In this exclusive CanadianSME Small Business Magazine interview, Drew Boshell, Executive Director of FINCA Canada, shares how more than two decades of global development leadership have shaped his mission: empowering women entrepreneurs and advancing financial inclusion. With experience spanning health, education, poverty reduction, and economic resilience across five continents, Drew now leads FINCA Canada in helping women gain access to capital, tools, and training—catalyzing new opportunities, strengthening communities, and building lasting impact both in Canada and abroad.
As Executive Director, Drew Boshell is responsible for the successful leadership of the institution in accordance with the strategic direction set by the Board. He has overall strategic and operational responsibility for FINCA Canada’s staff, financial performance, program development and expansion, and execution of FINCA Canada’s mission.
From your vantage as Executive Director, how has FINCA Canada’s focus on empowering women entrepreneurs created ripple effects in the communities you serve?
At FINCA Canada, our focus has always been clear: when women gain access to the capital, tools, and training they’ve historically been denied, entire communities benefit. Even though women continue to face barriers in accessing financial services, they consistently demonstrate remarkable economic impact. And the data shows it. Women entrepreneurs are often more productive and build more successful businesses than their male counterparts when given equal access to resources.
When we invest in women, we’re not just strengthening individual businesses, we’re helping build financial resilience at the household and community levels. Women are more likely to repay their loans, reinvest their profits into their families, and channel their success back into the local economy. They create jobs, build stability, and influence systems that have long overlooked them.
We see a positive cycle: when a woman succeeds, she lifts others up with her. Empowering women entrepreneurs doesn’t just stimulate growth; it creates long-term resilience and brings inclusive economic development within reach.
Can you share global lessons from FINCA Canada’s work that could directly inform and inspire support for women entrepreneurs here in Canada?
A key lesson we’ve learnt along the way is that women entrepreneurs cannot be supported through a one-size-fits-all approach. Across countries, we’ve seen how biases, both conscious and unconscious, limit women’s access to capital and training. That same reality exists in Canada.
To help women entrepreneurs, we must apply a gender lens to how we design programs, assess risk and provide financial services and capital. Women often juggle multiple roles: running a business/career while caring for family, and those responsibilities shape how and when they can access support. When investors and financial institutions understand this and make practical accommodations, the results are transformative. Women consistently show strong multitasking abilities, resilience, and a track record of building high-impact ventures.
Another global takeaway is the need to educate the financial sector. Many barriers stem from outdated assumptions. When we raise awareness about women’s unique needs and how minor adjustments can level the playing field, we dismantle misconceptions and unlock tremendous untapped economic potential. Globally, there’s a US$1.7 trillion gap between the amount of capital women need and the amount they get and by closing that gap, as much as US$6 trillion could be added to global GDP.
Canada is often recognized for its leadership in advancing gender equality worldwide. How do you think this global stance is influencing both local and international policy, especially as we head into 2026?
Canada has been a pivotal force in advancing gender equity on a global scale, particularly through frameworks like the Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP). FIAP has reshaped how organizations, including FINCA Canada, approach development work by requiring intentional strategies to address gender disparities across all sectors, from humanitarian response to health, education, and financial inclusion.
This consistent commitment has encouraged other governments, NGOs, and private-sector partners to adopt similar gender-focused models. We’ve seen more flexible lending programs, community childcare supports, and training initiatives designed specifically for women as Canada helped set the gender equity standard.
Heading into 2026, there is growing uncertainty. With shrinking international assistance budgets and shifting political priorities, there is concern that gender-focused programs may receive less funding or lose visibility. Reduced investment could limit Canada’s ability to influence global progress and weaken the application of a gender lens in future development work.
Continued leadership and adequate funding will be essential in advancing gender equity at home and abroad.
Have you observed specific examples where Canadian-led initiatives are transforming the lived experiences of women and driving economic growth from the ground up?
At FINCA Canada, we have witnessed countless Canadian-supported initiatives create meaningful change for women entrepreneurs around the world. FINCA’s work offers clear examples of how gender-responsive solutions can shift economic outcomes from the ground up.
We developed 15 gender-mainstreaming training modules for our teams globally, ensuring staff understand the barriers women face and how to address them in practice. This training has shaped more equitable lending models and improved support for women-owned businesses.
In Pakistan, for example, cultural norms prevented women from entering standard bank branches staffed by men. In response, FINCA launched a women-only branch, run entirely by women, for women, to offer a safe, culturally appropriate way to access financial services.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, we created a loan product tailored specifically for women entrepreneurs to help overcome long-standing barriers to credit. And in Uganda, with support from the Gates Foundation, we introduced a Women’s Enterprise Loan to ensure women receive larger productive loans equal to those of men after data revealed a significant disparity.
To conclude, what final advice would you offer to small business owners and aspiring women entrepreneurs as they seek to create sustainable and lasting impact in their communities?
First, connect with organizations designed to support women entrepreneurs. The right partners can offer mentorship, training, capital, and networks that help accelerate your business. Don’t be shy to reach out; these programs exist to guide you and champion your success.
Second, surround yourself with women and like-minded people. Peer support is invaluable and powerful. Whether seeking advice, emotional support or encouragement – the right mentor has most likely walked a similar path.
Third, visibility matters. Use your voice, share your expertise, and advocate for your ideas. Every time women step forward, they help break down persistent biases, whether around experience, caregiving responsibilities, emotional decision-making, or cultural expectations.
Finally, as your business grows, invest back into your community. Women entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to create growth that is inclusive and sustainable. By lifting others and challenging assumptions, you help build the kind of thriving communities we all want to see.
