Building a More Inclusive Startup Ecosystem: Resources for LGBTQ2SL+ Entrepreneurs and Businesses

Building a successful startup is a challenging journey that requires determination, creativity, and a supportive ecosystem. Unfortunately, members of marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ2SL+ community, often face additional barriers to success. In Canada, there is growing recognition that building a more diverse and inclusive startup ecosystem is the right thing to do and essential for driving innovation and growth. In this blog post, we will provide a selection of Canadian & international resources for LGBTQ2SL+ entrepreneurs, as well as resources for startups and business owners who want to build a more inclusive and supportive environment within their own companies.

Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC)

The Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) is a national, non-profit organization that advocates for the economic empowerment of LGBTQ2SL+ entrepreneurs and businesses. Founded in 2003, the CGLCC provides a range of resources, programs, and events to help LGBTQ2SL+ entrepreneurs and businesses succeed in Canada and around the world. The CGLCC's mission is to create a more inclusive and diverse Canadian business community where LGBTQ2SL+ entrepreneurs and businesses can thrive. The organization also works with corporations, governments, and other organizations to promote supplier diversity and LGBTQ2SL+ inclusion in the workplace. Through its initiatives, the CGLCC is helping to build a more inclusive startup ecosystem in Canada and empowering LGBTQ2SL+ entrepreneurs to reach their full potential.

Start Proud

Start Proud is a national non-profit organization that connects and empowers LQBTQ+ students and young professionals pursuing careers in business. They aim to create a more inclusive workplace by fostering the next generation of business leaders. They offer various programs and resources, including the largest LGBTQ+ virtual recruitment conference, mentorship opportunities, and an annual conference where companies can connect with talented LQBTQ+ job seekers.

Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity

The Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity (CCGSD) is a national charitable organization that promotes diversity, inclusion, and equity for LGBTQ2SL+ people in Canada. The CCGSD provides various resources, programs, and events to support and empower LGBTQ2SL+ people nationwide. The organization's mission is to create a world free from discrimination and prejudice, where everyone can live with dignity and respect. The CCGSD works with schools, communities, and workplaces to promote awareness, education, and advocacy on issues related to gender and sexual diversity. Through its initiatives, the CCGSD is helping to build a more inclusive startup ecosystem in Canada where LGBTQ2SL+ entrepreneurs and employees can feel safe, supported, and valued.

Pride at Work Canada

Pride at Work Canada is a national, non-profit organization that empowers employers to build workplaces that celebrate all employees regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The organization provides a variety of resources, programs, and events to help employers create more inclusive and welcoming workplaces for LGBTQ2SL+ employees. The organization works with various industries and sectors to provide training, education, and consultation services to help organizations promote diversity and inclusion in their workplaces. Through its initiatives, Pride at Work Canada is helping to build a more inclusive startup ecosystem in Canada where LGBTQ2SL+ entrepreneurs and employees can thrive.

LOUD Business

LOUD Business is a Canadian non-profit organization that supports and promotes LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and businesses in Canada. Founded in 2020, Loud Business provides a range of resources, programs, and events to help LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and businesses succeed in Canada's startup ecosystem. The organization aims to create a more inclusive and equitable business environment where LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs thrive. Loud Business offers mentorship programs, networking events, and educational resources to help LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs develop their skills and build their businesses. Through its initiatives, Loud Business is helping to create a more supportive and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and businesses in Canada.

QueerTech

QueerTech is a non-profit organization that supports and empowers LGBTQ2S+ professionals in the technology industry in Montreal and beyond. The organization provides a range of resources, events, and mentorship programs to help LGBTQ2S+ professionals connect and succeed in their careers. QueerTech's mission is to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity in the technology industry and to create a more welcoming and supportive environment for LGBTQ2S+ professionals. QueerTech is a valuable resource for LGBTQ2SL+ entrepreneurs and professionals in Canada's startup ecosystem with a focus on fostering community and creating opportunities for growth and development.

LGBTQ2SL+ Resources Outside of Canada

Out In Tech is a global non-profit organization that aims to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion for LGBTQ+ people in the technology sector. Founded in 2013, Out in Tech hosts events, workshops, and mentorship programs to help LGBTQ+ professionals connect with one another and advance their careers in tech. The organization also partners with leading tech companies to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace and support LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. With chapters in major cities across the globe, Out in Tech is a valuable resource for LGBTQ2SL+ entrepreneurs and businesses looking to succeed in the tech industry.

Out & Equal is a non-profit, based in the United States, that advocates for LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace. The organization provides resources, tools, and training to help companies and organizations create more inclusive and equitable work environments. Out & Equal also hosts an annual Workplace Summit that brings together LGBTQ+ professionals, allies, and experts to share best practices and strategies for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

StartOut is a US-based non-profit organization that supports LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and business leaders. The organization provides a range of resources, including mentorship programs, networking events, and educational resources, to help LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and business leaders succeed in their industries. StartOut's mission is to empower LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs to succeed, to foster LGBTQ+ leadership in the business community, and to create a more inclusive and equitable business environment. With a strong focus on community-building and creating opportunities for growth and development, StartOut is a valuable resource for LGBTQ2SL+ entrepreneurs and professionals.

Out Leadership is a global LGBT+ business network that works to promote inclusion and equality in the workplace. The organization brings together LGBT+ and ally leaders from various industries to collaborate and drive change in the business world. Out Leadership offers a range of services and resources, including leadership development programs, workshops, and events, to help companies create more diverse and inclusive workplaces. With a focus on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in business and entrepreneurship, Out Leadership is a valuable resource for LGBTQ2SL+ entrepreneurs and businesses looking to connect with like-minded individuals, share best practices, and access tools and resources for building more inclusive and equitable organizations.

Out Professionals is a non-profit organization based in the US that provides resources and support for LGBTQ+ professionals across a wide range of industries, including entrepreneurship and startups. The organization hosts events, workshops, and networking opportunities to help LGBTQ+ professionals connect with each other and advance their careers. Out Professionals also partners with leading companies and organizations to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, with a strong focus on fostering community and promoting LGBTQ+ leadership in the business world.

Gaingels is a US-based investment collective that supports and invests in LGBTQ+ founders and entrepreneurs. The organization brings together a network of LGBTQ+ and allied investors who are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the startup ecosystem. Through its investment activities, Gaingels provides early-stage funding and support to LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, helping to bridge the gap in funding and support that can often hold back underrepresented founders. With a focus on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the startup ecosystem, Gaingels is a valuable resource for LGBTQ2SL+ entrepreneurs and startups looking for funding and support in Canada's startup ecosystem.

Do you have any LGBTQ2SL+ resources that you’d like to share with our community? Please get in touch.