Federal government announces new support for women entrepreneurs with disabilities

Canada NewsWire

WINNIPEG, MB, Feb. 13, 2026

WINNIPEG, MB, Feb. 13, 2026 /CNW/ - Today, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), Gabrielle Ménard, along with the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services, Ginette Lavack, announced $797,557 for Eviance (Canadian Centre on Disability Studies Incorporated) for their project, Spotlight on Women Entrepreneurs with Disabilities in Canada.

With this federal investment, Eviance will develop a strategy to promote opportunities and resources for women entrepreneurs with disabilities across Canada through community engagement, including focus groups and interviews. By collaborating with women with disabilities, the project will foster inclusive entrepreneurship and contribute to sustained economic security and prosperity. The project activities, led by Eviance in partnership with New Power Labs, will engage women entrepreneurs with disabilities to identify key issues and help shape solutions that create more equitable opportunities for success.

Investments, such as the Eviance project, create opportunities for all women with disabilities to achieve their full potential and contribute to building strong and resilient communities in Canada. Through its programs, Women and Gender Equality Canada continues to support projects that address systemic barriers to women's equality in Canadian society.

Quotes

"Supporting women in every part of the economy strengthens our country. Women entrepreneurs with disabilities bring valuable skills, perspectives, and leadership to our business and innovation sectors. By investing in organizations like Eviance, we are advancing research that will help to shape policies and programs so that all women entrepreneurs in Canada can pursue their goals and help build Canada strong."

The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)

"Women entrepreneurs with disabilities are job creators and leaders within their communities. However, too often, obstacles persist and limit their ability to create and grow their businesses. This funding will help ensure that women with disabilities are at the heart of implementing solutions and building a more accessible, fairer and more prosperous economy."

Marie-Gabrielle Ménard, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)

"Here in Winnipeg, we know that strong communities are built when everyone has the opportunity to contribute. Women entrepreneurs with disabilities bring talent, resilience, and leadership to our local economy, yet too often face barriers to getting started or growing their businesses. This investment will support community-driven work that centres their voices, strengthens local networks, and helps build a more inclusive and prosperous economy for Winnipeg and communities across Canada."

Ginette Lavack, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services, and Member of Parliament for St. Boniface—St. Vital

"This Project is an opportunity to bridge two historically siloed sectors to reshape access to the broad entrepreneurial ecosystem with, and for, women with disabilities through a sustainable data and evidence-based strategy. It is our hope that the removal of barriers to access entrepreneurial opportunities and resources in Canada will enhance the economic prosperity of women with disabilities diversely-located."
Dr. Susan L. Hardie, PhD., Executive Director, Eviance

Quick facts

In 2024, half (50.4%) of persons with disabilities participated in the labour force.
The 2024 Statistics Canada's Survey Series on Accessibility (SSA) found that nearly three in five (59%) persons with disabilities or long-term conditions faced barriers to participation in the labour market. These included barriers encountered in the workplace, during hiring processes, or situations where a condition discouraged or prevented them from working.
Women business owners with disabilities earned significantly less than their counterparts without disabilities, with median incomes ranging from 71% to 74.2% of those of women business owners without disabilities.
Eviance was selected as a funding recipient through WAGE's invitational call for proposals in December 2024, which focused on advancing economic security, prosperity, and leadership opportunities for women and girls with disabilities—consistent with the objectives of Budget 2023 investments in the Women's Program.

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