Entrepreneurs who identify as 2SLGBTQI+ (Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex or other sexually or gender diverse people) make important contributions to the Canadian economy, yet they continue to face systemic barriers in starting and growing their businesses.
To help address these barriers and build a more inclusive economy, the Government of Canada is investing $25 million in Canada’s first-ever 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program.
The Government of Canada co-developed the structure of this program with organizations across the 2SLGBTQI+ ecosystem.
The program will be administered by the Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), the principal organization dedicated to helping 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs in Canada.
Program components
Business Scale-Up
The Business Scale-Up program will build the CGLCC’s capacity to help 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs across Canada start or grow their businesses, particularly where entrepreneurship ecosystem support is limited or non-existent. Activities will include implementing a national mentorship program, improving access to corporate procurement opportunities and helping 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs and businesses become export ready.
Ecosystem Fund
The Ecosystem Fund will provide funding to not-for-profit business-support organizations to deliver projects that help entrepreneurs develop their business planning skills and access entrepreneurial tools and learning resources, as well as to raise awareness of key challenges facing 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs.
New The call for proposals is now closed. For more information, consult the CGLCC Ecosystem Fund page.
Knowledge Hub
The 2SLGBTQI+ Knowledge Hub will conduct research and collect data to create a clearer picture of the entrepreneurship landscape for the 2SLGBTQI+ community and the challenges 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs face. This project will be led by one or more knowledge organizations selected through a call for applications process run by the CGLCC.
New The call for proposals is now closed. For more information, consult the CGLCC Knowledge Hub page.
For more information
To find out more about the 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program, visit the CGLCC website.