Women entrepreneurs across Canada are gaining new opportunities to grow their businesses through a $2 million initiative led by Coralus, a non-profit organization supporting ventures led by women and non-binary individuals. The project aims to provide tailored training, resources, and networking opportunities for women-owned businesses to overcome challenges and thrive in today’s economy.

The funds were provided by the federal government, and was announced by Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business.

More than 375 women entrepreneurs are set to benefit from specialized training on critical topics such as fundraising, accessing capital, bootstrapping, and establishing e-commerce platforms. Coralus is also building partnerships with organizations serving diverse communities, including Indigenous entrepreneurs, newcomers, individuals with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs, and those in rural areas. This collaborative approach ensures greater inclusivity and participation from underrepresented groups in Canada’s business landscape.

Minister Valdez emphasized the importance of inclusion, stating, “A more inclusive economy is a stronger economy. With partners like Coralus, we are leveling the playing field, creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs, and building resilient communities.”

In addition to training, the project offers personalized coaching and organizes networking events to connect women entrepreneurs with resources and opportunities nationwide. Coralus Founder Vicki Saunders emphasized the importance of connection: “Creating pathways for entrepreneurs to connect with one another and with influencers who are open to using their power to create change builds a stronger economy.”

This initiative aligns with broader efforts to foster entrepreneurship and close systemic gaps. Coralus works in tandem with the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), a comprehensive framework launched in 2018 to support women entrepreneurs through mentorship, training, and access to capital.

Key elements of WES include:

• Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund: Providing loans of up to $50,000 for women-led businesses
• Inclusive Women Venture Capital Initiative: Encouraging a more inclusive venture capital environment
• Ecosystem Fund: Strengthening support networks and filling gaps in the entrepreneurship system
• Knowledge Hub: Offering a centralized resource for data, research, and best practices.

Coralus’ efforts also complement other programs addressing the unique challenges faced by Black and 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs. Initiatives like the Black Entrepreneurship Program and the 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program focus on mentorship, capacity building, and access to funding, creating a robust ecosystem for diverse business leaders.

Coralus’ work underscores the power of community-driven solutions in addressing barriers to success. By equipping women entrepreneurs with the tools they need, this initiative aims to build a stronger, more inclusive economy that benefits all Canadians. While government funding plays a role, it is the partnerships, grassroots efforts, and dedicated organizations like Coralus that are driving meaningful progress in fostering gender equality in business.

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