Pride Message from our Chair

Pride Message from our Chair - June 2023

Jun 28, 2023

Happy pride, everyone!

Dear Members and Supporters,

As we near the end of Pride Month, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible celebrations we've had and emphasize the importance of our work throughout the year. Pride Month serves as a reminder of the progress we've made, the challenges we still face, and the unity and resilience of our 2SLGBTQ+ communities.

I am thrilled to share that the Alberta LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce has entered the implementation phase of our new strategic plan. This is an exciting milestone for us, as it sets the stage for even greater impact and progress in our mission. We are committed to building a thriving business community that promotes the equality and inclusion of gender and sexually diverse individuals in commerce and at work.

To achieve this, we need your active involvement and engagement. I am pleased to announce that we have structured committees within the chamber, providing volunteer opportunities for our members to contribute to our work. Your valuable input and expertise will help shape our initiatives and ensure their success. Together, we can drive positive change and make Alberta the most inclusive economy for all gender and sexually diverse communities.

In the coming months, we will be announcing several community and business ecosystem partnerships that will greatly benefit our members and the broader community. These partnerships will provide valuable resources, networking opportunities, and increased visibility for your businesses. We are excited about the possibilities they bring and the opportunities they will create.

Additionally, as we ramp up and diversify our event offerings, I encourage you to stay tuned for the upcoming events planned for the remainder of the year. These events will provide valuable networking, learning, and celebration opportunities for our members.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge and express my gratitude to all our dedicated volunteers and board directors. Your hard work and commitment have been instrumental in reaching this critical mass point for our chamber's growth. In the face of an increasingly challenging political climate, where 2SLGBTQ+ communities and individuals are experiencing unprecedented attacks on their rights, freedoms, and very existence, your efforts are more important than ever.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. Let's work hand in hand to build a stronger, more inclusive Alberta.

With my gratitude,

Moe Yassine

Chair

Alberta LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce

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25 Feb, 2023

Author: Tara Brennan Entrepreneurship continues to feel like the next best step, but is it worth the risk if you're not a grad? Maybe you didn’t have the opportunity to go to college, or maybe you did but you just couldn’t afford it. Whatever the reason, not having a college degree shouldn’t stop you from becoming a great entrepreneur. The Alberta LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce some tips on how to make it happen. The Right Business Type If you don't have an idea already, this should be your first step in plotting your entrepreneurial course. There are countless types of businesses out there, and you want to choose one that you’re passionate about and where you have the skill set to succeed. Do some research and figure out what kind of business is the best fit for you. Prepare Your Business Plan To help get your idea off the ground, Growthink notes that you need a business plan , which functions as a road map that outlines your goals, strategies, and limitations. It should answer basic questions about your business, such as what you do, who your target market is, and how you plan to make money. A business plan can also help you secure funding from investors or lenders. When writing a business plan, it's important to be realistic about your objectives and limitations. Once it's complete, keep making updates as your business grows and changes. Financing Your Venture If you don’t have the personal funds available to start your business, don’t worry. There are plenty of other options out there. You can look into small business loans, angel investors, and even crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or GoFundMe. Just make sure you do your research and find the option that’s best for you and your new business. Should a loan be the best option, avoid taking out a bigger loan than you need. Commit to Organizing All Your Files This may not seem like an important task, but it's crucial When starting a business, there will be a lot of paperwork involved (permits, licenses, contracts, etc.). If everything isn’t organized from the very beginning, things can quickly get overwhelming – and that’s when mistakes happen. Avoid stressful situations by taking some time upfront to get your paperwork in order. Digitizing documents is the best way to organize your files , and converting files to PDFs allows you to condense files and more easily share them when necessary. The Tech Side With so many options out there, it can be tough to know which technologies are essential for your business and which ones are simply nice to have. Again, this comes down to doing your research and figuring out which technologies will help your business succeed and which ones are just gimmicks that will waste your time and money. Once you have a good understanding of which technologies you need, it’s time to implement them into your business plan. Connect with a Mentor FreshGigs.ca points out that a mentor can offer advice on everything from writing a business plan to finding funding sources to choosing the right technology for your business. If possible, try to find a mentor who has already been successful in starting their own businesses as they can offer invaluable insights that will help put you on the path to success. Becoming an entrepreneur doesn’t require years of education or even tens of thousands of dollars in startup capital, although both of those things can certainly help! All it really takes is passion, determination, and focus. If you‘re ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship, follow these steps to get started on the path to success.