Women Entrepreneur Program (Farm Credit Canada)
Grow your ag or food business with discounted financing rates from Farm Credit Canada. This is a repayable loan, so confirm the exact interest rate and eligibility on the official page before applying. Verified against the official source on July 2, 2026.
How we verify funding records →
“Women entrepreneurs who qualify may be eligible for additional discounted rates.”
Before you spend a dollar
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.
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.
Check your fit →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
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your professional website and online store with the loan funds, giving your farm or food brand a polished digital home that attracts new customers and builds trust.
- BBN sets up your Local SEO and Google Business Profile using the financing, so local buyers can find your produce and products when searching online.
- BBN designs your branding and print materials with the capital, creating a cohesive look for your packaging and storefront that stands out in the market.
- BBN guides you through the application and deadlines so you don't lose the funding.
What to know before you count on it
- This is financing, not a grant; you must repay the principal plus interest.
- The exact discount percentage and interest rate are not published; confirm on the official page.
- Standard loan terms apply, meaning your creditworthiness and ability to service the debt are reviewed.
- Intake status and deadlines are not stated; confirm availability on the official page.
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?
FCC doesn't publish the exact discount percentage; confirm the discounted rate on the official page or by calling 1-800-387-3232.
Who is eligible?
Women entrepreneurs operating in agriculture, agribusiness, or the food sector.
Is there an application fee?
No application fee is published. Confirm on the official page.
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.
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.
Record last updated July 3, 2026; last verified July 2, 2026 against the official source. Source: official program page.