ABOUT
WHO WE ARE
We are an organization built by 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs for 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada, grounded in our realities, our aspirations, and our collective power and potential.
Our History
Our organizational story is short, but the history of our community and the people we are here for is vast, complex, and beautiful.
The Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (formerly the CGLCC), recognized the need for an organization to support the unique needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada.
The Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce provided funding and hired Sea Change CoLab to facilitate the development of the organization with the community it will support.
Members of the Sea Change team engaged trusted community partners, built one-on-one connections, joined folks in existing community and business spaces, hosted safer-space virtual events, and created a survey to hear from 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs throughout Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Sea Change shared the feedback, stories, and learnings they heard back to the community, and used this knowledge to start shaping the organization’s mission, mandate, and programming.
It doesn't stop here.
We’ll continue writing the next chapter of our history together.
Who we're here for
We’re here for you—2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs, business owners, freelancers and co-ops. No matter where you are in this journey, we want to provide a bilingual, accessible hub for those looking for meaningful connection, support, and belonging.
We believe in relationship building and also see a critical role for collaboration with allies, sponsors, funders, and community partners.
Why we exist
The 2SLGBTQIA+ business community is diverse, creative, beautiful, and critical. Across the country, we generate over $22 billion in economic activity and employ over 400,000 people. Despite this, we continue to face significant barriers to financial resources, opportunities, and inclusion. Our unique challenges and aspirations deserve the support to match them.
We will address long-standing service gaps by creating culturally relevant, regionally-grounded support that reflects the lived realities of queer and trans communities—especially those who have been purposefully excluded in the past.
01.
— Our Vision
A thriving, inclusive Atlantic Canada where 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs are empowered, connected, and celebrated.
02.
— Our Mission
The Queer Atlantic Business Hub supports queer-owned and queer-serving businesses across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador. Through connection, capacity building, visibility, and advocacy, the Hub fosters a strong, sustainable ecosystem for queer entrepreneurship and leadership.
03.
— Our Values
Equity: We apply an intersectional lens and challenge systemic barriers to access, opportunity, and success.
Collaboration: We co-create with our members and communities, building trust through shared power and mutual respect.
Visibility: We amplify the stories, strengths, and impact of queer entrepreneurs and businesses.
Accountability: We commit to transparency, responsiveness, and continuous improvement in our operations and partnerships.
Joy: We celebrate queerness as a source of creativity, resilience, and possibility in business and beyond.