non-profit organization that provides micro-grants to small projects in Ontario working toward a sustainable and just regional food system. They prioritize initiatives led by individuals and groups facing systemic barriers, such as BIPOC communities, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and those in remote areas. Funding areas include regional food economies, local organic agriculture, and community food strategies.
Grants typically range from $500 to $5,000 and are available to farms, small businesses, worker co-ops, nonprofits, and grassroots groups. Carrot Cache focuses on practical, community-driven projects that lack access to conventional funding sources.
Visit the Carrot Cache website to learn more.
Coralus is a global community supporting women and non-binary entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and a collaborative network. By fostering a regenerative ecosystem based on generosity and reciprocity, Coralus helps create lasting social and environmental impact while encouraging personal transformation and collective action.
Find out more on the Coralus website.
DELIA is a national microloan program offering up to $50,000 to women-owned and women-operated businesses across Canada. Backed by FedDev Ontario and ISED Canada, it supports startups, stabilization, and expansion efforts, with a focus on diverse and underserved entrepreneurs.
Loans feature competitive interest rates (Prime +2% to +4%), flexible terms, no prepayment penalties, and optional mentorship and training opportunities. DELIA is administered by Nventure and powered by the Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation (NCFDC).
For more information or to apply, visit the DELIA program page.
The Fair Finance Fund is a nonprofit social finance organization dedicated to supporting Ontario's local food and farm enterprises. Through the sale of community bonds, the Fund provides loans ranging from $20,000 to $200,000 to food producers, processors, and businesses committed to sustainable practices. Additionally, it offers mentorship through its REAL Assist Program, connecting entrepreneurs with expert guidance to help them grow and thrive. By aligning investments with values, the Fund fosters resilient food systems, strengthens local economies, and promotes climate resilience across Ontario.
For more information, visit the Fair Finance Fund website.
The Forum is a Canadian charity dedicated to supporting self-identified women, non-binary, and trans-femme entrepreneurs across the country. Since 2002, it has empowered over 18,000 individuals through mentorship, education, and a collaborative community, helping them access the wisdom, financial, and social capital needed to achieve their business goals. With a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, The Forum offers programs tailored to entrepreneurs at all stages, fostering a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
Learn more about The Forum.
Made in CA is a grassroots initiative launched in 2018 to help Canadians discover and support locally made products and services. Created in response to trade tensions and a desire to strengthen the domestic economy, the platform offers a curated directory of Canadian businesses across various sectors. By promoting homegrown brands, Made in CA encourages consumers to make informed choices that contribute to Canada's economic resilience.
For more information, visit the Made in CA website.
Project Learning Tree Canada (PLT Canada) is a bilingual charity dedicated to fostering environmental literacy and promoting green career pathways for youth across Canada. An initiative of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), PLT Canada engages young people in learning about the environment through trees and forests, serving communities in rural, Indigenous, and urban areas. The organization offers educational resources, mentorship programs, and job opportunities to inspire the next generation of forest and conservation leaders.
For more information, visit the PLT Canada website.
The Regroupement des gens d'affaires de la capitale nationale (RGA) supports Francophone and Francophile entrepreneurs in the National Capital Region. Its mission is to promote their success through networking, collaboration, and business development. Guided by values like engagement, cooperation, and recognition, the RGA fosters a strong and vibrant French-speaking business community.
For more details, visit the RGA website.
Canadian business leaders are facing significant political uncertainty. Keeping pace with change and the latest developments will be critical to effectively lead your organization through these challenges. Read MNP's insights and explainer articles for the information and insights you need to stay agile and resilient.
For more details, visit the MNP website.
WCG Services manages Employment Ontario in the Ottawa and Eastern Collaborative Region, connecting job seekers with training, employment opportunities, and support. They work with local service providers to help individuals find meaningful work and assist employers in hiring qualified candidates. Through partnerships and tailored services, WCG supports both job seekers and businesses in the region.