Manitoba LGBT Chamber Launches Program to Empower Queer Entrepreneurs

A new initiative in Manitoba is set to empower LGBTTQ+ entrepreneurs through a dedicated development program. The Manitoba LGBT Chamber of Commerce has announced the launch of the Emerge program, which is designed to equip queer business owners with essential skills and create a supportive community.

The Emerge program will begin on September 24, 2023, featuring a range of workshops, networking events, and mentorship opportunities over the course of six months. This initiative comes in response to the unique challenges faced by LGBTTQ+ entrepreneurs, as highlighted by the executive director of the chamber, Jenny Steinke-Magnus. “There’s really some unique challenges that queer entrepreneurs face, so we wanted to address those challenges and offer this tailor-made program for queer entrepreneurs in Manitoba,” she stated.

Research from Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce indicates that approximately one in four LGBTTQ+ entrepreneurs have missed business opportunities due to their identity. Additionally, two in five reported difficulties in securing financing, while one in three struggled to find mentorship. Steinke-Magnus emphasized that while progress has been made, the intersection of entrepreneurship and queer identity often adds layers of complexity.

The program will foster connections among participants, aiming for a cohort of around 20 entrepreneurs and 15 to 20 mentors. “We are intentionally creating a supportive network of mentors and colleagues for them, and we’re hoping they gain a lot from that intentional community,” she remarked. Participants will have access to resources through a combination of in-person and virtual formats, allowing for involvement from those in rural areas of Manitoba.

Funding for the Emerge program is sourced from a $300,000 grant awarded by the federal Department of Small Business through its 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program earlier this year. The launch event, held in partnership with Creative Manitoba, will feature Albert McLeod, a knowledge keeper and lead consultant at 2Spirit Consultants, as a special guest.

The collaboration with Creative Manitoba aims to enhance the experience for participants. According to Arlea Ashcroft, Indigenous programs manager at Creative Manitoba, both organizations share a commitment to fostering a “safe space of learning, encouragement, and empowerment” for Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ individuals on their entrepreneurial journeys.

Applications for both participants and mentors are currently being accepted until September 5, 2023, at mb-lgbt.biz/emerge. The initiative reflects a broader economic context, as there are over 100,000 LGBTTQ+ owned businesses across Canada, collectively employing more than 435,000 Canadians and generating over $22 billion in economic activity, according to the CGLCC.

This program represents a significant step towards addressing the barriers faced by queer entrepreneurs and fostering a more inclusive business environment in Manitoba.