On June 22, 2026, in Lethbridge, Alberta, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), announced a $173.7 million investment over five years to renew the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES).
According to the Government of Canada, the investment includes:
The Government of Canada also noted that, since its launch in 2018, the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy has supported more than 500,000 women entrepreneurs nationwide.
This renewed investment reinforces the important role women entrepreneurs play in driving Canada's economy through innovation, business growth, job creation, and community prosperity. It also recognizes the critical contribution of ecosystem organizations that help women start, scale, and succeed in business.
As implementation details emerge—including funding streams, eligibility requirements, timelines, and engagement opportunities—WBE Canada will continue to work closely with Ministers, government departments, policymakers, and ecosystem partners to ensure the perspectives and priorities of certified women-owned businesses are represented.
Our role extends beyond sharing information. We advocate for policies, programs, and procurement practices that create meaningful opportunities for women entrepreneurs, while bringing forward the voice of our national network in conversations that influence Canada's economic future.
We will continue to keep our members and partners informed as additional details become available and look forward to engaging our community in the dialogue ahead.
If you'd like to learn more about the Government of Canada's announcement, please visit: Government of Canada announcement on the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy
