How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the CGLCC - Youth Entrepreneurship Program?

CGLCC - Youth Entrepreneurship Program is funded by Government of Canada, Canadian LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC)

What are CGLCC - Youth Entrepreneurship Program's eligibility criterias?

Self-identify as a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Be located in Canada.

CGLCC - Youth Entrepreneurship Program

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Canada

Mentorship for young LGBT+ entrepreneurs

CGLCC - Youth Entrepreneurship Program 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

Grant Providers

Government of Canada
Canadian LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC)

Program status

Closed

Overview of the CGLCC - Youth Entrepreneurship Program program

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.

Eligible projects & activities

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 criteria of the CGLCC - Youth Entrepreneurship Program program

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.

Eligibility criteria of the CGLCC - Youth Entrepreneurship Program program

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 to the CGLCC - Youth Entrepreneurship Program program

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.

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.

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.

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.