Last year Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce brought together hundreds of queer, trans, and allied entrepreneurs and corporates to help foster a sense of community…
In 2024, a wave of excitement swept across the country as Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) launched a series of unique Business symposiums. These events, spanning from Halifax to Vancouver—with key stops in Montréal and Toronto, brought together hundreds of queer, trans, and allied entrepreneurs and corporates. The goal? To foster a sense of community through networking and shared experiences.
Breaking barriers for entrepreneurs
Canada is home to over 100,000 businesses owned by individuals who identify as 2SLGBTQI+, collectively contributing $22 billion to the national economy and generating more than 435,000 jobs. Despite their significant economic impact, these predominantly small and medium-sized enterprises face unique challenges.
According to a survey conducted by CGLCC and Deloitte, 20% of respondents reported difficulties in scaling their businesses due to their 2SLGBTQI+ identity. Key barriers included limited access to mentorship, financing, and global trade opportunities. The survey also revealed that over one-third of participants concealed their 2SLGBTQI+ identity to avoid discrimination, while one in four experienced lost opportunities because of their identity.
Breaking these barriers is crucial for empowering these entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and access essential resources and partnerships. This is where CGLCC and its network events, such as the Symposiums, play a vital role.
“Throughout Canada, our 2SLGBTQI+ Business Symposiums have become a cornerstone for community and innovation among queer and trans entrepreneurs. By confronting and dismantling the barriers these businesses face, we are not just advocating for equality; we are fostering an environment where every entrepreneur has the freedom to succeed without the constraints of bias or limitation. Each event is a step forward in creating a supportive network that celebrates and amplifies the unique contributions of 2SLGBTQI+ businesses to our national economy.” – Didi A. Chuk, Director of Business Development.
The power of community
Entrepreneurship can be an isolating journey, especially for those from marginalized communities. The 2SLGBTQI+ Business Symposiums provided a crucial space for entrepreneurs to connect and realize they are not alone in their struggles.
Irene Rose Saliendra, Founder of Fem Entity, highlighted the importance of these events after the “Queer Innovation: Navigating the Intersection of Identity and Business” panel she participated in at the Halifax Symposium.
She stated, “The number one benefit of the Symposium is community and network. As an entrepreneur, it can be very siloed and isolated. Being in a Symposium like this and having that connection also gives visibility that you are not the only one going through the struggle.”
Nicholas LaValle, founder and CEO of Clean Valley echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the value of local connections: “Creating something new takes a village. (…) The Symposium not only provides us exposure but also allows us to see the incredible work being done in our local communities. (…) It helps to bring us all together.”
Sharing knowledge
Beyond networking, these 2SLGBTQI+ Business Symposiums offered valuable knowledge- sharing opportunities through panels and breakout sessions tailored to entrepreneurs’ needs. With subjects like “GoingGlobal,” “Ethical Marketing,” or “Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Community,” the topics ranged from financial management to branding, addressing various stages of the entrepreneurial journey. These sessions were designed to equip entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge they need to overcome the challenges they face and thrive in their businesses.
Robert S. Wright, MSW, RSW, and keynote speaker at the Halifax Symposium on “Building Resilient Businesses: Lessons from the Margins,” stressed the importance of giving back to the community: “It’s important for me to share my knowledge about being resilient in this culture and being an entrepreneur and innovator. It’s important so that more queer and racialized individuals, and those with intersectional identities, achieve success.”
The importance of diverse perspectives
The 2SLGBTQI+ Business Symposiums celebrated diverse perspectives, which are at the heart of innovation and support. “Queer identity is a pathway to the entrepreneurial mindset,” highlighted Wright.
These diverse perspectives are crucial for fostering innovation and creating supportive environments where all entrepreneurs can thrive. The Symposiums provided a platform for sharing these perspectives and learning from the experiences of others.
Marcos Mena Cruz, founder of Oleos & Canvas and panellist at the Toronto event, summed up the impact of these events: “The work we are doing here, and being able to take space and speak to our experiences as diverse suppliers, is incredibly powerful.”
Looking ahead
These events continue to be a vital resource for 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs across Canada, providing opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and community building. By bringing together diverse voices and experiences, CGLCC’s 2SLGBTQI+ Business Symposiums are helping break down barriers and create a more inclusive and supportive business environment. The next Symposium will take place in Calgary on March 10th, and we hope to see you there!
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