Resources for 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurs

If you’re a 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneur, welcome! Small Business BC is a safe space for everyone – regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender identity. We’re British Columbia’s largest resource centre for entrepreneurs, and we’re here to help you find success – whatever that means for you and your business.

Canada has a long track record of 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurship. In fact, recent estimates put the number of 2SLGBTQI+ owned businesses at over 100,000. No matter what stage of the journey you’re at, or problem you encounter, we’ve got the supports and resources your business needs.

Read on to discover some of the ways we can help. If you don’t find answers to your question, contact us and our business advisors can help you untangle the knot.

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Pride 2023 - A Message from SBBC CEO, Tom Conway

Hear from SBBC CEO, Tom Conway, on his own experiences as an LGBTQ entrepreneur and business leader.

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Find Business Resources For 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurs

Find out more about the organizations, programs and opportunities available to 2SLGBTQI+ owned businesses in British Columbia.

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Add Your Business to the BC Marketplace

Get more visibility and customers for your business by adding it to our BC Marketplace. It’s free and sign-up is simple.

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Pride in our Community

We felt like a project of this type has been needed in our community for many years. Pride hasn’t had really bold representation in Salmon Arm and it was time to change that.

Pride Festivals aren't just the preserve of big cities. Learn how the Salmon Arm Pride Project is adding a splash of colour to the Shuswap and celebrating the diverse individuals who call this beautiful region home.

Salmon Arm Pride Project

Being queer gives us an advantage, because everyone in this lovely community just wants to support each other.

PHRSH is an inclusive Queer clothing brand based in Vancouver, BC. Learn how founder, Diane Shaher, started and grew this awesome business that's built on representation.

Diane Shaher, PHRSH Threads

Meet Lucian and Nick, Rain City Dogs

Rain City Dogs is a Vancouver-based dog walking company that’s making waves across Canada. Learn more about this Indigenous (Métis), and LGBTQ+ owned business.

Lucian and Nick, Rain City Dogs

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is don’t be scared to ask for help. I’ve been blown away by how helpful people are when I’ve reached out.

Nicole Ling is the founder of Nima Apparel, a queer-owned small business that manufactures stylish and functional scrubs for healthcare workers. Learn how Nicole left a career in accounting to launch this passion project and grow it to success.

Nicole Ling, Nima Apparel

Pride Events Across BC in 2023

Join the province-wide celebration of Pride this year, with events happening throughout BC. Here are just some of the highlights:

Victoria Pride

July 9

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White Rock Pride

July 22

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Fraser Valley Pride

July 29

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Vancouver Pride

Aug 4-6

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Chilliwack Pride

Aug 19

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Kamloops Pride

Aug 21-27

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How Small Business BC can help your business

Read our 10 Step Guide to Starting a Business

Read our simplified guide to each area of the start-up experience, highlighting the services and help you can lean on to achieve your goals.

10 Step Guide to Starting a Business

Discover our range of webinars to upskill your business

Small Business BC provides practical business education tailored for small businesses right here in BC. Whether you need help starting your business, hiring employees, managing operations, or anything else, Small Business BC is here to help. View our full calendar of business education.

Sign up for our newsletter and receive the latest updates every two weeks

Sign up for Small Business BC’s newsletter and be the first to discover our latest news, special offers, and practical resources for your small business. Sign up now, it’s free and easy!

Discover our range of free downloadable resources

Starting a business? Start with Small Business BC’s comprehensive list of free downloadable resources. We’ve got everything covered, from business plan templates, cash flow forecasting and our starting a business checklist. View Resources.

Reach more customers online by joining our BC Marketplace

Join our free online hub of BC-based small businesses and reach a province-wide audience of engaged customers that are passionate about small business. Sign up now.

View our range of on-demand, E-Learning Education

Our self-directed E-Learning courses are available anytime, anywhere. Each on-demand course consists of bite-sized topics filled with features like readings, handouts, videos and quizzes. Discover our range of E-Learning education today.

Find Government of Canada Resources to Help Your Business

Start Grow, and Expand Your Business

The Western Canada Business Service Network (WCBSN) is a group of independent organizations that receive WD funds to help Western Canadians start, grow and expand their businesses.

Accelerated Growth Service

The Accelerated Growth Service (AGS) helps growth-oriented Canadian businesses to expand by helping them access the key government services they need to grow, such as financing, exporting, innovation and business advice.