BMO Financial Group, in collaboration with Deloitte Canada, today announced the continuation of its BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program pledging $150,000 in grants to support the high-level growth plans of 12 women-owned businesses across Canada.
Among banks in Canada, BMO has led the way by establishing a dedicated bank-wide program for women. With a decades-long commitment to removing barriers to women's empowerment, championing the advancement of women, and promoting an inclusive market, BMO has taken a close look at women's unique needs and created programs and initiatives that are important to them. BMO understands that the future depends on empowering more women.
Through the longest-standing, bank-led recognition program for women in North America – BMO Celebrating Women – and inspired by our Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and in life, including our commitment to double support for women-led businesses, BMO is inviting women business owners to share their high-level business growth plans and apply for one of 12 grants:
- one grant of $20,000 CAD
- four grants of $15,000 CAD
- seven grants of $10,000 CAD
In addition to these grants, BMO offers a comprehensive package to all recipients that includes an exclusive webinar series focused on business growth, the opportunity to join certain organizations and/or advisory boards, a profile on bmoforwomen.com, and a BMO Celebrating Women Grant Recipient social badge.
Applications open September 26, 2022 and close October 17, 2022.
"Through the BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program, we continue to drive our commitment to close the funding gap and provide meaningful capital to women business owners," said Christine Cooper, Head, Canadian Commercial Banking. "This year, we are recognizing women-owned businesses that are boldly growing their businesses and, in turn, strengthening the Canadian economy. We are proud to offer these grants and remove barriers for women-owned businesses and help those already leading positive change in their communities to grow the good."
"Women-owned businesses are a driving force of the Canadian economy, and by providing these entrepreneurs and leaders with access to capital today, we're ensuring the prosperity of their businesses and our global competitiveness," said Linda Blair, Chief Experience Officer, Deloitte Canada. "We're pleased to be working with BMO on this initiative, not only to support women in business, but to inspire others, and we look forward to its positive impact for generations to come."
To assist with the grant recipient selection process, BMO is collaborating with strategic partners to form this year's Advisory Panel of Judges.
BMO has a long history of programs and partnerships to support and empower women:
- Earmarked $5 billion in capital over five years to women entrepreneurs in 2022, building on the commitment of $2 billion in 2014 and $3 billion in 2018.
- Committed $1.2 million in funding to Coralus (formerly SheEO), a not-for-profit company which offers financial support to businesses led by women-identifying and non-binary people. BMO's financial commitment allowed Coralus to fund all 2021 venture applicant companies working to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
- Launched a $750 million Women in Business Bond solution with proceeds being allocated toward women-owned enterprises as defined in BMO's Sustainable Financing Framework, including micro, small and medium-sized businesses.
- Set new diversity goals for senior leader and executive roles through its Zero Barriers to Inclusion 2025 strategy, including maintaining its leadership in gender diversity with at least 40 per cent of senior leader roles filled by employees who identify as women.
To learn more about the Canadian Grant Program, visit bmoforwomen.com.
