Complementary delivery in Quebec and the rest of Canada will connect financing with business support and strengthen collaboration across the entrepreneurship ecosystem.
OTTAWA, October 22, 2026 — Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC) and Evol today announced a national strategic partnership to make it easier for women entrepreneurs to find the right financing and business support. Announced at the WEOC National Leadership Summit, the partnership connects Evol’s expertise and relationships in Quebec with WEOC’s national network and regional Loan Fund Partners across the rest of Canada.
Both organizations deliver the Government of Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund under the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, which offers eligible women entrepreneurs loans of up to $50,000 to start or grow their businesses. The partnership will coordinate referrals between the organizations and strengthen the support that accompanies financing.
Statistics Canada reports that majority women-owned businesses accounted for 20.6% of private sector businesses in the first quarter of 2026. The federal government identifies access to capital, particularly in smaller amounts, as a continuing barrier for many women entrepreneurs. Clearer navigation and coordinated support can help entrepreneurs connect with the programs designed to serve them.
Stronger collaboration to support women entrepreneurs across Canada
This strategic partnership strengthens collaboration and support for women’s entrepreneurship nationwide. Women entrepreneurs in Quebec will be connected with Evol, which finances and supports businesses across Quebec’s 17 regions. Women entrepreneurs elsewhere in Canada will be connected with the WEOC National Loan Program and its regional Loan Fund Partners, based on business location and program eligibility.
The organizations will establish reciprocal referral protocols to facilitate warm introductions. Where a business operates in Quebec and another province, the organizations will work together to identify a financing and support pathway tailored to its needs. They are also committed to exploring other solutions for entrepreneurs who are not eligible for their respective programs.
“Building a stronger Canada means connecting the talent and ambition of women entrepreneurs with the capital and support to build lasting businesses. This partnership brings our ecosystems together, combining Evol’s leadership in Quebec with WEOC’s regional Loan Fund Partners across the rest of Canada,” said Victoria Lennox, Chief Executive Officer, Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada. “Through complementary financing pathways, warm referrals and shared expertise, we can make public investment work better for entrepreneurs and strengthen the communities and economy we share.”
Sharing expertise to strengthen financing and business support
The partnership extends beyond referrals. Evol and WEOC will share promising practices in developmental lending, inclusive credit assessment, portfolio management and wraparound business support. The organizations may also collaborate on communications initiatives and develop joint recommendations to improve women entrepreneurs’ access to capital.
“To achieve their ambitions and support their growth, women entrepreneurs must be able to access financing tailored to their circumstances and guidance that meets their needs.”, said Géraldine Martin, Chief Executive Officer, Evol. “With more than 30 years of experience, Evol is proud to partner with WEOC to bring together our strengths and expertise. In a constantly evolving economic environment, this collaboration will allow us to share knowledge, enhance our practices and better support women entrepreneurs, both in Quebec and across Canada.
By strengthening connections between the organizations, the partnership aims to make it easier for women entrepreneurs to access programs and resources that meet their needs. It also contributes to Canada’s economic resilience by helping more women start, sustain and grow their businesses.
Find financing and support
Women entrepreneurs and referral partners can visit evol.ca for Quebec and weoc.ca for the WEOC National Loan Program and regional pathways outside Quebec.
About WEOC
Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada connects and strengthens organizations supporting women entrepreneurs across Canada. WEOC administers the WEOC National Loan Program with funding from the Government of Canada through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy. Regional Loan Fund Partners combine localized guidance and application support with developmental financing for eligible women entrepreneurs.
About Evol
Evol finances and guides businesses with diverse and inclusive ownership across Quebec’s 17 regions so they can contribute positively to society and the economy. Its financing and advisory services support businesses at different stages, including start-up, growth, acquisition and succession. Evol is a delivery organization for the Government of Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund.
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Information :
Véronique Dargis
v.******@**ol.ca
