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Female Entrepreneurship: Finance Your Ambitions
When you decide to start a business, one thing is certain: you will need passion, boldness, and courage. This is especially true for women!
In addition to the common challenges of the entrepreneurial world, they often have to deal with complex realities such as work-life balance, mental load, or the responsibilities of single parenthood. In some cases, these realities can slow down entrepreneurial momentum, or even make it inaccessible without adequate support.
Fortunately, there are organizations in Quebec that are sensitive to the realities experienced by women and are mobilizing to support them at every stage of their journey.
This article offers a selection of financing, grants, and non-repayable contributions, as well as support services. We hope you find your launchpad to success here!
Financing
All of the funds and programs listed below are intended for women. Some are available from the start of the entrepreneurial venture, while others become available after a few months of operation.
Of course, there are a multitude of so-called “regular” funds and programs whose eligibility criteria would also allow you to obtain financing. It is therefore a good idea to take a moment to evaluate the different options available to you in order to choose the one that best suits your needs.
It is normal to have questions when reviewing the details of a fund or program. Each organization has a team available to answer questions and support entrepreneurs in their efforts. So don’t hesitate to contact them; they’re there to help you!
Accès Microcrédit Gaspésie-îles-De-La-Madeleine
Fund for Women Entrepreneurs
Overview
This fund is intended for women who own a business or hold at least 50% of the shares in a business.
Financing Conditions
- Financing : up to $20,000
- Interest rate : 7%
- Repayment terms : up to 5 years
- Payment leave on capital and interest, up to 3 months
BDC
Inclusive Entrepreneurship Loan
Overview
This loan is intended for women who own a business or at least 51% of a business with a turnover of at least $3 million.
Financing Conditions
- Financing : up to $350,000
- Interest rate : variable
- Repayment terms : variable
- Payment leave on capital, up to 24 months
Thrive Venture Fund
Overview
BDC invests in women-led technology companies to accelerate their growth and transform today’s markets. Our platform is reimagining entrepreneurship in Canada by seeking to partner with visionary, disruptive women entrepreneurs for the long term, while growing their businesses in greater numbers than ever before.
Who is this fund for
- Seed and Series A/B women-led Canadian technology companies seeking equity investments
- Businesses with strong growth and scalable market potential
Evol
Evol impact envelope – Business Start-Up Component
Overview
Commercial loans for diverse and inclusive businesses for the financing of tangible and intangible fixed assets, working capital, product development and marketing, and new services for an existing business, as well as the purchase and repurchase of shares.
Financing Conditions
- Financing : between $20,000 and $75,000 per project
- Interest rate : variable
- Repayment terms : between 2 and 8 years
- Possibility of payment leave
- Be able to show that the business has adopted, or is committed to adopting, sustainable development practices inspired by the UN’s 17 goals
Evol impact envelope – Growth, Acquisition and Succession Projects Component
Overview
Commercial loans for diverse and inclusive businesses for the financing of tangible and intangible fixed assets, working capital, product development and marketing, and new services for an existing business, as well as the purchase and repurchase of shares.
Financing Conditions
- Financing : between $20,000 and $450,000 per project
- Interest rate : variable
- Repayment terms : between 2 and 8 years
- Possibility of payment leave
- Be able to show that the business has adopted, or is committed to adopting, sustainable development practices inspired by the UN’s 17 goals
Farm Credit Canada (FCC)
Women Entrepreneur Loan
Overview
If you’re a woman involved in agriculture and/or food, the Women Entrepreneur Loan can help you take the next step in starting or growing your business.
Bursaries and Non-Refundable Contributions
It’s always nice to see our efforts rewarded! Below, we have listed a few initiatives that encourage female entrepreneurship by awarding grants or non-repayable contributions.
First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC)
Nikanewin Bursaries
Overview
Nikanewin Bursaries are available to Indigenous women entrepreneurs with a start-up business project to encourage and help them turn their ideas into action!
Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Support Program – Professionnal Fees Component
Overview
The objective of this program is to promote access for Indigenous women entrepreneurs to professional resources within the framework of an existing or start-up business project. It also aims to support them in selecting professionals who are appropriate for the needs of their project.
Financing Conditions
- Financing : up to $5,000 per year
- Up to 75% of professional fees
- Be registered with the support services of FNQLEDC
Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Support Program – Website Component
Overview
The objective of this program is to support Indigenous women entrepreneurs in creating a website, developing an existing site, or implementing a transactional platform.
Financing Conditions
- Financing : up to $4,000 per project
- Be registered with the support services of FNQLEDC
Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Support Program – Place Of Business Component
Overview
The objective of this program is to provide financial support to Indigenous women entrepreneurs in their efforts to access suitable premises to operate their businesses.
Financing Conditions
- Financing : up to $30,000 per project
- Be registered with the support services of FNQLEDC
OSEntreprendre
OSEntreprendre Challenge - Business Creation Category
Overview
The Business Creation category offers entrepreneurs the opportunity, during their start-up year, to validate their project, obtain grants, showcase their positioning, expand their network, and express their passion.
Special prizes – National level
- Women’s Entrepreneurship Favorite Award : $3,000
The Women’s Entrepreneurship Favorite Award is given to a company whose entrepreneurial team is composed of at least 50% women who hold real decision-making power.
N.B. The information is only available in French.
Support
The support an entrepreneur receives can make all the difference in her journey! Below, we have listed a few initiatives that support female entrepreneurship through support services, networking events, and training.
Desjardins
Entrepreneur’s Learning Path
Overview
With the goal of actively promoting the growth of female entrepreneurship and developing women’s leadership in the business world, Desjardins offers a customized support program specifically designed to meet the unique needs, ambitions, and challenges of female entrepreneurs.
Details
- Free personal development course
- For women who’s self-employed, starting a business and managing or leading a growing organization
- Reserved for Desjardins members and clients
Evol
Brigade-conseil
Overview
Whether to better understand your financial statements, consider implementing sustainable development practices, discover the latest labour recruitment and retention trends, or obtain marketing advice, the Brigade-conseil specialists can respond.
Details
- Free consulting services
- For female entrepreneurs who hold at least 25% of the shares and votes and occupy a strategic position within the company
- Be able to show that the business has adopted, or is committed to adopting, sustainable development practices inspired by the UN’s 17 goals
Futurpreneur
Women in Entrepreneurship
Overview
Futurpreneur’s Women in Entrepreneurship Initiative will offer networking events, peer-supported communities and tailored workshops to help women entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses with confidence.
Address
105-473 boulevard Perron,
Maria (QC) G0C 1Y0
Business hours
Monday to friday
from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 16:00
Phone number
418 534-3834
Email
[email protected]
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