Find a Member Organization

British Columbia

YWCA Metro Vancouver

YWCA Metro Vancouver is a registered charity, gender equity advocate and community service provider. We deliver affordable housing, early learning and child care, training and employment services, and a range of holistic programs that help support individual, collective and economic wellbeing. We boldly envision a just and equitable world for women, families and allies. We advance gender equity alongside women, families, Two-Spirit and gender diverse people through advocacy and integrated services that help support personal, collective and economic wellbeing.

Offerings
  • Business Training
  • Skills Training
  • Mentorship
British Columbia

Community Futures Fraser Fort George

Community Futures Fraser Fort George invests in people and ideas. We provide business support to entrepreneurs in Prince George, Mackenzie, McBride, Valemount and the surrounding rural areas in BC. We can assist business owners, or those considering to become a small business owner, with attaining business loans, creating a business plan, and accessing tools and resources for the different challenges and opportunities small business owners may face. In 2019 Community Futures Fraser Fort George championed a Women Entrepreneurship Eco-System Project which we had named LEAP for Women. The Leadership & Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (LEAP) was designed to assist women to break down barriers in starting or expanding their businesses, and it continues to provide various opportunities to bring under-represented groups together to connect and to gain experiences that will encourage them to step out of their comfort zone and take on new challenges.

Offerings
  • Business Training
  • Skills Training
New Brunswick

YWCA Moncton

YWCA Moncton is a chapter of the national YWCA movement, which focuses on empowering women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender diverse people. For over 100 years, it has worked to advance gender equity through national advocacy and community action. Its goals include stopping gender-based violence, creating affordable housing and pushing for workplace equity.

Among its education and employment programs includes YW Employment My Way, a 12-week employment training program for women and gender-diverse individuals to build a business model for their current or future businesses. Workshop topics include how to do market research, financial literacy, marketing and communications, and more. The program also includes one-on-one training sessions and peer-support activities.

Offerings
  • Advising
  • Business Training
  • Skills Training
Ontario

Community Development Council Durham

CDCD is dedicated to addressing regional community development needs and shaping effective policies. Among its standout initiatives is the Newcomer Women's Entrepreneurship Program, a tailored resource for immigrant women aspiring to launch or expand small businesses. Through a comprehensive approach, the program offers virtual and in-person workshops, networking events, and valuable marketplace opportunities, providing essential tools for success. This initiative exemplifies CDCD's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship as a catalyst for inclusive and vibrant community development.

More than an informational resource, the Newcomer Women's Entrepreneurship Program is a transformative experience. By blending educational components with practical opportunities, the program empowers participants to navigate the complexities of being a newcomer in Canada wanting to pursue entrepreneurship. This holistic approach aligns with CDCD's broader mission, ensuring that individuals, regardless of background, have the support and resources needed to thrive.

Manitoba

North Forge

North Forge is the innovation partner for the Province of Manitoba and a not-for-profit business incubator accelerator that works with startups across Canada in science, technology, and advanced manufacturing.

We have worked with over 300 companies in the past 26 months and have created hundreds of jobs. Armed with one of North America’s largest, not-for-profit publicly accessible Fabrication Fab (FabLabTM), we operate out of over 25,000 sf across Innovation Drive and Innovation Alley here in Winnipeg. We also have locations in Pinawa and Thompson.

Offerings
  • Advising
  • Business Training
  • Access to Capital
Alberta

Community Futures Grande Prairie & Region

Community Futures Grande Prairie & Region has been a regional Economic Development hub since opening in 1986. Throughout the past 36 years, CF, as a grass roots, board led, organization has continually met its clientele where they are at. The organization has served more than 50,000 entrepreneurs, 7 municipal councils, 100s of partners and more than 300 nonprofit organizations.

CFGP has successfully operated provincial programs such as the Self Employment program, Youth Connections, regional and private sector projects such as Shell LiveWIRE, focused on Indigenous entrepreneurship, SMARTStart for startups, Growing the North Conference, and several smaller projects that were necessitated by local need.

Recently, CFGP has engaged in new programs to support women, via the CGI (Capital Growth Initiative) loans program in partnership with the province, to support innovators via the Grande Prairie Regional Innovation Network (GPRIN) and work collaboratively with local, regional, provincial, and federal counterparts to leverage resources and time to support the large goal of Community Economic Development.

March 2022 saw CFGP&R host the first annual Hyperdrive Women in Business Summit in Jasper, AB alongside numerous partners and CF stakeholders. Hyperdrive is a summit designed to support businesses and entrepreneurs in developing their skills, tools, and workforce as we build and diversify the local economies of scale in Alberta. With the summit, CF looks to inspire, promote thoughtful conversations, provide strategies for success, training, and resources directly to the business community. The networks forged during the 3 days event will effectively new tools to the entrepreneurs’ toolkit for success.

Canada-Wide

Native Women’s Association of Canada

#BeTheDrum is an Entrepreneurial Outreach and Navigation Program developed by the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC). It is a skill-building initiative for Indigenous women, Two-Spirit, transgender and gender-diverse people who are navigating business, management, and entrepreneurship spaces.

Our program is built on four keystones of support:

  • One-on-One Navigation Support.
  • Peer Support Circles.
  • Workshops and Networking Events.
  • Live Social Q&A’s and Check-in Sessions.

We are contributors, inventors, craftspeople, and most importantly problem solvers. #BeTheDrum is a call to all existing, and prospective Indigenous entrepreneurs. With your determination, strengthened through our mentorship we will build solutions to bring our nations forward and lift our communities to forge a new trail toward prosperity.

Offerings
  • Advising
  • Skills Training
  • Mentorship
Ontario

YWCA Hamilton

YWCA Hamilton women’s entrepreneurship programs support new and existing Ontario businesses with one-on-one coaching, business plan training, mentoring and digital support services.

Offerings
  • Business Training
  • Skills Training
  • Mentorship
Canada-Wide

Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) is a not-for-profit organization focused on Canada’s relations with Asia and deepening engagement between Canada and Asia. Established by an Act of Parliament in 1984, APF Canada is dedicated to strengthening ties between Canada and Asia. Our research and engagement provides high-quality, relevant, and timely information, insights, and perspectives on Canada-Asia relations.

The APF Canada, Central Canada Office team has been leading trade missions specifically aimed at supporting Canadian women entrepreneurs find new markets in Asia since 2019. Supported by the private sector and the Government of Canada, through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy Ecosystem Fund, the missions provide Canadian women-led or -owned companies with the support to access markets in the Asia Pacific through pre-mission training, B2B connections, and public conferences with high-level speakers. The 2023 mission is titled Smarter Living: The Canadian Women-only Business Mission to South Korea and Thailand. This mission is the Foundation’s first gender-based business mission to Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region in the 2023-2025 mission series, Northeast X Southeast: Advancing Partnerships Between Canada and Asia, and the seventh since launching our efforts aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs grow their businesses globally. For upcoming opportunties, see APF Canada's full list of business missions to Asia for women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs.

Building on the trade mission series, APF Canada has launched CanWIN, the Canadian Women’s International Network, to connect women thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and gender equality organizations to advance economic equality and empower Canadian women entrepreneurs through engagement with international growth markets in Asia.

British Columbia

Community Futures BC

Community Futures British Columbia is the provincial association for the Community Futures Development Network of Canada. Through our 34 member offices, we provide business services and loans to new and experienced entrepreneurs in rural and remote communities, and we’ve been doing it since 1992. Since 1997 our Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) has made it easier for entrepreneurs with disabilities or ongoing health conditions to pursue their business goals by providing access to a network of business professionals and resources. Using a GBA+ lens EDP is built on the intersectionality of diversification of our participants and equitable supports. The EDP program supports to a wide cross-section of entrepreneurs in both urban and rural communities throughout the province.

Nova Scotia

Centre for Women in Business

Business dreams? You’ve come to the right place.

The Centre for Women in Business is dedicated to helping women business owners and entrepreneurs across Canada succeed through exposure, connection, and learning.

From one-on-one business advice and skills training, to networking and membership programs, we help our clients launch new business ideas, propel established companies to new levels of success, and thrive as owners, CEOs and industry leaders.

We exist to help women business owners in all phases of their business development.

Canada-Wide

Small Scale Food Processor Association

Small Scale Food Processor Association is a national trade association of processors, growers, and suppliers of food and agricultural products. We help members grow their businesses and expand local economies. SSFPA provides leadership, education, marketing, networking, and advocacy to foster success in a competitive global market.

Offerings
  • Business Training
  • Skills Training
Quebec

Evol

Evol is dedicated to the development of diverse and inclusive entrepreneurship in the 17 regions of Quebec and its mission is to contribute directly to the creation, growth and acquisition of businesses that have a positive impact on society.

Resulting from the evolution of the Femmessor organization, which has more than 25 years of experience in the development of inclusive entrepreneurship, Evol offers its expertise in financing and support to companies wishing to implement sustainable development practices aligned on the 17 UN goals (SDGs).

More specifically, Evol offers financing in the form of conventional loans and offers various support services tailored to meet the needs of entrepreneurs in terms of self-assessment, consulting services, training and co-development.

Offerings
  • Advising
  • Business Training
  • Access to Capital
Ontario

Trenval Business Development Corporation

Trenval has been helping small business in the Belleville, Quinte West, Stirling-Rawdon, Tyendinaga and Deseronto region since 1987 and has invested more than $32 million in small businesses impacting over 4,000 jobs through partner referrals, advisory services and investment resources.

