Table of contents
Introduction
Regulations
Financing
Taxation
Training and mentorship
Travelling abroad for business
Other resources
Introduction
2SLGBTQI+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Plus) entrepreneurs help to build a vibrant and diverse business community in Ontario. From small, independently run businesses to large corporations and social enterprises, 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs help power the economy. This guide will provide you with links and resources for your business.
You can also read our Starting a business guide or contact us for information on starting a new business in Ontario.
If you would like to learn more about the Federal Action Plan to address inequities faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities, contact the 2SLGBTQI+ Secretariat.
Contact the 2SLGBTQI+ Secretariat:
1-855-969-9922
2SLGBTQI+
2SLGBTQI+ Visibility
Statistics Canada (StatCan) surveys and the Canadian Census are providing more detailed data on the 2SLGBTQI+ community. You can explore the growing data available on the Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics Hub. Workshops and training are available to help you learn how to use that data.
Contact StatCan:
1-800-263-1136
Gender, diversity and inclusion statistics
Workshops, training and conferences
Regulations
Financing
The following organizations offer financial support programs that may apply to some or all of the members of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities in Canada:
Funding for women and gender equality
If you are planning a project that will have a direct impact on women or address equality for sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression in your community, you may be eligible for funding from Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE).
Contact WAGE:
1-855-969-9922
Funding programs for women and gender equality
2SLGBTQI+ Secretariat
You may be able to find funding programs relevant to your activities on the 2SLGBTQI+ Secretariat website. The secretariat helps link 2SLGBTQI+ stakeholders with relevant federal organizations who offer funding opportunities.
Contact the 2SLGBTQI+ Secretariat:
1-855-969-9922
Funding opportunities and how to apply
Futurpreneur Canada Start-up Program
You may be eligible for financing (up to $75,000), mentoring and additional resources for young entrepreneurs, from Futurpreneur Canada.
To be eligible, you should:
- Be between the ages of 18 and 39
- Create a business plan for a business that will employ you full time
- Agree to work with a mentor for up to two years
- Own at least 51% of your business
Contact Futurpreneur Canada:
1-800-464-2923
Futurpreneur Canada
Taxation
Training and mentorship
Skills, knowledge, and networking can all contribute to running a successful business. Training and mentorship programs can give you hands-on experience in the field and put you in contact with other 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs. The following resources provide information on mentorship and training programs for 2SLGBTQI+ businesses.
Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC)
CGLCC is a national not-for-profit organization, that works to empower Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ business community. It offers programs that cover general business needs, tools to grow your business, networking events and mentoring for the 2SLGBTQI+ community. As a member you could access support for:
- Supplier diversity
- Rainbow Registered accreditation
- Global business expansion
- 2SLGBTQI+-friendly tourism support
Contact CGLCC
1-866-300-7556
Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce
Additional 2SLGBTQI+ friendly resources for women and women identified entrepreneurs can be found in our Women in business guide.
Travelling abroad for business
Travelling can pose serious challenges to 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. Before visiting locations outside Canada you may wish to learn about your destination’s laws and customs related to sexual orientation and gender expression in addition to the local business practices.
You can access information for 2SLGBTQI+ travellers on the Travel.gc.ca website:
Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
Export Development Canada (EDC) also has information on travel considerations for 2SLGBTQI+ exporters:
Exporting with Pride
Other resources
Government resources
- LGBTQ2+ communities in Canada: A demographic snapshot
- The 50 – 30 Challenge: Your Diversity Advantage
Not-for-profit and government affiliated resources
- CVCA - Diversity & Inclusion
- Pride at Work Canada
- QueerTech
- Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH)