Pride Month Power-Up: Resources and Communities for 2SLGBTQ+ Startups

Pride Month can be a powerful reminder for 2SLGBTQ+ entrepreneurs of the essential support, vibrant community, and tailored resources that fuel success. Building a startup as a 2SLGBTQ+ founder brings unique opportunities and perspectives, alongside specific challenges. To help you navigate this landscape, we've put together a list of supports designed to help your startup thrive. 

Connect with LGBTQ+ Chambers, Business Organizations, Groups & Associations

• The Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC): Canada’s only chamber of commerce uniting and advocating for the over 100,000 2SLGBTQI+ owned and operated businesses in Canada. They offer networking events, mentorship opportunities, and a certification program for LGBTQ+-owned businesses.  
• QueerTech: Champions 2SLGBTQ+ individuals to not only break into the tech industry but to also thrive and lead. They offer diverse programs, including workshops, boot camps, and seminars, to equip 2SLGBTQ+ members with essential skills for both professional and personal growth. 
• ExeQutive Forum: A forum for Toronto/GTA-based 2SLGBTQ+ current and aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals. Their members include business owners and leaders of some of Canada's largest and most well-known corporations, financial institutions, law and accounting firms, government agencies and charities. 
• StartOut: While a US-based organization, StartOut offers a vibrant online community and resources accessible to LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs globally, including those in Canada. Their online platform provides networking, mentorship, and educational content. 
• Industry-specific Associations: Many industry-specific associations in Canada prioritize diversity and inclusion within their sectors. Research associations relevant to your startup and see if they have specific committees, resources, programs and events for LGBTQ+ professionals or entrepreneurs. 

Explore Funding Opportunities

• Community ONE Foundation: Empowers 2SLGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and initiatives that enrich the Greater Toronto Area's 2SLGBTQ+ communities. This includes the Rainbow Grants Foundation Awards, offering up to $10,000 in funding.  
• Government Grants and Programs: Research Canadian federal and Ontario provincial government funding programs that support diverse entrepreneurs.   
• Examples: 
  • Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) 
  • Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade