The Government of Canada is advancing women's economic empowerment with the first ever Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), a $2-billion investment that seeks to double the number of women-owned businesses by 2025. Only 16% of Canadian businesses are owned or led by women and yet studies show that by advancing women's economic participation in the economy Canada could add up to $150 billion in GDP. WES is a whole-of-government approach to helping women grow their businesses through access to financing, talent, networks and expertise.

Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion, announced an investment of $4,648,377 in women entrepreneurs and organizations supporting women entrepreneurs in Saskatchewan. Women-owned or -led businesses will receive up to $100,000 through the Women Entrepreneurship Fund to help them grow their business and reach new export markets.

The Women Entrepreneurship Strategy complements the Government of Canada's efforts to advance gender equality. These efforts include addressing pay equity, providing more affordable childcare and putting an end to gender-based violence.  

In Budget 2018, the WES Ecosystem Fund was allocated $85 million to help non-profit, third-party organizations which deliver support for women entrepreneurs and address gaps in the ecosystem. In Budget 2018, the Government of Canada allocated $20 million to the Women Entrepreneurship Fund. Following the call for applications held in fall 2018, over 3,000 applications were received and over 200 projects were funded. The Government is pleased to be able to support approximately more than 100 projects by investing an additional $10 million in the Women Entrepreneurship Fund. With this additional investment, the Government is providing a total of $30 million to women-owned and -led businesses across Canada to grow their businesses and reach new markets.