AWE GRANTS FUNDING SUPPORT
Women entrepreneurs deserve access to the full spectrum of funding from grants to loans to capacity-building programs. While AWE does not offer standalone grants, we do provide:
Grant opportunities connected to successful completion of select AWE programs
Loans designed specifically for women-owned businesses in Alberta
A comprehensive suite of programs that prepare you to ask the right questions and determine your timeline to funding
Curated grant resources from trusted partners across Canada
We’re here to help you get funding-ready and point you to the resources that can fuel your growth.
How AWE Supports Your Funding Journey
GRANTS THROUGH AWE PROGRAMS
Several AWE programs include grant funding upon successful completion. These opportunities help women entrepreneurs build momentum, invest in new capabilities, and accelerate growth.
LOANS BUILT FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS
AWE Loans offer up to $150,000 in repayable financing with competitive rates, flexibility, and a community-first model. If you need capital to start, stabilize, or grow, we can help.
PROGRAMS THAT MAKE YOU FUNDING READY
Strong grant applications require strong business foundations. AWE programs help you develop them.
AWE Programs That Strengthen Your Funding Readiness
Every woman who comes to AWE brings something powerful with her: a dream, a skill, a problem only she can solve. Our job is to make sure she never has to build that future alone.
For early-stage entrepreneurs working to turn ideas into action.
You’ll learn how to:
- Build confidence in marketing, sales, and financial readiness
- Develop a strong, funder-ready business plan
- Focus your vision, strategy, and next steps
For SMEs ready to level up operations with technology, strategy, and business systems.
You’ll learn how to:
- Modernize your business with digital tools, AI, and CRMs
- Strengthen marketing and digital strategy
- Shift from business operator to business owner
- Gain the clarity needed to pursue grants and investment
For established businesses focused on scaling with intention.
You’ll learn how to:
- Expand operations, supply chain, and HR strategies
- Develop a compelling pitch
- Use financial and operational data to make smarter decisions
- Strengthen your case for grants, capital, and growth funding
For Indigenous women preparing business plans for financing or long-term success.
You’ll learn how to:
- Understand what running a business requires financially, practically, and personally
- Clarify who your customers are, how they find you, and why they choose you
- Learn the basics of managing day-to-day business operations
- Build confidence with pricing, forecasting, and financial fundamentals
- Use your business plan to guide decisions and next steps
- Bring It All Together
REQUEST LOAN INFORMATION VIA EMAIL
Want more information about AWE’s financing program? Complete the form below and we’ll send you program details, next steps, and helpful resources.
We’ll send program details, funding options, and helpful tools.
You Don’t Have to Navigate Funding Alone
Whether you’re applying for a loan, pursuing grants, or strengthening the foundations of your business so you can qualify for future opportunities, AWE is here to support you every step of the way.
Let’s build your funding readiness together.
Federal and External Grant Programs for Alberta Entrepreneurs
In addition to AWE programs and loans, the following external grant programs may be available to Alberta-based entrepreneurs.
Eligibility, funding amounts, and application timelines vary by program and are subject to change.
These resources are provided for informational purposes to help you explore potential grant opportunities.
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A federal program that helps small businesses access financing by sharing risk with lenders. While not a grant, it is often used alongside grant funding to support business growth, equipment purchases, and expansion.
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Supports innovative small and medium-sized businesses working on technology development. Funding may be available for research, development, and commercialization activities.
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A federal initiative designed to increase access to capital, programs, and support for women entrepreneurs across Canada. Funding streams vary and may be delivered through partner organizations.
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Provides funding to help Canadian businesses explore new international markets. Eligible expenses may include marketing, travel, and business development activities related to exporting.
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Provincial funding programs that support innovation, technology development, and commercialization in Alberta-based businesses across multiple sectors.
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Supports employers who invest in employee training. Funding can help offset the cost of training programs that build workforce skills and business capacity.
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Provides funding to support strategic business challenges through research and innovation projects, often in partnership with post-secondary institutions.
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Some municipalities and regional economic development organizations in Alberta offer grants or incentives to support local business growth, innovation, or downtown revitalization. Availability varies by location.
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Grant programs frequently change, and not all businesses will qualify. AWE encourages entrepreneurs to review eligibility requirements carefully and prepare strong business foundations before applying.
If you’re unsure which funding options make sense for your business, AWE programs can help you build the skills, clarity, and readiness needed to pursue grants and other funding opportunities with confidence.