Futurpreneur achieves Rainbow Registered accreditation, reinforcing our commitment to inclusion

At Futurpreneur, creating an environment where entrepreneurs can show up as their authentic selves has always been part of who we are. Today, we are proud to share an important milestone in that journey: Futurpreneur is now Rainbow Registered.

Administered by the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC), the Rainbow Registered accreditation recognizes organizations that meet rigorous standards for 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion and have demonstrated a genuine commitment to creating safer, more welcoming and equitable spaces for employees, clients, partners and communities. For Futurpreneur, this achievement is the result of years of dedicated work, learning, collaboration and continuous improvement across the organization.

A rigorous process driven by action, not just intention

Rainbow Registered is Canada’s national accreditation program for businesses and organizations that meet established standards for 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion. Rather than completing a one-time exercise or a simple checklist, the process involves investing time and resources to conduct a comprehensive assessment of policies, practices, employee experience, training, governance and organizational culture. To be accredited, organizations must demonstrate meaningful progress, not only in identifying gaps but also implementing improvements and building accountability measures that support lasting change.

“This formal registration not only tells the people of Canada that we want to be welcoming to the community, but it also it clearly shows that we have done what it takes to truly be welcoming!”- David Eisnor, Regional Director, Business Development – Atlantic.

For Futurpreneur, earning Rainbow Registered status reflects a sustained commitment to embedding diversity, inclusion and belonging into the way we work and serve entrepreneurs across Canada who are members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

“Becoming Rainbow Registered with the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce reflects our commitment to building an organization where every entrepreneur feels seen, valued and supported. It strengthens our responsibility to foster an inclusive environment that creates clear pathways to success for all, regardless of identity or background. Representation matters, and by ensuring our team is equipped with the knowledge, resources and understanding to support Queer entrepreneurs in all their intersectionality, we are not only addressing barriers, but championing opportunity. This is not a moment, but an ongoing commitment, one we have entered with intention, and one we will carry forward into the future.” – Holly Atjecoutay, Futurpreneur’s Head of Inclusive Impact and Director, Indigenous and Northern Entrepreneurs

“Rainbow Registered bridges the gap between valuing inclusion and putting it into practice,” says Victoria Wicks, Program Lead, Rainbow Registered. “We serve as a trusted partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and organizations working to advance equity across Canada. More than a badge of support, the accreditation provides a rigorous framework for accountability, helping organizations align their policies and experiences with national standards and drive meaningful, measurable change in the communities they serve.”

A journey years in the making

The path to accreditation was driven by passionate Futurpreneur team members who championed this work over several years. From reviewing policies and procedures to strengthening employee education, advancing inclusive practices and gathering organizational evidence, the process required collaboration and dedication from teams across the organization.

“A certificate on a wall doesn’t prove anything. The proof is in the fact that Futurpreneur spent more than three years willingly opening itself to external scrutiny, addressing areas for improvement and building the evidence needed to back up its commitment to inclusion. The accreditation challenged us to look beyond how we viewed ourselves as an organization and examine whether our policies and practices consistently supported the inclusive culture we wanted to create. That level of scrutiny can be uncomfortable, but I believe it’s also where the greatest value of the process comes from. “ – Logan Daoust, Business Development Manager, Indigenous Entrepreneurs

Their work helped ensure that inclusion is reflected across Futurpreneur’s communications as well as its daily operations.

Why Rainbow Registered matters

Rainbow Registered is an important reflection of Futurpreneur’s commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, welcomed and supported. For our employees, as well as the entrepreneurs, mentors, partners and community members we work with, the accreditation signals that inclusion is embedded in our culture and backed by meaningful action. It demonstrates our commitment to fostering inclusive spaces where people can bring their authentic selves and fully participate in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

We recognize that young entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups often face unique barriers on their entrepreneurial journeys. To support their success, we offer a range of programs delivered by team members with lived experience, including those who identify as Queer. Currently, 10% of our team identifies as 2SLGBTQIA+, including 12% of our Leadership Team and 8% of our Senior Leadership Team.

Through initiatives such as the Black Entrepreneur Startup Program and the Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program, as well as our ongoing support for women entrepreneurs and newcomers to Canada, we continue to work toward a more inclusive and accessible entrepreneurial landscape, and we’re making progress.

Between April 2025 and March 2026, 41% of the businesses supported by Futurpreneur were women-led, 11% had 2SLGBTQIA+ founders, 15% had Black founders and 3% had Indigenous founders. Through programs such as My Canadian Startup and other tailored supports, Futurpreneur also helps newcomer entrepreneurs access the financing, mentorship, resources and networks they need to launch and grow successful businesses across Canada.

This Rainbow Registered accreditation reinforces our commitment to ensuring that all entrepreneurs, regardless of their identity or background, feel welcome and supported when engaging with our team.

Looking ahead

As Futurpreneur celebrates 30 years of empowering young entrepreneurs, Rainbow Registered marks an important milestone in our ongoing journey to create a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

While we are proud of this achievement, we know the work does not stop here. We remain committed to listening, learning and evolving so that entrepreneurs, employees, mentors and partners can thrive and succeed.

By continuing to champion inclusion and expand opportunities for underrepresented communities, we can help build a stronger, more innovative and more prosperous Canada for everyone. Read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion here.