Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that 50 Canadian businesses have already signed up to become the first-ever Rainbow Registered accredited companies, only one month after the program launched. The Rainbow Registered program is designed to help consumers and prospective employees more easily identify 2SLGBTQI+ friendly businesses across Canada. The program launched at a time when Canadian consumers are demanding businesses step up efforts on inclusivity. Major organizations like the W Toronto Hotel, Tourism Kingston and Medlior Health Outcomes Research are among the first to submit their applications.
“There have always been companies who lead by example and demonstrate their values and allyship in authentic ways, so we knew the program would be well received. However, we’re exceeding our expectations and I believe that’s in part due to consumers demanding more representation and are looking to support organizations whose values align with their own,” said Darrell Schuurman, chief executive officer of the 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce. “We’re so proud of these first 50 businesses who jumped on the opportunity to affirm their position on 2SLGBTQI+ rights and to work on developing a clear action plan that will contribute to a more equitable future.”
The first 50 Rainbow Registered businesses come from a range of industries and sizes, running from tourism associations, to independent retail shops and major financial institutions. The new W Hotel Toronto and Club Med Charlevoix are committed to becoming Rainbow Registered before they open their doors this fall. Businesses who have successfully received Rainbow Registered accreditation include: 555 Brewing Co, McMillan LLP, Queerit, NONA Vegan Foods, Just B Diversity & Inclusion Consulting, The Curious Goat General Store, Plain Jane Events Inc., Soul Fuel Fitness, The Art House Cafe and Tourism Kingston, with many more in the process.
“Tourism Kingston, alongside community partners like the City of Kingston, the Downtown Kingston Business Improvement Association, and the local Kingston businesses that these organizations support, are very pleased to be early adopters of the Rainbow Registered program,” said Megan Knott, Executive Director of Tourism Kingston. “The Rainbow Registered program is an excellent complement to the work we have undertaken as an organization, both internally and as the city’s Destination Marketing Organization. Creating a welcoming, inclusive community is critically important for residents and visitors alike and allows us to showcase all that our great city has to offer.”
The program lays a rigorous set of standards that companies must meet before earning the Rainbow Registered mark and the benefits that go along with it. The standards focus on four key areas including policies and practices, training, commitment to inclusive leadership and a culture of inclusivity. The program starts by encouraging businesses to look inwards, examining how they are operating and doing business, finding areas that may be perpetuating unconscious bias, then working closely with CGLCC to forge a path forward to becoming more inclusive.
Pricing starts at $299 + tax for small businesses and scales to match company size. Businesses must complete a simple multi-step application process. If all standards are met in four categories, successful businesses can then promote themselves as a Rainbow Registered organization, access CGLCC member benefits, and be included in the Rainbow Registered business directory for consumers.
Companies interested in applying to the rainbow registered program can get started today by completing the first step, a self-assessment found at www.rainbowregistered.ca. For a limited time, CGLCC is waiving the sign-up fee (applicants pay only the annual program fee). Consumers will soon be able to visit the website to find the business directory of accredited organizations.
