Why Getting Rainbow Registered Is Good for Business

Looking for ways to make your business more inclusive? Within our diverse and evolving business landscape, fostering inclusion helps you create a successful workplace. With the Rainbow Registered accreditation program, Canadian businesses can tap into the lucrative and expanding 2SLGBTQI+ market, fostering more welcoming and accepting spaces for customers and staff.

In this article, we delve into a basic overview of the program, why getting Rainbow Registered is good for business, and what the accreditation process looks like:

What is Rainbow Registered?

Developed by Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), the Rainbow Registered accreditation program recognizes the businesses that put in extra effort to ensure 2SLGBTQI+ customers feel safe, welcome, and accepted. By following the program’s guidelines and criteria, businesses critically evaluate their practices and policies to ensure they’re creating safe spaces for all. Accredited businesses have the opportunity to display the Rainbow Registered symbol in their store, showing that they prioritize creating welcoming and affirming environments.

Should You Get Rainbow Registered?

Businesses must embrace diversity and support marginalized communities in any way they can. Getting Rainbow Registered signifies a commitment to equality and inclusivity, and comes with numerous advantages. Accreditation not only fosters a more inclusive workplace culture and strengthens relationships with customers, but also contributes to shaping a world where everyone is valued and respected.

Benefits

Here are some of the benefits of getting Rainbow Registered:

  • Get listed in the Rainbow Registered directory – Accredited businesses are listed in the national directory of Rainbow Registered businesses and can display the program’s logo.
  • Obtain a marketing advantage – Accredited businesses have proved themselves as safe spaces for the 2SLGBTQI+ market and can market themselves as such.
  • Access additional resources – Rainbow Registered businesses can access resources, training, and support to promote further 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion.
  • Meet employee and customer needs – Businesses reviewing their policies and practices will be able to refine them to better suit the needs of 2SLGBTQI+ employees and customers.
  • Gain diverse perspectives – Having an inclusive team means gaining unique perspectives. In turn, more creative and innovative ideas may arise, giving businesses an edge over their competitors.
  • Improve work satisfaction – Cultivating an inclusive workplace can improve employee morale and work satisfaction, ultimately leading to increased productivity.

How Can You Get Accredited?

Accreditation Process

Here’s a brief overview of what the accreditation process looks like:

1. Accreditation Application

2. Assessment Preparation

  • Review the Assessment section of the Application Guide to prepare the information you’ll need during your assessment.
  • Collect written materials, policies, or documents to form evidence.
  • Your Program Manager assigns you an Assessor.

3. Accreditation Assessment

  • The Assessor reviews the application and researches your business, then schedules a brief telephone interview.
  • The Assessor will schedule an in-depth interview to review information with you and may request additional interviews.
  • The Assessor reviews the information and determines whether it meets accreditation requirements. 

4. Decision and Next Steps

  • The Program Manager will notify you of their decision and next steps.
  • If you don’t meet the standard for accreditation, you’ll be provided feedback on what you can do to improve.

For a more in-depth look, review the Assessment Process in the Rainbow Registered Application Guide.

Assessment Criteria

These assessment criteria highlight the policies, practices, and behaviours needed and expected of accredited businesses. Accreditation assessment focuses on these four categories:

  1. Policies and Practices – Business policies and practices are non-discriminatory and respect people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
  2. Training – Businesses provide staff with diversity and inclusion training and contribute to public education on the topics.
  3. Commitment to Inclusive Leadership – Businesses display leadership and commitment to 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion that extends beyond daily operations.
  4. Culture of Inclusivity – Businesses foster an organizational culture that’s inclusive and affirmative for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.

Commit to Inclusivity

Creating spaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported only brings us closer to a future where diversity is celebrated, and equality is a reality for all. In alignment with this, we’re on the journey to becoming Rainbow Registered and more accessible and inclusive for everyone. 

If you’re a 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneur looking to start or grow your business, discover our Business Resources for 2SLGBTQIA+ Entrepreneurs.

Small Business BC is Here to Help

SBBC is a non-profit resource centre for BC-based small businesses. Whatever your idea of success is, we’re here to provide holistic support and resources at every step of the journey. Check out our range of business webinars, on-demand E-Learning Education, our Talk to an Expert Advisories, or browse our business articles.

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