Women Exporters

Empowering women-owned businesses to realize their international growth

From first steps to new markets 

Wherever you are on your exporting journey—from just starting out to global expansion—EDC and our wide network of partners are here to support you. We provide practical tools, financial solutions and expert insights to help you succeed.

  1. Access trade knowledge

    Get the answers and insight you need to grow your business. With your free MyEDC account, you can access over 200 articles, webinars and guides to help you thrive.

  2. Protect against risk

    Secure your business from international non-payment risks with EDC’s trade credit insurance solutions. Find the best insurance for you.

  3. Unlock additional financing

    With EDC’s guarantees, you can access more financing from your financial institution—giving your business the support it needs to grow.

       

Tell us about yourself:

Inclusion, diversity, and equity

EDC's Inclusive Trade strategy aims to deepen our impact on inclusion, diversity and equity by supporting Canadian exporting businesses owned by equity seeking groups.

Better understanding of the makeup of Canadian businesses will help us improve equitable access to support. 

Responding to the following question is completely voluntary and won’t impact admissibility to EDC existing programs, products and services. The information you submit will be used and processed by EDC, according to our Privacy Notice and Business Diversity Notice in support of EDC’s Inclusive Trade strategy.

Is your company MAJORITY owned (50% or more) by person(s) who identify as:

Select all groups which apply to your company (Optional):

What are your total, annual sales?
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Resources

Explore a range of resources designed specifically for women entrepreneurs.

StrikeUP; On Demand Webinar

A Template for Success: Create Your Export Vision to Grow Globally

Beautiful black female business owner smiles in boardroom

Going global: Empowering women through trade

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How joining a trade mission can accelerate your export plans

More resources

       

“I have sales outside of Canada; my bank worked with EDC to find a solution for my financing needs. The larger line of credit will enable me to work with larger vendors and supply me with the working capital, so that I can order larger inventory quantities to meet their purchase orders.”

Nita Tandon CEO and Founder, Dalcini Inc
Nita Tandon, CEO and Founder, Dalcini Inc.
Read company success story

Still building your financial foundation?


EDC works with companies that have a business banking relationship with a Canadian financial institution that offers our guarantees. If you’re not there yet, loan programs for early-stage businesses and women entrepreneurs are available. 

BDC Inclusive Entrepreneurship Loan

If your business earns less than $3 million in annual revenue and you’re not planning to export, the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) may
be a fit.  

To qualify, your business must be at least 51% owned and led by women, Indigenous, or Black entrepreneurs. 

What it offers:

  • Up to $350,000 in affordable financing 
  • No application or annual fees 
  • Option to postpone principal payments for up to 24 months 

Explore BDC loan options

Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund

The Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund offers affordable loans up to $50,000 for woman entrepreneurs, especially for:

  • Start-ups 
  • Under-represented groups 
  • Sole proprietorships 
  • Not-for-profits 

Loans are available through the following organizations: 

Explore the Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund


 

     

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Discover Canada's vast inclusive trade ecosystem 

Canada has a large network of alliances dedicated to helping Canadian women-owned businesses succeed.    

Women-focused organizations: 

Additional support: 

Explore EDC’s alliances


 

Woman in an office holding a tablet at a desk.

Discover how EDC supports women-owned businesses

Answer a few quick questions about your business, and we’ll connect you with the right trade expert, or call us at 1-800-229-0575.  

Contact EDC

       

      
 


 

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Conference

SheEO Global Summit

Join the first-ever SheEO Global Summit, a gathering for women working on the world’s to-do list. Hear from a curated speaker lineup composed of thought leaders, including those from EDC.

Diverse female audience clapping after presentation.

 

 

 

 

  

 

   

 

Date modified: 2025-09-03