Through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, Canada is expanding support for women-led agricultural businesses with funding for training, mentorship and growth opportunities.
The Government of Canada is providing an additional $628,501 to Agricultrices du Québec to support women entrepreneurs in the agricultural and forestry sectors through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES).
The funding will help women access business training, mentorship, financing resources and professional networks to strengthen their enterprises and contribute to Canada’s economy.
During a visit to Saint-Hyacinthe, the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant, met with Véronique Guizier, President of Agricultrices du Québec, and Katherine Rousseau, Director General of the organisation, to highlight the contributions of women in agriculture.
On behalf of the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), Lightbound announced the additional funding for the 2026–2027 fiscal year through the WES Ecosystem Fund for Dimension E. Since the programme began in 2023–2024, total funding for Dimension E has reached $3,397,617.
“Across Quebec and Canada, women farmers nurture our families, strengthen our food sovereignty and contribute to building strong economies in our regions. Unfortunately, too many of them still face systemic obstacles that interfere with their businesses and force them to choose between the field, business and family," said Lightbound.
"With our financial support of $628,501, we are reaffirming our support for women agriculture entrepreneurs so that they can grow to their full potential. Because when agriculture succeeds, everyone in the region benefits,” Lightbound added.
Dimension E delivers bilingual services tailored to women agricultural entrepreneurs across Canada. Its support includes mentorship, expert business advice, training, networking opportunities and individualised assistance to help women establish, expand and sustain their businesses.
The initiative addresses challenges women entrepreneurs may face, including limited access to capital and agricultural assets, difficulties balancing family and business commitments, and fewer opportunities to access business networks and advisory services.
“Women entrepreneurs are essential to building the strongest economy in the G7. More than ever, women need access to financing, networks and practical support to start, grow and sustain their businesses. When women succeed, they create jobs, strengthen communities and help build a stronger, more resilient Canada," said Valdez.
"Through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, we are helping more women turn their ideas into successful businesses and ensuring they have the opportunity to contribute fully to Canada’s future,” Valdez added.
Since its launch in 2018, WES has supported nearly 600,000 women entrepreneurs nationwide. Federal initiatives also include tariff relief, artificial intelligence adoption funding, regulatory burden reduction, and assistance for businesses seeking export opportunities.
“This financial support represents an important lever in continuing to help women farmers realize their entrepreneurship ambitions. By offering them opportunities to develop their expertise and skills, make connections and become more familiar with the resources available to them, we’re helping develop to their full potential and contribution to the agriculture sector," said Guizier.
"The Women Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Fund is helping us develop a more inclusive industry where women can make their projects happen, bring new ideas forward and play a significant role in the future of our agriculture.”
If you are a woman agri-business entrepreneur, check out the Advancing Women in Agriculture and Agri-Food Conference to meet like-minded individuals. Representatives from Agricultrices du Québec will be in attendance at the event. Click here for more information about Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference which takes plane November 22 to 24.
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