Inclusive Trade Investments Program

EDC Inclusive Trade Investments Program (ITIP)

1-800-229-0575

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

Not sure if this product meets your needs?

Find out which EDC product is right for your business by answering a few quick questions,

or call us at 1-800-229-0575.

About exporting

Welcome to EDC

Trade expertise for

Our solutions

Managing Risks

Securing Financing

Growing Working Capital

Knowledge & Advisory

Country and economic info

Search by Country or Market

Expert analysis and insights

TradeInsights

Browse Insights

About us

About our company

Environmental, Social and Governance

Working with us

Log in

Credit Insurance

Other EDC accounts

EDC Inclusive Trade Investments Program (ITIP)

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

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

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

Related resources

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

Women in Trade

Indigenous business at EDC

Not sure if this product meets your needs?