The Rainbow Registered program is the first and only nationally recognized LGBTQ2+ inclusive & safe space accreditation program. It was developed in partnership with TourismHR Canada and funded by the Government of Canada. The accreditation program is designed to ensure businesses (tourism related and other industries)  meet a set of standards ensuring that they are ready to welcome the LGBTQ2+ visitor, as well as provide a safe space for their LGBTQ2+ employees. It’s an affordable way to do a spot check on where your business or organization is at, and where it can improve. No matter where a business is on their journey toward inclusivity the accreditation process has shown to be beneficial in helping them create their strategies.  Businesses who meet the standards will receive the accreditation; those who do not will receive feedback on how to get there....and will have one year to re-engage with their assigned Assessor to revisit their accreditation. The assessor will work with you every step of the way to get you up to speed. It’s an engaging process and the accreditation is spreading throughout the country!

It’s a journey that will help businesses improve and be ready for this market both internally and externally. And not to worry, if the business doesn’t have practices and procedures written down or listed online, the assessor doesn’t necessarily need written or physical proof, they will hear things like, for example, if the business has hosted an LGBTQ2+ wedding, or donated to a charity in this community, or work with LGBTQ2+ staff to identify the businesses progressive practices.

Upon completing the accreditation with your assessor, you will be given the Rainbow Registered accreditation symbol to put on your digital assets like a website, and also given physical stickers to put in your lobby or somewhere guests can see and know they are in a safe space. Additionally, Canada’s LGBTQ2+ Chamber of Commerce has a consumer-facing website rainbowregistered.ca  that has a directory of all accredited businesses so the LGBTQ2+ market can use it to plan trips, or utilize local businesses that show their commitment to this community. As part of the accreditation process, you’ll receive a diversity and inclusion resource toolkit as well to help plan events and guide marketing and internal HR. We also hold monthly up-dates for all businesses, which includes program up-dates and training opportunities to assist businesses who have started on their RR journey. 

In order to register and start the process on your Rainbow Registered Accreditation, just go to this link: https://www.cglcc.ca/programs/rainbow-registered/. It has all the info there. Just go to Programs - Rainbow Registered - and scroll down to Start the Process. 

I also wanted to remind you that if you are "new" to the CGLCC, when you first login/register for the Rainbow Registered program, your first step will be to create a generic account with the CGLCC. Once you have done that and indicated your interest in the program, an assessor will be assigned to you shortly.  Please note: you will be asked to fill out a form and submit payment. 

PLEASE NOTE - The first year is being covered by the Fed Dev Tourism Relief Fund. Please note the accreditation will last three years but there is an annual renewal fee ($250 for small businesses, $400 for medium and $525 for large), which would apply on year 2 and 3. The Fed Dev funding covers the entire fee for year 1.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to let Connor (copied above) or myself know.  we can offer you a link for the comp registration as part of some current Fed Dev funding we have!! You will be asked to fill out a form and submit payment. After you enter your credit card and use this code to zero out the expense. 8EPX4H6B

I would encourage you to do the application in one sitting to ensure a smooth process (we have had a few people experience glitches when they start and they go back to finish it).  

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thank you!

Loren

Loren Christie

Business Development / Développement des affaires

Pronouns: (he/him)

Apply now to become RAINBOW REGISTERED!

Diversifying Canadian business, one connection at a time.