EDC Women in Trade
Financing
The Short Answer: Export Development Canada financing and support for women exporters.
"Am I Eligible?" Micro-Quiz
Take 10 seconds to answer these questions and instantly see if you meet the baseline criteria for this funding.
EDC Women in Trade Programs
EDC invests directly into your company to fuel global growth. This is equity (ownership), not a loan, meaning no monthly repayments but you give up some shares.
- Growth capital for scaling
- Patient capital (long-term)
- For high-growth exporters
- Must be 51% diverse-owned
The biggest fear in exporting is not getting paid. EDC insures your receivables so you can sleep at night.
While EDC runs financing, they partner with the Trade Commissioner Service for this grant. It pays for 50% of your marketing costs to enter a NEW country.
💡Ready to Secure Your Funding?
Women-owned business? Our funding specialists help you access the right grants, loans, and support programs.
Export Application Timeline
Export Readiness Check
Before applying, you must show "Export Readiness". Do you have capacity to fill orders? Is your IP protected?
Engage Trade Commissioner
Contact the TCS (Trade Commissioner Service). They are free consultants who can validate your international plan – a crucial step for EDC approval.
Apply for Financing
For equity (ITI), pitch directly to EDC. For working capital guarantees, you often start with your own bank, and they bring EDC in to "guarantee" the loan.
Expansion
Use CanExport grants to fund the marketing travel, and EDC insurance to secure the deals.
Common Questions About EDC Funding
1. Is EDC only for big companies?
No. EDC serves thousands of small businesses. If you have a contract with a US buyer for $50k, EDC can insure it. You don't need to be a multinational corporation.
2. How much does Export Insurance cost?
It varies by country and customer risk, but typically costs between 0.5% and 1.5% of the invoice value. For the peace of mind (and bankability) it provides, this is very cheap.
3. Can I use CanExport for the USA?
Only if it is a NEW market for you. If you already export to New York but want to expand to California, that usually doesn't count. But if you have zero US sales, yes. Check the Applicant Guide for specifics.
4. Does EDC give grants?
EDC itself does not give grants; they do lending and insurance. However, they are a key partner in the disbursement of the Inclusive Trade Investment Program (equity).
5. What counts as "Diverse-Owned"?
For the Inclusive Trade provisions, the business must be 51%+ owned/managed by women, Indigenous peoples, Black Canadians, or other equity-deserving groups.
6. How helps me find foreign buyers?
We recommend starting with the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS). They have offices in 160+ cities worldwide and can introduce you to vetted potential partners for free.
Export Export FAQs
Is EDC government owned?
Yes, Export Development Canada is a Crown corporation. Their mandate is to support Canadian trade, but they operate commercially (they charge for insurance).
Can I use CanExport for the USA?
Partially. CanExport is for new markets. If you already export to New York but want to expand to California, that generally doesn't count. But if you've never sold to the US, then yes.
Does EDC invest in startups?
Typically no. EDC seeks established companies ready to scale. For early-stage tech, BDC's Thrive Venture Fund is a better fit.
Go Global with Confidence
Don't let financing hold you back from international markets. Our experts help you navigate EDC and CanExport.
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