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Did you know that Canada is one of the top 10 most LGBT-friendly countries in the world? In fact, an estimated 1 million people identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, which is the uniquely Canadian acronym starting with two-spirit (2S), from First Nations culture.
Not surprisingly, Canadian 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurship is strong. There are approximately 100,000 2SLGBTQIA+ owned businesses in Canada — or around 1 out of every 40 businesses in the nation. These businesses employ more than 435,000 people and generate an impressive $22 billion.
This provides a significant contribution to the Canadian economy. Yet some 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs still experience discrimination and systemic barriers that exclude them from business opportunities or block access to networks, mentorships, or funding.
There are a variety of resources available to promote diversity, inclusion, and 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurship if you know where to look. Add yours to the list of businesses that successfully overcome challenges.
Whether you’re 2SLGBTQIA+ or an ally, you'll find information about education and resources, networking and events, and funding and programming below.
Making business more inclusive is a year-round project, but Pride Month is the perfect time to start.
Chambers of commerce act in partnership with governments and businesses to advocate around issues of trade and the economy. Usually they’re organized by geography (the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, for example), but in the case of the CGLCC, membership is available to companies that are at least 51% 2SLGBTQIA+ owned.
Loaded with resources for a variety of people, including newcomers and youth, this site should be at the top of your list.
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Funded with $25 million from the Canadian federal government, this program is designed to provide knowledge, opportunity, and funding to build a more inclusive economy. The program is administered by the CGLCC.
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In addition to the CGLCC, many Canadian provinces and territories have regional chambers of commerce or business associations with a focus on 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs.
Remember: just because we're all used to Zoom now doesn't diminish the power of a face-to-face meeting.
Look into these organizations to make local connections:
Canada’s human rights trust, Egale, isn’t specifically focused on workplace or business matters, but it should be your first stop for the latest research and resources around 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion.
This is where you can find everything from a literature review on workplace inclusion to materials on the 50-30 Challenge, designed in partnership with the Government of Canada to increase diversity in the workforce.
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Formerly known as Status of Women Canada, this department of the federal government is rich with resources, including funding opportunities, some of which might be of use to Canadian 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs or projects.
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Aimed at 2SLGBTQIA+ students, this organization offers professional development and mentorship opportunities to young people as they make their way into the workforce.
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Funded by the Government of Canada, Futurpreneur is a national organization offering mentorship, training, and funding to Canadian entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 39.
In addition to their general Core Startup Program (open to all, including 2SLGBTQIA+ people), they also offer programs aimed at Black and Indigenous entrepreneurs.
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This organization works with Canadian employers, offering institutional education and guidance so they can support 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in their workplaces.
In addition to educational opportunities, Pride at Work Canada/Fierté au travail Canada offers workplace audits, leadership development, and networking opportunities.
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Primarily a networking group, Pride In Business also holds events and seminars and produces a magazine for 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals.
In May, the group held a networking event called Pride In Art that showcased the work of 14 2SLGBTQIA+ artists.
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Based on the idea that diverse workplaces are high-performing workplaces, TransFocus goes beyond education to offer actionable strategies to organizations that want to improve gender diversity in their workplace.
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This online community is for 2SLGBTQIA+ people working in technology, including entrepreneurs and startups. Members can access education, community, and networking.
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This Canadian charity supports self-identifying women entrepreneurs — including non-binary and trans-femme women — with mentoring, actionable education, and online learning modules.
The Forum offers a Business Finance Essentials program that directly deals with the systemic barriers faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs. They have offices in Toronto and Vancouver, plus online workshops.
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With modules on topics as diverse as masculinity, bias and stereotypes, and intersectionality, GATE does a deep dive into research about how gender and the economy intersect. Housed at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, GATE is for data enthusiasts looking for research-backed ideas about how to change the conversation on gender equality.
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Being 2SLGBTQIA+ in business isn't always smooth, but with these resources, you can get started making every month Pride Month at your workplace.
While every month is a good time to celebrate Pride, June brings even more opportunities to connect with available resources.
Looking for tips to start, run, or grow your business? Whether you need help with payroll or time tracking — or insights into the latest trends — look to QuickBooks Online to guide you through your entrepreneurship journey.
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