How much funding can be received?

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.

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This grant is designed for entrepreneurs and mentors located in Canada. The program seeks to foster growth and development within the Canadian 2SLGBTQI+ business community.

Businesses and individuals located in Canada.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for the OUT For Business Program:

Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.

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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.

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CGLCC - Youth Entrepreneurship Program

Apply to this program

Empowerment Through the OUT For Business Mentorship Program

The OUT For Business Program is designed to foster growth and development among 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs across Canada through mentorship and business education. As the nation's only initiative of its kind, it connects emerging business leaders with experienced mentors to create an enriching collaborative environment.

In-Depth Look at the OUT For Business Program and Its Influence

The OUT For Business Program stands as Canada's groundbreaking national mentorship platform dedicated specifically to the 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurial community. Spearheaded by the Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), the program’s mission is to build a bridge between current and future business leaders within this community, offering a robust framework of support, guidance, and resource sharing. The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated, as it responds directly to the unique challenges faced by 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs, fostering inclusivity while driving business success.

Unlike traditional programs, the OUT For Business initiative does not just engage with entrepreneurs based on age but embraces participants of all ages and stages of their business journey, ensuring that wisdom and innovation can flow both ways across generations. This reflects a substantial shift towards inclusivity, allowing the richness of experience and age diversity to enhance the learning environment. With this initiative, CGLCC commits to a 10-month mentoring journey that promises profound personal and professional development for all participants.

Key to the program is the blend of one-on-one and group mentorship sessions, which are designed to expand the mentees' professional networks and knowledge base. This specialized mentorship is complemented by tailored business development education — sessions that delve into vital topics such as Marketing and Branding for Diverse Communities or Leveraging Diversity as a Business Strength. These interactions equip mentees with invaluable insights and strategies that foster business resilience and growth. Additionally, mentees have access to CGLCC’s expansive network and are offered unique opportunities to test real-world ideas with seasoned mentors.

The cultural and social value of such a program is immense, providing not just business expertise but also emotional and psychosocial support — an avenue where mentees can express doubts, brainstorm ideas, and seek clarity on business ventures. Through a carefully designed mentor matching process that favors mentee involvement, participants can choose or be assigned mentors who closely align with their personal and business aspirations, thus personalizing the developmental experience. This selection process is a testament to CGLCC’s commitment to providing meaningful and impactful mentorship experiences.

The benefits extend to mentors as well. By becoming part of the OUT For Business Program, they gain satisfaction from giving back to their community and witnessing firsthand the growth and success of budding entrepreneurs. The program serves as a platform for mentors to refine their communication and leadership skills, fostering a network of like-minded business professionals committed to the development of a vibrant 2SLGBTQI+ business community.

Participants and mentors in the OUT For Business Program adhere to a strict code of conduct, ensuring a safe, respectful, and professional environment. This includes commitments to confidentiality, non-discrimination, and anti-harassment policies, which safeguard the integrity of the mentoring relationships. Furthermore, graduates of the program gain the prestigious CGLCC Diverse Supplier certification, extending their market reach and credibility as diverse business leaders.

In conclusion, the OUT For Business Program is not just an initiative; it is a movement towards a more inclusive and dynamic Canadian business landscape. By fostering a collaborative environment where knowledge is shared, relationships are built, and diversity is celebrated, the program positions 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs on a path toward sustainable growth and exceptional leadership, making a significant impact on Canada's economic future.