Introduction

It’s never been more important to help every Canadian through times like these – just ask Darrell Schuurman, CEO of the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

Darrell is an advocate for affecting social change through the economic empowerment of LGBT+ entrepreneurs. Growing up in small town Alberta in an entrepreneurial family, Darrell had a passion for business, and knew the struggles small businesses face.  But as someone who felt that he had to hide his true-self, he knew even more the struggles facing LGBT+ people. He soon realized that he could combine his passion for business and his commitment to supporting LGBT+ inclusion, while leveraging his entrepreneurial background.  In 2003, he co-founded he CGLCC, Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce, a national not-for-profit organization with a mission to expand the opportunities and advancement of the LGBT+ business community in Canada. Now with a team of 10, Darrell and the CGLCC is proving that LGBT inclusion is good for business and good for Canada.

“For Canada to grow and for our communities to grow, we need to realize and understand the importance of an inclusive economy.”

In this week’s episode of the #StartupCanadaPodcast, sponsored by Mastercard and Ceridian, Darrell discusses the importance of inclusivity of entrepreneurs and diversity of thought in Canadian business.