Services for Business

Western Economic Diversification Canada's entrepreneurship initiatives support a competitive and expanded business sector in Western Canada. Although we do not provide funding directly to businesses, we support a network of community-based organizations that offer business information, small loans or assist with access to small business financing.

Western Canada Business Network

WD's Western Canada Business Network consists of several integrated organizations that provide entrepreneurs with services and resources to help Western Canadians start, grow and expand their businesses. This network of more than 100 offices across the west, includes:

Canada Business reduces the complexity of dealing with various levels of government by serving as a single point of access for information on federal and provincial/territorial government services, programs and regulatory requirements for business. These offices also serve as the referral point for the Aboriginal Business Service Network.
Community Futures Development Corporations offer a variety of services to rural entrepreneurs, including business counseling, loan programs and services targeted to youth and entrepreneurs with disabilities.
Women's Enterprise Initiative offices provide loans, business counseling and skills training specifically for women entrepreneurs.
Francophone Economic Development Organizations. provide enhanced services to Francophones, including training, access to capital, information services, networking and marketing advice.

Our Western Canada Business Service Network database can help you find the office closest to you.

Funding for Business

WD provides indirect funding for business through a network of community and industry-based organizations that offer small loans or assist with access to small business financing. These loan funds increase the availability of financing to businesses, communities, and groups that face difficulty getting financing, such as people with disabilities.

Export Resources

WD works to increase export activity in the West by supporting trade promotion and research, export readiness, trade missions and international events. WD's export resources offer a comprehensive listing of the information, programs and services that are available for small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Business Tools & Guides

Review our list of interactive business tools and guides designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Economic Research and Market Studies

Research that helps Western Canadians to understand the role and impact of entrepreneurship.

Other Resources for Entrepreneurs

We have compiled a list of links to other websites that provide other resources for people starting or operating a business in Western Canada.