Small business owners

We are committed to providing equal access to our full suite of financing solutions. As a business owner, our clients should have access to a financial partner who can help support their growth. We can propose financing solutions tailored to each client’s priorities, including working capital and inventory financing, funding for capital projects and expansion. 

Through Un-Mentorship Boot Camps™, we provide access to a series of half-day sessions that “un-teach” traditionally-held ideas about how to succeed; explore business-focused issues like government, compliance and finance with Scotiabank executives and other experts; share the insights from our sponsored research; and hear from the other women and our Advisory Board members who have been successful in their fields. We also host mini-boot camps in local markets and provide access to online education tools and research.

Through our partnership with The Forum, we provide opportunities for women entrepreneurs to connect with experienced business leaders through 1:1 mentorship. For 20 years, The Forum has been pairing both early-stage and established women entrepreneurs with mentors who understand their business. We’re proud to offer this program to all The Scotiabank Women Initiative program participants, at no cost.

Find more information about this partnership

The Scotiabank Women Initiative was launched on December 5, 2018 across Canada for women-led and women-owned businesses. 

Scotiabank has committed to lending capital to support women-led businesses. While lending will be subject to Scotiabank’s standard risk assessments, applications will also be reviewed by a dedicated team trained in unconscious bias. 

Unconscious bias refers to a bias that we are unaware of, and which happens outside of our control.  It is a bias that happens when we make quick judgments and assessments of people and situations. This can be, influenced by background, cultural environment and personal experiences. All Scotiabank Credit Adjudicators have received Unconscious Bias training to help serve our clients better.

Eligible businesses include:

1.        Women-owned (i.e., owned or partially owned by a person who identifies as a woman)

2.       Women-led (i.e., a decision-maker or C-suite role held by a person who identifies as a woman)

The program is only open to Scotiabank clients, although some elements may be available to non-Scotiabank clients.. 

During our Un-Mentorship Boot Camps™, Scotiabank executives will un-teach traditionally held ideas about how to succeed and provide new approaches for growth. Participants will explore business-focused issues like governance, compliance, and finance and hear from other women and our Advisory Board members who have been successful in their field. 

Find more information. 

Contact us. Tell us more about you and what you’re looking for. A member of our team will be in touch to discuss how Scotiabank can help you.