Offerings
  • Advising
  • Business Training
  • Access to Capital
Trenval Business Development Corporation
New Brunswick

Women in Business New Brunswick – Femmes en affairs Nouveau-Brunswick

Serving as their first point of contact, Women in Business NB (WBNB) guides and supports the success of female entrepreneurs across New Brunswick.

Offerings
  • Advising
  • Business Training
  • Mentorship
Women in Business NB-Femmes en Affaires NB-logo
Manitoba

Community Futures Manitoba

Community Futures offices provide loans, advice, and support to rural business owners.  We work with entrepreneurs in all stages of their businesses.  Community Futures actively supports community-based economic development to create diverse, sustainable rural communities. Community Futures Manitoba (CFM) and Community Futures Saskatchewan (CFS) are associations representing independent nonprofit Community Future organizations established throughout rural and northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Community Futures Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan

Community Futures Saskatchewan

Community Futures offices provide loans, advice, and support to rural business owners.  We work with entrepreneurs in all stages of their businesses.  Community Futures actively supports community-based economic development to create diverse, sustainable rural communities. Community Futures Manitoba (CFM) and Community Futures Saskatchewan (CFS) are associations representing independent nonprofit Community Future organizations established throughout rural and northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Community Futures Saskatchewan
British Columbia

Export Navigator

We help businesses diversify and grow beyond B.C. by guiding them through the export process. Once accepted into Export Navigator, you'll have free one-on-one access to your personal export advisor. Your advisor knows your region, your community, and will get to know your business to provide tailored guidance.

Export Navigator logo
Canada-Wide

The Forum

The Forum has supported over 10,000 women entrepreneurs since 2002 and is committed to making sure women-identifying entrepreneurs like you feel equipped to achieve anything you set your mind to. Our educational programs, mentorships, and deeply collaborative & connected community are all focused precisely on helping you set & achieve big goals in your business. Because we know empowering you & wholeheartedly supporting you are the best ways to ensure your success & keep our commitment is the best way to ensure your success

Offerings
  • Business Training
  • Skills Training
  • Mentorship
low resolution logo with words The Forum
Ontario

PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise

PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise provides programs and services to women across Ontario who are ready to start, grow or build new opportunities.

Offerings
  • Business Training
  • Skills Training
  • Mentorship
PARO Centre for Women Entreperneurs bilingual logo
Quebec

Réseau des femmes d’affairs du Quebec

The mission of the Quebec Women’s Network is to support and contribute to the advancement of the leadership abilities of women entrepreneurs. We assist women business owners to increase and diversify their supplier networks in order to better position themselves among the larger , more successful Canadian and American organizations.

Offerings
  • Advising
  • Business Training
  • Mentorship
Réseau des femmes d’affaires du québec logo
British Columbia

WeBC

As BC’s leading business resource organization for women, our passion is to support women entrepreneurs along their small business journey.

We exist to empower women entrepreneurs to make an impact in their communities and create opportunities in BC’s economy.

Offerings
  • Advising
  • Skills Training
  • Access to Capital
webc logo
Saskatchewan

WESK – Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan

Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (WESK) is a non-profit membership organization which works with women who are considering starting a business, purchasing a business, or operating an existing business. Our priority is to help women throughout Saskatchewan achieve their entrepreneurial goals. Programs and services offered by Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan include business advisory and support services, start-up and expansion lending, networking and mentoring opportunities, and business development seminars which focus on entrepreneurial skill development.

Offerings
  • Advising
  • Business Training
  • Access to Capital
WESK logo
Newfoundland

Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs

NLOWE helps women entrepreneurs start, grow and advance successful, leading-edge businesses that capitalize on emerging economic opportunities. NLOWE stays ahead of the trends so that we can encourage business development in key growth sectors, and we offer training opportunities such as workshops and seminars to help women entrepreneurs take advantage of changes in the economy.

Offerings
  • Business Training
  • Mentorship
Manitoba

Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba

The Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba has helped thousands of women throughout the province find information, improve their skills and acquire financing so that they can start, expand or purchase a business. Our team of committed and successful entrepreneurs and professionals deliver resources to support women at every business stage. We offer advisory services, in-person and online training and loans up to $150,000 to qualified businesses.

WECM logo
Alberta

Alberta Women Entrepreneurs

Alberta Women Entrepreneurs is an organization dedicated to enabling women to build successful businesses. We provide unique programs and services to women in business through mentoring, advising, financing and skills and network development.

Offerings
  • Advising
  • Business Training
  • Access to Capital

Join the network!

Make it easy for others within the ecosystem, as well as entrepreneurs in your region, to find your organization by joining WEOC as a member. All members are listed in our searchable database.