How it works

Export Development Canada (EDC) has committed $200 million to invest in companies founded or led by diverse Canadians

For Canadian exporting businesses owned and led by people identifying as women, Indigenous, Black and other dimensions of diversity, one of the main barriers to growth is lack of equitable access to capital. This program helps address that challenge and create more opportunities for growth.

We believe it’s more important than ever to increase our support for diverse-owned and -led businesses to help level the playing field by improving access to capital. Not only have these businesses been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but they have faced - and continue to face - systemic discrimination and unjust hurdles in society and business. This has reinforced our need to double-down and accelerate our support to these important contributors to the Canadian economy and our communities.

Mairead Lavery  —  Export Development Canada,  President and CEO

Addresses underfunding faced by women and other diverse exporters by providing equity capital to support growth in global markets

  • EDC invests in companies led or founded by women and/or other diverse management teams who are raising, or have recently raised, equity funding (Seed to Series B funding rounds) to support international growth
  • EDC can participate as a co-investor or syndicate partner alongside other venture funds
  • EDC participates on market terms and doesn’t provide grants or subsidies under ITIP
  • Opportunities are assessed by EDC in its sole discretion on a commercial basis, including fit with EDC strategy and corporate standards, including ESG.
  • Canadian company owned and/or strategically led at the C-suite level by diverse person(s) (who identify as women, Indigenous, Black or other racialized peoples, LGBTQ2+ or people living with disabilities)
  • Diverse members of the C-suite have equity ownership that is consistent with other C-suite members
  • Commercial revenue growth is accelerating towards C$500,000, with significant export growth potential
  • Company that demonstrates commitment to establishing a diverse board of directors


 

Learn more about the EDC Inclusive Trade Investments Program (ITIP)

We support women and other diverse exporters currently raising equity rounds. Speak with us today to find out if EDC can help you.

Please be prepared to discuss the following:

  • An overview of your company and sector
  • Trailing 12 months (TTM) revenue and run rate
  • Transaction term sheet, if available
  • Use of proceeds and export profile
Learn more

                                       


 

Related resources

Black female entrepreneur landing into a foreign destination

Guide: Breaking down barriers: Empowering Black-owned businesses to go global

Diverse woman sitting on desk looking directly at camera.

Women in Trade

An indigenous man looks off into the distance.

Indigenous business at EDC


 


 


 

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Date modified: 2024-08-22