‘Game-changer’: Manitoba LGBT* Chamber of Commerce secures federal grant

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/02/2025 (252 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Manitoba LGBT* Chamber of Commerce has been a part of the business community, under a couple of different names, for more than 25 years, but was in need of a refresher.

It got that Thursday in the form of a $300,000 grant from the federal Department of Small Business, through its 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program.

The Manitoba LGBT* chamber joined peer organizations across the country in receiving a total of $2.8 million in grants.

According to Minister of Small Business Rechie Valdez, it is a recognition of the community’s impact on the economy, with more than 100,000 LGBTTQ+-owned businesses in the country, employing close to 450,000 Canadians and generating more than $22 billion in annual economic activity.

Kerry Porter, chairperson of Manitoba LGBT* Chamber of Commerce, was thrilled with the news.

Acknowledging the local organization has had some challenges in the post-COVID-19 pandemic environment getting people back together, she said the grant is a much-needed boost.

“This is a game-changer for us. We have been putting plans together for quite some time now,” she said. “We’re just grateful to have the funding to be able to do this. We are super excited.”

Among other things, the chamber will be able to hire an executive director and administrative person. Porter said, in addition to staff hires, the funding will allow it to develop and deliver educational programming, establish a formal mentorship program for aspiring entrepreneurs and host networking events.

The chamber started in 1988 as the Lambda Business and Professional Club of Winnipeg. (The 11th letter of the Greek alphabet, lambda, was first adopted as a symbol for the Gay Activists Alliance in New York in the early 1970s.)

The local organization has about 100 members, but as a volunteer group has struggled to get back on its feet after the pandemic.

However, it has always had a good relationship with the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, which champions diversity and inclusion in its organization and in the community at large, Porter said. “(President and CEO) Loren (Remillard) and the Winnipeg chamber are fantastic.”

Kevin Selch, owner of Little Brown Jug Brewing Co., is the Winnipeg chamber board’s first openly gay chairman in its 151-year history.

“Although we joke that you underscore the word ‘openly,’” Selch said. “We are at a point where it (being openly gay) feels like a non-issue and I think that’s an accomplishment to be celebrated.”

He said the existence of a healthy Manitoba LGBT* Chamber of Commerce is good for the whole of the community.

“People can’t give you the excuse that it (supporting such organizations) is costing something,” Selch said. “It is not a cost.”

As for whether the federal’s government commitment to diversity is sustainable — especially in light of the recent state-sponsored anti-DEI activities in the U.S. — Valdez’s office said: “In Canada, we do not believe in closing doors —we believe in opening them. That’s why through our 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program, we are making sure … entrepreneurs have the resources to succeed, build businesses and create jobs. And while some are rolling back rights, we’re moving forward — because a more inclusive economy is a stronger economy.”

Porter said the chamber is always looking for allies in the business community to support its work and contribute to a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Manitoba.

“We believe that by fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, we can empower 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs to thrive and achieve their full potential,” she said. “This grant is a significant step towards realizing that vision.”

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca