A program designed to support your business ambitions
We know what it takes for a business like yours to grow. Each year, the BMO Celebrating Women Program provides funding to women-owned businesses across Canada.
We’re excited to present the BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program, in collaboration with Deloitte. Ten Canadian small businesses that are majority owned and led by women or non-binary entrepreneurs will each receive a $10,000 CAD grant to help take their businesses to the next level.
We’re looking for established small business owners who can clearly share what they’re building, the impact they’re creating, and how their business will grow with support from the Grant Program. Applicants will be asked to connect their work to two to three United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), explain how they measure their impact, and outline how grant funding would help them scale that impact and strengthen their business.
Applications are evaluated based on the strength and clarity of the business’s SDG focus and rationale, the way impact is measured (including results and targets), the proposed use of funds, and the overall potential impact the grant could have on the business—aligned with the program’s objectives of fostering inclusivity and global stewardship.
View the United States Grant Program on our Zero Barriers to Business page. Review the FAQ and Terms & Conditions, then apply now.
To be eligible for the BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program, you’ll need to submit an application during the program period and meet the eligibility requirements for both the applicant and the business.
Criteria for applicants:
You are a resident of Canada and have reached the legal age of majority in your province or territory.
You have the authority to apply on behalf of the business and to legally bind the business to the program terms.
You have not received a grant from any previous BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program.
Criteria for businesses:
The business is 51% or more owned and controlled by one or more individuals who self-identify as women or non-binary.
The business is for-profit, active and operational, and lawfully operates in Canada.
The business has been in operation selling a product or service for at least two (2) years as of April 2, 2026.
The business has annual revenue of $50,000 CAD or more.
Fifty percent (50%) or more of annual revenue is tied to sales with Canadian businesses and/or Canadian consumers.
The business’s head office or principal place of business is located in a province or territory of Canada.
For full eligibility details for the 2026 Grant Program, view the Official Terms and Conditions.
What to include in your application
Applications for the BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program open on April 2, 2026. Here’s what to expect when applying:
Provide basic information about you (the applicant) and your business.
Answer a series of short questions outlining your business, growth plans, and impact.
Identify two to three United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) your business is focused on, explain why they were chosen, and describe how you measure your impact.
Explain how grant funding would be used to support your business growth and help scale your impact.
Applicants selected as semi-finalists will be invited to submit a short video via YouTube. The video must be between 60 and 120 seconds in length, recorded in English and/or French, describe the two to three UN SDGs the business is focused on, and explain the impact the grant would have on the business and its growth.
When to apply
The application portal opens on April 2, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. ET and closes on April 23, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Only one application per eligible business is permitted.
How to apply
When you’re ready to apply, select Apply Now to access the official application form. You’ll be directed to a secure platform to complete and submit your application and provide information about your business. Before submitting, review your responses and confirm that all required information has been included.
Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your application.
Key dates
Application window opens: April 2, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. ET
Application window closes: April 23, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. ET
May: Semi-finalists selected and notified
June: Finalists selected and notified
Mid-July: Grant recipients selected and announced
Mid‑September: Grant recipients attend the BMO Celebrating Women Grant Summit
View our FAQs page to get more information on the BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program.
Important reminder
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to create or contribute to any part of an application, including written responses or video content, is not permitted and will result in disqualification.
BMO Celebrating Women Grant Recipients
Bayonle Adebiyi
“Scholarships Cafe began as a simple idea to make education funding accessible for all.”
Natalie Gilson & Melissa Weber
“The ocean is fighting for its future and so are the people protecting it...”
Anna Hopaluk
“By transforming homes...we uplift women and support families...”
Sasha Jardine
“Our mission is to brighten dark days by reconnecting people to colour and nature.”
Rahila Kuyoro
“D’hilla Beauty is dedicated to transforming how women care for their skin and themselves...”
Ameneh Madjd
“We’re transforming diabetes care through AI-driven, human-centered innovation...”
Nasim Naderi
“We deliver renewable and sustainable energy solutions...”
Elizabeth Romo-Rábago
“Ciclomanias is a social enterprise dedicated to inspiring a sustainable future...”
Samira Soltani
“We’re building the foundation for a cleaner, smarter future of mobility...”
Nadine Woods
“Mayana creates socially conscious intimates that prioritize women’s wellbeing...”