ATB Entrepreneur Center

Funding challenges and opportunities for women business owners

Written by ATB Entrepreneur & Small Business | Apr 22, 2024 8:04:40 PM

Women-owned businesses have long faced uphill battles in securing the funding needed to launch and grow their ventures. Despite innovation, dedication and proven track records, female entrepreneurs often encounter systemic obstacles that hinder access to capital—due to factors like unconscious biases, network disparities and risk perception. As a result, many promising businesses fail to reach their potential due to a lack of financial support. 

 

Did you know?

 

Here to help

Alberta’s entrepreneur ecosystem has several resources to address the unique challenges facing female entrepreneurs. As part of that group, ATB’s commitment to supporting women-owned businesses extends beyond just providing resources—it's about building a community of empowerment. Through capital funding, networking connections and industry expertise, we create opportunities for women entrepreneurs to connect and collaborate with each other.

 

Ecosystem resources

The W by ATB Ecosystem resource guide is curated for Albertan women entrepreneurs, outlining available grants, loans, scholarships, government funding and networking opportunities.

 

Guide highlights

Grants

Loans

Awards and scholarships

Business guides

Entrepreneurial education

Government-supported programs

Provincial and municipal support

Women networking

Technology and innovation

Research

Other resources

 

Recap: You’re not alone

Due to systemic biases or lack of awareness about available resources, many female business owners have to navigate a maze of obstacles on their entrepreneurial journey. But you don’t have to face the battle of securing funding or finding information alone. Through Alberta’s ecosystem of support, you can access tailored resources and opportunities to help your women-owned business thrive.