Female-led businesses continue to face significant barriers—not only in visibility and networks, but especially when it comes to access to capital. That’s where DELIA, powered by Nventure, is making a meaningful difference.
What Is DELIA?
“DELIA” actually stands for Develop. Educate. Lead. Innovate. Accelerate. DELIA is a national, evergreen microloan fund designed specifically for female-owned and female-operated ventures across Canada. Backed by Nventure (formerly Northumberland CFDC), and supported by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) and the Government of Canada (ISED).
Why DELIA Matters
Tailored financial support
- DELIA offers microloans ranging from CA$15,000–CA$50,000.
Interest rates are competitively low — between Prime + 2% to Prime + 4%, based on a risk rating with no prepayment penalty, giving recipients flexibility to pay off their loan when their business cash flows allow.
Inclusive and intersectional focus
- DELIA actively prioritizes diverse, underserved, and intersectional women entrepreneurs, aiming to reduce systemic barriers in traditional finance.
Support beyond capital
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Lending is just one part of the picture. For selected recipients, DELIA provides
1:1 advisory sessions, workshops, training, and mentorship opportunities.
For instance, DELIA has a partnership with MNP — a leading professional services firm — to mentor female-led businesses, offering strategy, accounting, tax, and growth support.
Purposeful use of funds
- The loan can be used for a wide range of business needs: capital assets, working capital, inventory, IT, marketing, professional services, and more.
Things that are not eligible: real estate purchases, dividends, franchising fees, and refinancing existing debt, among others.
Eligibility & How to Apply
- You must be 19 years or older, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Your business should be majority female-owned (50% or more) and controlled by women.
- If you’re a start-up (< 12 months old), you’ll need a business plan and 12-month cash flow forecast; for established businesses, financial statements for the last two years are required.
- Certain industries are not eligible (for example: real estate, gambling, weapons, etc.).
- The application process is streamlined: you can complete an application in 15–30 minutes.
Why Now Is the Time to Apply
- Funding is live: The DELIA portal is currently accepting applications, this is not a limited-time pilot — it’s an evergreen fund.
- Growing ecosystem: Beyond the loan, entrepreneurs get access to a broader network — from Nventure’s own team to partners like MNP.
- Long-term reinvestment: As DELIA loans are repaid, the capital recycles into the fund, meaning your business could help future women entrepreneurs succeed too.
For many female entrepreneurs, funding programs such as this could be the bridge between ambition and scale.