
CGLCC - Youth Entrepreneurship Program
Last Update: July 22, 2025
Canada
Mentorship for young LGBT+ entrepreneurs
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : October 1, 2023
- Closing date : May 1, 2024
Financing Type
Expert Advice
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Closed
Overview
If you’re between the ages of 18 and 39 and have a registered business, you can get connected with a mentor to help you grow your business and expand your network.
Activities funded
The CGLCC - Youth Entrepreneurship Program, known as the OUT For Business Program, supports initiatives that aim to foster growth and development among 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs in Canada. Eligible activities focus on mentorship, business development, and leveraging diversity as a business asset.
- One-on-one and group mentoring sessions with established business leaders from the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
- Business development education sessions tailored to diverse entrepreneurs.
- Workshops on marketing and branding for diverse communities.
- Sessions on sustainability in business practices.
- Guidance on leveraging diversity and identity as strengths in business.
- Networking opportunities within and outside the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
- Access to tailored educational programming and business resources.
- Participation in a structured 10-month mentorship program including monthly meetups and check-ins.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 8,000
Establishing a culinary training program for 2SLGBTQI+ youth
$ 10,000
Developing a sustainable fashion line guided by environmental experts
$ 10,000
Establishing a digital marketing agency focusing on 2SLGBTQI+ businesses
$ 10,000
Launching an online mental health support platform for 2SLGBTQI+ youth
Eligibility
Eligibility for the OUT For Business Program as a mentor or mentee requires meeting specific criteria related to identity, business experience, and location.
- Participants must self-identify as a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
- Mentees must be located in Canada and able to commit 4-6 hours/month over 10 months.
- Mentors who are entrepreneurs must have a registered or incorporated business in Canada that has been in operation for at least 2 years.
- Mentors who are intrapreneurs must have a minimum of 2 years in a corporate/business environment in Canada and commit to 3 hours monthly over 10 months.
- Must agree to the program's Code of Conduct.
Who is eligible?
This mentorship program is open to individuals within the 2SLGBTQI+ community based in Canada who are either entrepreneurs or intrapreneurs. Entrepreneurs need to have a registered business that has been in operation for over two years, while intrapreneurs should have at least two years of experience in a corporate or business environment. There is no specific age requirement for mentees, allowing individuals at any stage of their entrepreneurial journey to apply.
Eligible expenses
The OUT For Business Program aims to empower 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs by providing them with mentorship and business development education. Eligible activities focus on mentorship, networking, and business skills development.
- Participation in tailored educational programming focused on marketing, branding, and leveraging diversity.
- One-on-one mentorship with experienced 2SLGBTQI+ business leaders.
- Group mentoring sessions to expand knowledge and networks.
- Access to business development education sessions.
- Engagement in networking opportunities within the 2SLGBTQI+ community and beyond.
- Certification as a CGLCC diverse supplier upon program completion.
Eligible geographic areas
This program is available for participants located within Canada. The eligible geographical area for participation covers the entire country, reflecting the national scope of the program.
- Entrepreneurs and business leaders residing in Canada.
Selection criteria
Here are the evaluation and selection criteria for the OUT For Business Youth Entrepreneur program:
- Applicant must be a young 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneur between the ages of 18 and 39 with a registered business in Canada.
- Ability to demonstrate a clear business plan and growth potential.
- Commitment to actively engage in mentorship sessions and implement learnings from the program.
- Interest in connecting with and learning from experienced 2SLGBTQI+ business leaders.
- Potential for long-term impact and success as a 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneur.
How to apply
1
Program Interest Form
- Fill out the OUT for Business Program Interest Form available on the CGLCC website.
- Provide your contact information and indicate your interest in the program.
2
Application Preparation
- Prepare a short video or writeup including an introduction of yourself and your business.
- Detail your business plan and priorities.
- Explain how the program can best meet your goals and the specific characteristics you're looking for in a mentor.
- Highlight the skills you hope to learn through the mentorship.
3
Submission
- Submit the completed video or writeup as part of your application.
- Ensure the application is submitted before the closing date for the 2024/25 cohort.
4
Follow-up
- Be prepared for a potential short chat or for providing additional information if contacted by the program team.
- Check your email for communications from Idara Effiom, the Mentorship Manager, for any updates regarding your application.
Additional information
Additional important information for applicants includes:
- Both mentees and mentors engaged in the program have access to exclusive meet-ups and networking events, enhancing their industry connections and community integration.
- Participants are expected to adhere strictly to the program's code of conduct, which emphasizes mutual respect, confidentiality, and non-discrimination.
- Engagement in the program grants mentees a certification as a CGLCC diverse supplier, enhancing business credibility and opportunities.
- The mentorship approach combines both one-on-one and group sessions, involving matchmaking processes that incorporate both mentee preferences and administrative guidance.
- Mentees benefit from tailored educational programming tackling diverse business aspects such as marketing and leveraging identity in the business landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions about the CGLCC - Youth Entrepreneurship Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the CGLCC - Youth Entrepreneurship Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the CGLCC - Youth Entrepreneurship Program?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the CGLCC - Youth Entrepreneurship Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the CGLCC - Youth Entrepreneurship Program?
Who is eligible for the CGLCC - Youth Entrepreneurship Program program?
Who can I contact for more information about the CGLCC - Youth Entrepreneurship Program?
Where is the CGLCC - Youth Entrepreneurship Program available?

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