QueerTech Selected for $8 Million 2SLGBTQI+ Ecosystem Fund Alongside 16 Organizations

The federal government has announced the selection of organizations tasked with delivering key components of Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program. This initiative, introduced in June 2023 with a $25-million budget, is designed to support Canadian entrepreneurs who identify as 2SLGBTQI+ by providing tailored resources and assistance. The program follows a similar structure to other government-supported initiatives like the $7-billion Women Entrepreneurship Strategy and the Black Entrepreneurship Program.

Central to the 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program are two main components: an $8-million ecosystem fund and a combination of a knowledge hub and business scale-up program. These elements are managed by the Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), which is responsible for overseeing the implementation and distribution of funds. The ecosystem fund aims to support selected organizations in offering targeted programs and resources for 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs, while also raising awareness about the unique challenges faced by this community.

The federal government has recently chosen the first 17 organizations across Canada to manage the ecosystem fund. These organizations will be pivotal in providing the necessary support and infrastructure for 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs. Among the selected recipients is QueerTech, a notable nonprofit dedicated to supporting 2SLGBTQ+ professionals and entrepreneurs within the tech sector. Established in 2016 as a meetup group in collaboration with Montréal NewTech, QueerTech has grown to assist over 10,000 2SLGBTQ+ professionals through various initiatives, including professional development and mentorship.

QueerTech’s involvement with the program is particularly significant given its ongoing commitment to addressing the needs of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals in the tech industry. The organization also conducts research to understand and mitigate the challenges faced by 2SLGBTQ+ workers. For instance, a recent report by QueerTech found that fewer than 40 percent of 2SLGBTQIA+ employees feel they are "consistently treated with respect" in their workplaces, highlighting the ongoing issues within the sector.

Canada’s Minister of Small Business, Rechie Valdez, has voiced considerable enthusiasm about the potential impact of the recently announced funding for Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program. She emphasized the significant role that QueerTech plays in advancing the interests of 2SLGBTQI+ tech entrepreneurs and noted that the financial support will greatly benefit both QueerTech and other selected organizations involved in the program. Valdez underscored that the funding will enable these organizations to implement initiatives designed to support and uplift 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs across Canada. This support is expected to drive substantial progress and innovation within the 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurial community by addressing specific challenges and leveraging unique opportunities.

Through this program, the government aims to enhance resources available to 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs, facilitating their growth and success. By investing in these organizations, the federal government seeks to promote a more inclusive and dynamic business environment, where diverse voices and perspectives can thrive. The initiative aligns with broader goals of fostering equity and innovation within Canada's entrepreneurial landscape, ensuring that all entrepreneurs, regardless of their identity, have the support and resources needed to succeed.