Something big is taking shape across Atlantic Canada. From Halifax to St. John’s, from Charlottetown to Moncton, queer and trans entrepreneurs are coming together to build something we’ve never had before: a dedicated home for 2SLGBTQIA+ businesses in our region.
Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) has teamed up with Sea Change CoLab, a queer, woman-owned business in Nova Scotia, to make it happen. Together, we’re laying the foundation for a brand-new, bilingual non-profit organization designed by and for 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada.
Why now? Because our community is strong, creative, and resilient, but we know the challenges are real. Queer and trans business owners often face barriers to funding, networking, and visibility. Many of us are building businesses in small towns or rural areas where support can be harder to find. And yet, every day, our community proves that innovation thrives here. It’s time to create a hub that reflects that power.
What We’re Building
This new organization will support 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. It will bring people together by strengthening connections between queer and trans business owners, allies, and partners. At its core, the Hub will be grounded in equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring that its foundation reflects the realities of our community. It will also develop programs, mentorship opportunities, and networking spaces that directly respond to the needs expressed by entrepreneurs across the region. And to ensure it lasts, the Hub will create a long-term sustainability plan so it can continue to grow and thrive for years to come.
How We’ll Get There
We’re moving quickly, and we want you with us. From July 2025 to March 2026, the project will unfold in four phases:
- Inviting People In – Mapping out the people and organizations who shape this work, forming our first advisory group, and listening to what’s needed.
2. Building the Home Together – Establishing governance, bylaws, EDI policies, and our brand.
3. Preparing to Open the House – Incorporating as a non-profit, forming our first board of directors, launching a website, and hosting bilingual events.
4. Launching – Finalizing our sustainability plan, handing things over to the new board, and sharing our final report.
It’s a sprint, but an exciting one.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just about creating another organization. It’s about shaping a future where queer and trans entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada can see themselves reflected, celebrated, and supported. It’s about building networks that stretch across provinces, linking small-town innovators with city-based partners, and ensuring everyone has a seat at the table.
When we create spaces where 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs can thrive, the impact ripples out. Stronger queer businesses mean stronger local economies, richer communities, and a louder collective voice at the regional and national level.
Get Involved
This hub will only succeed if it reflects the needs and dreams of our community. That’s why we’re starting with conversations, surveys, and events across the region. Whether you already own a business, have a new idea, or simply want to support queer entrepreneurship, there’s a place for you here.
Together, we can create a hub that belongs to all of us. A place where queer and trans entrepreneurs don’t just survive, but thrive.
Stay tuned. The journey is just beginning.