Women in Trade

Overview of the Women in Trade program:

The EDC Women in Trade program is a strategic initiative by Export Development Canada (EDC) aimed at empowering Canadian women entrepreneurs to succeed in global markets. Recognizing the systemic barriers faced by women in accessing trade opportunities, capital, and international networks, this program provides a tailored combination of financial solutions, advisory services, and export expertise to women-owned and -led businesses. Through this program, EDC offers loans, risk management tools, and market entry support specifically designed to help women entrepreneurs overcome the unique challenges they face in scaling and exporting their products or services abroad. EDC collaborates with partners such as the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), WEConnect International, and various women entrepreneur organizations to ensure participants have access to holistic resources—from financing and trade knowledge to mentorship and supplier certification. One of the program’s key pillars is the $200 million Women in Trade Investment Program, created to improve access to capital for women-owned and -led companies with strong international growth potential. EDC also prioritizes supplier diversity, working to include women-led businesses in its own procurement channels and encouraging similar practices across its partner network. The initiative supports businesses at all stages of export readiness, whether they are new to international trade or seeking to expand into new markets. A dedicated team of trade advisors, including women entrepreneurs, helps participants navigate global trade, understand international regulations, and manage export-related financial risk.

Benefits of the Women in Trade program:

• Access to export financing, working capital, and risk insurance
• Connection to EDCs global trade experts and market intelligence tools
• Access to equity capital through the Women in Trade Investment Program
• Networking opportunities with other women entrepreneurs and export partners
• Support in navigating global markets, trade agreements, and regulations
• Eligibility for supplier diversity initiatives and procurement opportunities
• Collaboration with organizations like BDC, WEConnect, and WBE Canada

Eligibility criteria of the Women in Trade program:

• To qualify for EDC Women in Trade support, businesses should:
• Be majority women-owned or women-led (51% ownership or equivalent leadership roles)
• Be Canadian-registered businesses
• Be engaged in or actively planning to pursue international trade (exporting goods or services)
• Show financial viability and growth potential
• For investment support: Be scalable and offer high potential for global expansion
• For supplier diversity initiatives: Businesses should be certified through WEConnect or similar bodies (optional but beneficial)