Resources for 2SLGBTQI+ Founders in Ontario
2SLGBTQI+ founders have had a significant impact on the tech economy, bringing innovation, diversity, and inclusion to the industry. Their unique perspectives and experiences have fueled creativity, leading to groundbreaking ideas and products. By challenging traditional norms and embracing their identities, 2SLGBTQI+ founders have revolutionized the market and driven technological advancements.
They have also played a crucial role in promoting diversity and inclusion within the tech sector, creating opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to thrive. Through their inclusive workplaces and support for 2SLGBTQI+ causes, they have empowered employees and fostered a sense of belonging.
Additionally, 2SLGBTQI+ founders have used their influence to advocate for 2SLGBTQI+ rights, shaping public opinion and creating a more inclusive environment. Their contributions have not only driven economic growth and job creation but have also made the tech industry more welcoming and accepting for all individuals.
In celebration of Pride Month in Ontario, here are some great resources for 2SLGTQI+ founders.
Check out these resources:
ExeQutive Forum
ExeQutive is a forum for Toronto/GTA-based lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) leaders — current and aspiring professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs. They are a member-driven organization. Their members include business owners and leaders of some of Canada’s largest and most well-known corporations, financial institutions, law and accounting firms, government agencies, and charities.
For more information, refer to the ExeQutive Forum website.
The Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity (CCGSD)
The Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity (CCGSD) intersectionally promotes diversity in gender identity, gender expression, and romantic and/or sexual orientation in all its forms on a national level through services in the areas of education, health, and advocacy. Their resources and programming can be used to uplift gender and sexual minorities, as well as give them tools to wider populations in building allyship.
For more information, refer to the CCGSD website.
QueerTech
QueerTech strives to queer the tech ecosystem by breaking down barriers, creating spaces, and connecting communities to support and empower 2SLGBTQ+ people to thrive.
They value inclusivity, helpfulness, accessibility, and pride; they believe that for Queer people to thrive as their authentic selves, we must build resilience, encourage self-empowerment and create a sense of belonging!
For more information, visit QueerTech.org.
Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce
Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) is the only chamber of commerce uniting and advocating for the over 100,000 2SLGBTQI+ owned and operated businesses in Canada.
This group is a powerful one: they generate over $22 billion in economic activity and employ over 435,000 Canadians. Their impact on the economy is profound, but there are still barriers to accessing resources and partnerships to make Canada’s economy more inclusive. That’s where CGLCC and its network comes in.
For more information, refer to the CGLCC website.
Pride at Work Canada
Through dialogue, education, and thought leadership, Pride at Work Canada/Fierté au travail Canada empowers Canadian employers to build workplaces that celebrate all employees regardless of gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Our learning, networking, and community events happening across the country, advising, celebrating, and connecting the most inclusive Canadian employers. We help private, public, and non-profit employers to create safer, more inclusive workplaces that recognize the skills of 2SLGBTQIA+ people. The vision we share with our employer members is a Canada where every individual can achieve their full potential at work, regardless of gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
For more information, refer to the Pride at Work website.
Gaingels
Gaingels is amongst the largest investors in the world aiming to deliver consistently above-market returns while increasing visibility, representation, and access for all underrepresented communities in venture capital.
Gaingels co-invests with select venture capital leads in companies resolved on building diverse and inclusive teams. We seek to drive top returns while influencing the ecosystem and representing the LGBTQ community, its allies, and a diverse group of investors within the capital stack of its portfolio companies.
For more information, refer to the Gaingels website.
StartOut
StartOut accelerates the growth of the LGBTQ+ community to drive its economic empowerment, building a world where every LGBTQ+ entrepreneur has equal access to lead, succeed, and shape the workforce of the future.
For more information, refer to the StartOut website.
Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub
The Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) is a national network and accessible digital platform for sharing research and resources, and leading strategies. Visit their website for a page dedicated to supporting 2SLGBTQ+ entrepreneurs across Canada.
Rainbow Services (2SLGBTQ+)
Group therapy is provided to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit people who are concerned about their drug and alcohol use.
For more information, refer to the CAMH website.
The team at AIO recognizes that founders who identify as 2SLGBTQI+ might be vulnerable to mental health issues. We encourage everyone who is going through a difficult time to seek support from organizations such as CAMH listed above.
The 519
The 519 is committed to the health, happiness, and full participation of the 2SLGBTQ+ communities. A City of Toronto agency with an innovative model of Service, Space, and Leadership, we strive to make a real difference in people’s lives while promoting inclusion, understanding, and respect.
For more information, refer to The 519 website.
Find an Angel Group
If the idea of joining a community of professionals and industry leaders, investing in innovative start-ups, and providing mentorship to promising entrepreneurs interests you, click below to explore your nearest angel group.
Interested in becoming an Angel Investor?
If the idea of joining a community of professionals and industry leaders, investing in innovating start-ups, and providing mentorship to promising entrepreneurs interests you, click here to learn more.