INFORMATION FOR MENTORS

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

In September 2025, the Manitoba LGBT* Chamber of Commerce will launch EMERGE, the Chamber’s Queer Entrepreneur Development Program for 2SLGBTQ+ entrepreneurs living and working in Manitoba. Thanks to funding from Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce and the Government of Canada, the Chamber will run a six-month program cohort specifically designed for entrepreneurs in the 2SLGBTQ+ community to gain essential business skills and strategies and build a supportive network of mentors and colleagues and in the process.

Through workshops, networking events, and regular check-ins with mentors, participants will increase their confidence and knowledge to start or grow their businesses.

Click here to read more about the program.

WHY BECOME A MENTOR?

Connections are a cornerstone of success in any entrepreneurial journey — and they hold unique, transformative value in the context of a 2SLGBTQ+ entrepreneur development program. The Mentor-Mentee Meetups in the EMERGE program are designed to foster authentic connection, trust, and shared insight between queer-identifying mentors and participants navigating similar lived experiences in the world of business.

For many 2SLGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, traditional networks and spaces can feel isolating or inaccessible. Meetups will provide a safe, affirming environment where emerging entrepreneurs receive not just practical guidance, but also representation, validation, and confidence.

From personalized advice on funding, branding, and scaling — to navigating challenges like bias in the business world — program mentors will offer participants both the strategic tools and emotional resilience needed to thrive. These relationships also nurture a sense of belonging and continuity, as mentees are empowered to one day become mentors themselves, contributing to a growing ecosystem of queer leadership and innovation.

Ultimately, mentor-mentee meetups don’t just build businesses — they build community. And in that, they become a powerful engine for long-term success and collective empowerment.

MENTOR-MENTEE MEETUPS

Regular Mentor-Mentee Meetups are an important component to this program. While there is no prescribed number of meetups required for mentors and participants, we would encourage both parties to determine the appropriate number of meetups to have based on their own needs and schedules. At minimum we recommend meeting at least three times throughout the course of the program.

Mentors will be matched with Mentees (program participants) based on matching requests and the needs expressed in the applications. Meetups may be done in-person but in order to facilitate the participation of those who live in rural and more remote parts of Manitoba, other methods may be used for the Meetups, including video calls, phone calls, and/or emails.

WHAT ELSE IS INVOLVED?

Besides the Meetups, mentors will be invited to attend the program launch event in September, as well as the wrap-up event in March. Mentors are also welcome to attend the program workshops, though they are not required to. Mentors may access all of the program materials and events free of charge.

As our thank-you to our program mentors, the Manitoba LGBT* Chamber of Commerce will provide a 50% discount on all individual/retiree memberships to the mentor’s annual membership. Membership with the Chamber includes such benefits as:

• Discounts to Chamber workshops & events
• Opportunities to network with Manitoba’s wider 2SLGBTQ+ business community
• Access to member-to-member discounts
• Subscription to the Chamber’s e-newsletter
• Business referral opportunities
• Local issue representation
• Affiliate membership with Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC)
• Volunteer governance & leadership opportunities
• Vote at the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting

Apply to be a mentor! Open until September 5, 2025.