The City of Hamilton hopes its investment in online 'funding finder' Fundica will expedite robust searches for local businesses needing partners in development funding.

An agreement would end a stalemate that has lasted more than a week over Republican President Donald Trump's request to add $250 billion to a small-business loan program.

The study, co-funded by the Bank of Montreal, the federal government, Carleton University and the Beacon Agency, says women want to participate in procurement programs, but find the processes are too complicated for a small business.