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 Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC) , the principal organization dedicated to helping 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs in Canada.
Program components
Business Scale-Up
The Business Scale-Up program will build the CQCC’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 on the successful applicants, consult the CQCC 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 CQCC.
New The call for proposals is now closed. For more information on the successful applicant, consult the CQCC Knowledge Hub page.
For more information
To find out more about the 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program, visit the CQCC website.
Related links
- Minister Valdez announces 12 more recipients of Canada’s first-ever 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program
- Minister Valdez announces funding recipients of Canada's first-ever 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program
- Minister Ng announces 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program
- Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan
- Women Entrepreneurship Strategy
- Black Entrepreneurship Program