Ecosystem Fund Profile
For many 2SLGBTQI+ travelers, safety is as important as sightseeing. They don’t just think about what they’re going to do and where they’re going to stay—they also must think about whether it’s a safe place to be out and proud. With the support from the Ecosystem Fund, the Tourism Industry Association of the Yukon (TIA Yukon) is aiming to make Yukon more inclusive for visitors.
The Ecosystem Fund is a grant program by the Government of Canada and Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) created to break down barriers for 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs by supporting community organizations that enhance sustainability, drive growth, and promote innovation. TIA Yukon exists to forge a common voice and actions to influence, promote, and assist the development of tourism in the Yukon. Joining forces, TIA Yukon wants to build a network of Rainbow Registered entrepreneurs — a national designation given to 2SLGBTQI+ friendly businesses and organizations.
“If we can get enough 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs to become Rainbow Registered, we can build a network showcasing that this is more than a place with a few safe businesses — it’s an all-around safe destination,” said TIA Yukon’s Executive Director, Dylan Soo.
Through this funding, TIA Yukon, in partnership with Yukonstruct and Inclusion Yukon, will help entrepreneurs engage, learn, connect, and build competitive businesses that contribute to broader economic and social benefits.
“We want to give entrepreneurial supports to the queer community, to make them feel welcome, make them feel safe, and give them the greatest opportunity to succeed in executing their vision for a business,” said Dylan. “This jump-start funding that CGLCC has procured from the federal government certainly is a big first step in getting us there.”
The project starts with an environmental scan of the 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurial landscape to understand the gaps they face in the territory. Then, using the information they gather, TIA Yukon will design training programs that address and fill those gaps in starting, maintaining, and growing a business while Yukonstruct and Inclusion Yukon will support outreach and development of the program.
“We appreciate the commitment TIA Yukon is making to creating a safer place 2SLGBTQI+ visitors — everyone deserves to feel comfortable and confident everywhere they go,” said Tyler Demers, CGLCC’s Director of Grants and Program Development. “We’re glad we can play a part in making that happen for visitors in Yukon through the Ecosystem Fund.”
To stay up to date on the project, visit TIA Yukon’s website or social media channels.
