Empowering Diversity: CGLCC champions 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs to drive economic growth in Canada
Amid a landscape of a declining number of small- to medium-sized enterprises over the last few years in Canada, Darrell Schuurman, Founder and CEO of Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), says that now is the moment for more 2SLGBTQI+ business owners to contribute to economic growth.
“We need more businesses. We need more entrepreneurs. We need more 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs to bring that innovation, that differing perspective,” says Schuurman. “The other reason now is the perfect time is because there are so many amazing resources and supports out there to assist them in helping to overcome the struggles of starting up and scaling up.”
CGLCC is a vital resource for 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs nationwide. Established in 2003, the organization has grown from small regional networks focused on bridging gaps to a national organization with over 800 members. The organization actively champions diverse and inclusive business practices while promoting the economic empowerment of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
Initially, the chamber focused on tourism—a natural entry point given the landscape of 2SLGBTQI+rights at the time—but it now encompasses a variety of industries, including clean technology, information technology, consumer packaged goods, and manufacturing.
“The important takeaway is that the chamber serves as an inclusive network for queer entrepreneurs across the entire economic landscape,” Schuurman explains.
The chamber estimates that over 100,000 2SLGBTQI+ businesses are in Canada, generating an economic impact of $22 billion. However, Schuurman highlights that despite this growth, these businesses are often overlooked, reinforcing the necessity of a specialized chamber.
“Where we fit in is really filling those gaps where their local chamber might not be able to provide specific supports for entrepreneurs that do identify as 2SLGBTQI+,” he says. “We know that there are unique barriers and challenges that are facing our businesses and our entrepreneurs.”
“We know that there are unique barriers and challenges that are facing our businesses and our entrepreneurs.”
Darrell Schuurman, Founder and CEO, CGLCC
Schuurman notes that one-third of businesses continue to hide that they are 2SLGBTQI+ owned, and a quarter have lost contracts for having 2SLGBTQI+ ownership.
“That fear of discrimination and actually losing contracts inhibits somebody's willingness to come out and to be their authentic self in the business environment,” says Schuurman. “And we know, if you're not your whole self and your true self, you're holding something back, and you're not giving everything you can to your own business, and so that's going to have a negative economic impact on your ability to grow your business, to scale your business, and to create a stronger, thriving Canadian economy.”
The CGLCC’s success lies in its targeted programs, which help 2SLGBTQI+ businesses overcome discrimination and access capital for startup, scaling, and mentorship.
Among its impactful initiatives is the Supplier Diversity Program, which certifies 2SLGBTQI+-owned businesses and connects them with corporations and governments committed to working with diverse suppliers.
Schuurman explains that supplier diversity isn’t about preferential treatment; it’s about levelling the playing field. “It’s not a matter of giving LGBTQ+ businesses an edge but ensuring they have an opportunity to compete.”
The program has fostered numerous success stories. One is an artist identifying as Two-Spirit who leveraged certification to secure commissions from corporate partners, including designing logos and graphics for NHL teams.
The OUT For Business program pairs 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs with mentors who share similar lived experiences, helping entrepreneurs feel seen and heard as they navigate the complexities of the business world. The Rainbow Registered Program offers accreditation to businesses and organizations recognized as 2SLGBTQI+ friendly.
A recent initiative, the 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program, has received federal support with a $25 million investment over three years. The first of its kind in the world, this program aims to bolster the ecosystem for 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs through mentorship, capacity building, enhanced market access, and data collection.
“It is very exciting. I think the impact that will come out of this is significant,” Schuurman remarks.
“We know, if you're not your whole self and your true self, you're holding something back, and you're not giving everything you can to your own business, and so that's going to have a negative economic impact on your ability to grow your business, to scale your business, and to create a stronger, thriving Canadian economy.”
Darrell Schuurman, Founder and CEO, CGLCC
Reflecting on recent challenges, particularly the rising dissent against transgender individuals and the 2SLGBTQI+ community, Schuurman acknowledges it’s been a challenging time but believes the chamber’s initiatives have a positive influence.
“We watch the toll that it takes on our entrepreneurs and just our community in general, and so just these little ways that we can help, to support them, to help them to know that they're not alone,” says Schuurman. “The impact these programs have is real.”
Schuurman says collaborating with like-minded organizations like the Coalition strengthens collective efforts to create a more inclusive economy.
“We certainly align with the mission and the vision of the Coalition. I think it's so critical to continue to ensure that the voice of the 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneur and business community is heard and that it has a seat at the table… it is so much more effective to go in as a strong voice with a shared vision and shared mandate.”
Looking to the future, Schuurman says that for Canada to grow its economy and be more competitive, “is truly around everybody having that opportunity to participate. And excluding, which has often happened within marginalized and diverse community groups, not providing that equal opportunity, is just inhibiting the growth opportunities for Canada.”
Part of the solution, says Schuurman, is paying attention to how 2SLGBTQI+ rights are being advanced and not pulled back, as they impact mental health, education levels, people's ability to enter the workforce and their ability to be productive.
“We want to see our businesses thrive because it's creating taxes, it's creating employment, but through that, we're driving social change,” says Schuurman. “If we can help to create change through business and through economic empowerment, that's the direction that we're going to take.”
Compared with the early days, when opportunities for the community were narrower, now is an excellent time for 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs to start their business, given the number of success stories and new, supportive initiatives. And judging from recent signs of weakness, the economy needs new and innovative energy.
“There are amazing resources, not only through our organization, but other partner organizations that we work with very closely to make sure that we're setting them up for success,” suggests Schuurman. “I think the only advice is, do it.”
