5 Resources for 2SLGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs This Pride Month

Resources, programs & organizations dedicated to assisting queer entrepreneurs all year round

By: Mary Cate Faulkner

June 4th, 2024

It's Pride Month! At the SVZ, we're proud to have entrepreneurial equity at the core of our ethos as an incubator. That's why, for the past several years, we've taken Pride Month as a time to reflect on the unique challenges that 2SLGBTQ+ entrepreneurs face in the startup world. As we covered in our 2023 Pride Blog, only 1% of Canadian venture capital goes to 2SLGBTQ+ founders, and 37% of 2SLGBTQ-identifying entrepreneurs choose not to "out" themselves to investors to avoid risk. This is not equity, and change is overdue. 

Thankfully, resources and affirming organizations do exist for 2SLGBTQ+ entrepreneurs in Canada. This pride month, the SVZ thought it would be helpful to collect some resources that support 2SLGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and businesses in Canada in the hope of providing some clarity in what can be a daunting space for new entrepreneurs.

Community ONE Foundation

The Community One Foundation, based in the GTA, offers funding to 2SLGBTQ+ entrepreneurs through their Rainbow Grants program. These Rainbow Grants support the development of fresh and pioneering services and programs that contribute positively to the 2SLGBTQ+ community in various areas, including health and social sciences, arts and culture, research, education, and advocacy. These grants have assisted in nurturing over 1000 grassroots projects, established organizations, one-time endeavours, and other community-driven projects. The Community One Foundation offer two different types of grants you can apply to:

Rainbow Grants Foundation Awards

Available for up to $10,000 and are open to registered charities or groups trusteed by a registered charity.

Rainbow Grants General Awards

Available for up to $3,000 and are open to unincorporated groups, collectives, and/or individuals without charitable status.

Community One strongly encourages programming, projects, and initiative applications that concentrate on the work of Two-Spirit, Indigenous, Trans, Non-binary, Practitioners, Facilitators, Artists & Communities. They take applications once a year, with the next round of grants opening in early 2025.

CGLCC (2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce)

The CGLCC uses financial contributions through membership and sponsorship to empower Canada's 2SLGBTQ+ business community. CGLCC’s goal is to elevate 2SLGBTQ+ businesses, and foster greater diversity and inclusion across Canada’s economy. They offer The 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program, which helps break down barriers for members of the queer community to start, maintain, and grow a business. This is done through targeted support to community organizations that will work with 2SLGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs to enhance overall sustainability, and drive growth, competitiveness, innovation, and productivity toward broader economic and social benefits. This program also helps raise awareness of issues faced by 2SLGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, furthermore increasing the amount of support, and closing gaps in services for 2SLGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.

Futurpreneur

Futurpreneur looks to support 2SLGBTQ+ people aged 18 to 39 in getting their foot in the door to begin their successful entrepreneurial journey. Futurpreneur’s Core Startup Program provides startup loan financing and up to two years of 1:1 hand-matched mentorship, with added access to tools and networking opportunities across Canada. Through this program, 2SLGBTQ+ people have the chance to receive an equity-free startup business loan of up to $60,000, with the possibility of an additional $40,000 in financing opportunities from BDC. Futurpreneur also helps bring voices to 2SLGBTQ+ entrepreneurs across Canada by hosting events with a national network of entrepreneurs, leaders, and community organizations, and also sharing people’s individual businesses experiences with the public. 

QueerTech

QueerTech is dedicated to empowering Queer individuals within the tech community by fostering greater diversity and inclusion. QueerTech’s goal is to break down barriers and create opportunities for Queer people to enter, thrive, and advance in the industry. They offer a variety of programs designed to support 2SLGBTQ+ individuals in tech, including workshops, boot camps, and seminars that equip members with the necessary skills for professional and personal advancement. These programs address the systemic challenges that queer people face in the workforce, such as limited access to mentorship, career advancement opportunities, and funding. By raising awareness to these issues, QueerTech helps the people within this community to achieve their personal and professional goals, fostering a sense of belonging and community.

The 519

For nearly 50 years, The 519 has fought alongside communities, advocating for the rights and creating a better world for 2SLGBTQ+ people. The 519 has been an ally, striving for safe workspaces, legal protections, and moments of acceptance and affirmation. This organization provides a variety of programs that serve the 2SLGBTQ+ communities in Toronto and beyond, such as financial services, legal initiatives, and webinars/trainings that help people gain a deeper understanding about creating 2SLGBTQ+ friendly environments at work.