Alberta LGBTQ2S+ businesses to get federal funding

A Pride flag can be seen raised on the Alberta Legislature grounds in Edmonton in this undated file photo. (File)

An Alberta business advocate is one of the first organizations in Canada to receive funding from a new federal program aimed at bolstering LGBTQ2S+ businesses.

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Alberta's 2SLGBTQIA+ Chamber of Commerce announced on Thursday that it had been chosen as a recipient for the new 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Fund.

"Canada's small businesses are anything but small. They make up 98 per cent of our businesses here in Canada, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs are significant contributors to that number," said Rechie Valdez, federal minister of small business.

Valdez said businesses in the community face additional challenges, including barriers to accessing capital and resources.

"They're looking to us for that type of support," she said.

The $5-million program is funded by the Canadian 2SLGBTQIA+ Chamber of Commerce and the Government of Canada. It is administered by the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

The Alberta chamber said the money will be used to start several key programs to benefit members across the province, including a mentorship program for 2SLGBTQIA+ small businesses owners and entrepreneurs.

"These initiatives shall ensure up and coming innovators and entrepreneurs across our province receive the context-specific career guidance needed to succeed," the Alberta chamber said in a press release.

"Additionally, we will be developing a made-in-Alberta job creation and skill development program aimed at bridging the gap between new 2SLGBTQIA+ graduates, prospective employees, and employers."

Seventeen organizations will receive funding through the new program, including the Banff Pride Society and Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce.