Unlocking Inclusive Growth: The Power of 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship in Canada
On June 12, 2025, WEOC hosted Kailey Gilchrist and Tyler Demers of CGLCC, Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce. Our guests went into detail about CGLCC’s role in the ecosystem, and shared information about the 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program.
You can find the slides from this presentation here.
Highlights
- Significant Economic Impact: Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs operate over 100,000 businesses, contribute $22 billion in revenue, and employ more than 435,000 people.
- Ongoing Barriers: Despite this impact, 1 in 3 queer and trans business owners hide their identities professionally, and 1 in 4 face discrimination or lost opportunities due to being out.
- Inclusive Procurement Pays Off: Supplier diversity is not just ethical – it’s cost-effective, driving up to 20% in procurement savings while boosting innovation, brand loyalty, and market relevance.
- Programs that Empower: Targeted supports like certification, mentorship, mental health services, and access to global trade missions help queer and trans entrepreneurs thrive and scale sustainably.
- Collaboration and Growth: A growing network of partners, knowledge hubs, and regional programs is fostering inclusion, breaking down silos, and enabling cross-community economic development across Canada.
Canada is home to over 100,000 2SLGBTQI+ owned businesses, contributing an estimated $22 billion in corporate revenue and employing more than 435,000 people. These numbers are more than statistics; they represent the tremendous economic and social impact of queer and trans entrepreneurs across the country. And yet, barriers persist. A third of these business owners have concealed their identities in professional settings, and one in four has experienced discrimination or lost opportunities because of who they are.
But the tide is turning.
In recent years, public and private sectors have started to recognize the enormous potential of inclusive economic practices, especially in procurement. Inclusive procurement (also known as supplier diversity or social procurement) ensures that underrepresented groups, including 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs, have equitable access to business opportunities. The case for it isn’t just ethical; it’s also strategic.
Why Inclusive Procurement Makes Sense
There’s a growing myth that working with diverse suppliers costs more. In reality, businesses often find that sourcing from smaller, agile, diverse suppliers can save up to 20% in procurement costs. These suppliers frequently operate with leaner overhead and bring innovative, flexible approaches to client needs.
Beyond cost savings, inclusive procurement drives deeper business value. Companies that prioritize diversity in their supply chains often report stronger customer loyalty, improved brand perception, and increased creativity in problem-solving. Consumers are becoming more intentional in their spending, seeking out brands that align with their values – especially during times like Pride season, when authenticity is under a microscope.
Empowering businesses through certification and support
To harness the benefits of inclusive procurement, certification plays a key role. It opens doors for queer- and trans-owned businesses to access larger contracts, strategic partnerships, and community networks. Moreover, certification is often a requirement to participate in supplier diversity programs within corporations and governments.
For businesses not yet at scale to fulfill large contracts, creative solutions are emerging. Encouraging joint bids and unbundling procurement opportunities can level the playing field, enabling smaller firms to contribute their unique expertise; like pairing an SEO specialist with a social media consultant to fulfill a comprehensive marketing contract.
Building ecosystems of support
Federal investment has been instrumental in amplifying support for 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs. With dedicated funding for entrepreneurship, knowledge sharing, and regional programs, a new generation of business owners now has access to mentorship, mental health resources, export trade missions, and research tools tailored to their lived experiences.
For instance, mental health support has become a cornerstone of many entrepreneurship programs. Recognizing the isolation and stress often experienced by marginalized entrepreneurs, some initiatives provide one-on-one counseling and group programming to foster resilience and focus. These services not only benefit individual well-being, they’re good for business growth, too.
Mentorship has proven invaluable. Being paired with a mentor who shares not only professional experience but also lived identity can be a game-changer. It’s more than guidance; it’s validation, inspiration, and proof that success is possible.
Looking ahead: A networked, inclusive future
The momentum behind inclusive entrepreneurship is growing. Interactive maps and digital platforms now help connect business owners with resources, grants, and local support. National and regional partnerships ensure that programming reaches entrepreneurs from coast to coast, from major cities to remote communities.
The WEOC Cafe series is made possible through the generous support of TD Ready Commitment
