OUT For Business 2020 Program Launch

CGLCC makes supporting young people in the 2SLGBTQI+ community a priority and with over 3.4 million entrepreneurs in Canada alone, it is important to ensure that they have the support needed to succeed.

That is why the CGLCC is thrilled to launch the 2020 cohort of the OUT for Business Program. This program is designed to help uplift 2SLGBTQI+ businesses and foster greater diversity and inclusion across Canada’s economic landscape. Each entrepreneur enters the program with the business idea that they would like to take to the next level. With the amazing and consistent support of their one-on-one mentor, these young entrepreneurs are guided through a 12-month program that identifies areas for improvement, forms competitive strategies and scales their ideas to help them thrive in a competitive market. Throughout the program, participants will refine their hypothesized business model based on feedback from peers and mentors and will leave with the tools and network required to launch or grow their business.

The OUT for Business program is run coast-to-coast-to-coast, with participants coming from various backgrounds and experiences.  Of our young entrepreneurs over 30% are based outside of the Ontario region and 50% identify as trans. Also, this program would be non-existent without our generous mentors, who bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise to the table. Not only have they spent years navigating the idiosyncrasies of the business world, but they also understand the challenges and rewards of creating an inclusive economy.  

“For Canada to grow and for our communities to grow, we need to realize and understand the importance of diversity. We are all very different so we have to understand the importance that each of the different groups within the  2SLGBTQI+ community can bring. Intersectionality is important to keep in mind, so we shape our programming to ensure we are speaking to everyone and providing value to everyone”  said Darrell Shuurman, CEO of CGLCC. 

We are excited to introduce to you the 2020 OUT for Business young entrepreneurs and their mentors below. Stay tuned for more information on each pair, we are confident this year is going to be nothing short of amazing!