Women Entrepreneur Program (Farm Credit Canada)
Farm Credit Canada offers discounted financing rates to women who run agriculture or food businesses. This is a repayable loan, so confirm the exact interest rate and eligibility with FCC before applying.
“Women entrepreneurs who qualify may be eligible for additional discounted rates.”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
Approval must come before spending; do not incur costs expecting reimbursement.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You are a woman entrepreneur in agriculture, agribusiness, or the food sector.
- You need capital to start or grow and want lower interest rates than standard commercial loans.
- You value access to skill development and mentorship alongside your financing.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are not a woman entrepreneur or do not operate in agriculture, agribusiness, or food.
- You are looking for a grant or non-repayable funding, as this is a loan that must be repaid with interest.
- You need immediate cash without a formal credit review, since approval must precede spending.
How much you'd realistically get
Variable; depends on your business needs and credit profile, with discounted interest rates applied.
What may be supported
- Starting a new agriculture or food business
- Expanding existing agribusiness operations
- Purchasing equipment or inventory
- Business skill development and training
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must contact Farm Credit Canada directly to discuss your financing needs and complete their application process.
- 01Contact your local Farm Credit Canada office at 1-800-387-3232 to learn more.
- 02Confirm your eligibility as a woman entrepreneur in agriculture, agribusiness, or food.
- 03Discuss your financing needs and the specific discounted rates available.
- 04Submit the required application documents for credit review.
- 05Wait for approval before incurring any expenses.
Who to ask: 1-800-387-3232 (toll-free); csc@fcc-fac.ca; 1-306-780-8900
Documents commonly required
- Business plan or financial projections
- Proof of identity and residency
- Financial statements or tax returns
- Details of the project or capital need
What to know before you count on it
- This is financing, not a grant; you must repay the principal plus interest.
- FCC does not publish the exact discount or interest rate. Ask FCC before you apply.
- Standard loan terms apply, meaning your creditworthiness and ability to service the debt are reviewed.
- The official page does not list deadlines or say whether the program is taking applications. Ask FCC before you apply.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on your ability to service the financing and meet Farm Credit Canada's credit criteria, not on a competitive selection process.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a grant or a loan?
This is a loan. You must repay the principal plus interest. It is not taxable income.
What is the exact interest rate?
Call FCC at 1-800-387-3232 and ask for the discounted rate you qualify for.
Who is eligible?
Women entrepreneurs operating in agriculture, agribusiness, or the food sector.
Is there an application fee?
The official page does not list an application fee. Ask FCC before you apply.
More funding by what it pays for
What you can combine it with
Check if this financing can be combined with other programs like the Sustainability Incentive Program or Young Farmers initiatives.
Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.