News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
TIABC Training & Recruitment Opportunity: Send a Letter of Support
TIABC, in partnership with Western Community College and Progressive Intercultural Community Services, is working to submit a proposal to operate a Community Workforce Response Grant program (CWRG) specifically focused on creating a pool of talent for the tourism sector. Training will focus on skills required by tourism operators, along with specific certificates needed for specific roles.
TIABC is requesting letters of support from interested members that can offer a supervised work experience placement opportunity and an opportunity to interview for any upcoming positions that operators may be hiring for. Members who provide letters of support will have the first opportunity to hire the graduates of CWRG.
Send your letter of support or any questions to info@tiabc.ca.
TIABC, in partnership with Western Community College and Progressive Intercultural Community Services, is working to submit a proposal to operate a Community Workforce Response Grant program (CWRG) specifically focused on creating a pool of talent for the tourism sector. Training will focus on skills required by tourism operators, along with specific certificates needed for specific roles.
TIABC is requesting letters of support from interested members that can offer a supervised work experience placement opportunity and an opportunity to interview for any upcoming positions that operators may be hiring for. Members who provide letters of support will have the first opportunity to hire the graduates of CWRG.
Send your letter of support or any questions to info@tiabc.ca.
North America Meaningful Travel Summit in Victoria on September 28-30, 2022 | Tourism Cares
The North America Meaningful Travel Summit is an event connecting industry professionals with local changemakers in places around North America. The goal is to learn from one another, infuse more sustainability into the businesses with the knowledge gained, and to volunteer in and with the local community.
The Summit will take place in Victoria, BC September 28 - 30, 2022 and is open to all travel + tourism industry professionals.
The North America Meaningful Travel Summit is an event connecting industry professionals with local changemakers in places around North America. The goal is to learn from one another, infuse more sustainability into the businesses with the knowledge gained, and to volunteer in and with the local community.
The Summit will take place in Victoria, BC September 28 - 30, 2022 and is open to all travel + tourism industry professionals.
The North America Meaningful Travel Summit provides:
Connections to and volunteering with vetted non-profits and social enterprises
Education sessions around universal topics in sustainability and meaningful travel
Networking opportunities with other travel and tourism professionals
Actionable best practices in destination stewardship
Themes addressed throughout education/volunteering:
Travel and tourism’s role in the conservation of natural resources and preservation of biodiversity (exploring land and water use, animal welfare practices)
Exploring the intersection of Indigenous practices + destination stewardship
Tourism Hospitality Recovery Fund Survey & Advocacy for Additional Relief Funds
On October 21, 2021, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, announced that the government was taking targeted action to create jobs and spur economic growth, including the Tourism Hospitality and Recovery Program (THRP), which would provide support through wage and rent subsidy programs to tourism and hospitality operators, with a subsidy rate of up to 75%.
While the program is currently available until May 7, 2022, the subsidy rates were decreased by half as of March 13, 2022.
TIAC has been advocating for the original rates to be maintained and extended to September 2022.
As discussions with government officials continue, TIAC wishes to obtain more up-to-date information from tourism operators on the impact this cut will have on your business.
Please help TIAC advocate on your behalf to increase support by answering this brief survey.
On October 21, 2021, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, announced that the government was taking targeted action to create jobs and spur economic growth, including the Tourism Hospitality and Recovery Program (THRP), which would provide support through wage and rent subsidy programs to tourism and hospitality operators, with a subsidy rate of up to 75%.
While the program is currently available until May 7, 2022, the subsidy rates were decreased by half as of March 13, 2022.
TIAC has been advocating for the original rates to be maintained and extended to September 2022.
As discussions with government officials continue, TIAC wishes to obtain more up-to-date information from tourism operators on the impact this cut will have on your business.
Please help TIAC advocate on your behalf to increase support by answering this brief survey.
Cast your Votes for B.C.'s Best Small Town | Vote Tuesdays-Fridays, March 15 to April 25
From March 15 to April 25, a friendly competition will determine (unofficially) which small town in B.C. reigns supreme.
From Tuesday through Friday, CBC Radio One and CBC Vancouver News. will highlight a different small town in B.C. (population under 12,000) with features on cbc.ca/bc.
Then, British Columbian’s can vote daily for a favourite small town. One by one, municipalities will be eliminated based on your votes until the final one is crowned B.C.'s Best Small Town!
Follow the hashtag #BestSmallTownBC on social media and vote daily on Tuesdays through Fridays!
The winning town will be announced on-air on your local CBC Radio One morning show on Friday, April 29. In addition to earning bragging rights, the winning small town will receive special prizes!
From March 15 to April 25, a friendly competition will determine (unofficially) which small town in B.C. reigns supreme.
From Tuesday through Friday, CBC Radio One and CBC Vancouver News. will highlight a different small town in B.C. (population under 12,000) with features on cbc.ca/bc.
Then, British Columbian’s can vote daily for a favourite small town. One by one, municipalities will be eliminated based on your votes until the final one is crowned B.C.'s Best Small Town!
Follow the hashtag #BestSmallTownBC on social media and vote daily on Tuesdays through Fridays!
The winning town will be announced on-air on your local CBC Radio One morning show on Friday, April 29. In addition to earning bragging rights, the winning small town will receive special prizes!
Share Feedback on BC Pandemic Response | Submit by April 20, 2022
The Province is launching an independent review and public consultation on government’s operational response to the COVID-19 pandemic to better inform preparations and responses to future emergencies and ensure British Columbians are protected.
Until April 20, people in British Columbia can provide written feedback about how they, or their business/organization, have been affected by government’s operational measures and communication throughout the pandemic.
A report with a comprehensive summary of the findings is expected by fall.
The Province is launching an independent review and public consultation on government’s operational response to the COVID-19 pandemic to better inform preparations and responses to future emergencies and ensure British Columbians are protected.
The goal is to learn about how government agencies worked together to address the effects of COVID-19 that affected everyone, changed rapidly and continues to cause a high level of uncertainty.
The review will include what aspects of preparedness, engagement, communications and implementation worked well, what changes were made to improve operational effectiveness as the pandemic evolved, and what improvements can be made to better prepare for pandemics and emergencies.
Until April 20, people in British Columbia can provide written feedback about how they, or their business/organization, have been affected by government’s operational measures and communication throughout the pandemic.
A report with a comprehensive summary of the findings is expected by fall.
Get Involved with the Women of Recreation, Tourism & Hospitality (WORTH) Association
The Women of Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality (WORTH) Association is British Columbia's first organization committed to advancing women in the recreation, tourism, and hospitality industries. WORTH offers free (or low-cost) networking and educational events, as well as skills training, mentorship programmes, and leadership resources, to help women stay focused on their career goals.
This year, becoming a member of WORTH is free, and you'll be able to stay connected and supported through newsletters, events, and resources.
The Women of Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality (WORTH) Association is British Columbia's first organization committed to advancing women in the recreation, tourism, and hospitality industries. WORTH offers free (or low-cost) networking and educational events, as well as skills training, mentorship programmes, and leadership resources, to help women stay focused on their career goals.
This year, becoming a member of WORTH is free, and you'll be able to stay connected and supported through newsletters, events, and resources.
Destination BC Launches Spring Marketing Campaign in BC & Alberta | Download Partner Toolkit
Over the past two weeks, Destination BC has completed its launch of Let’s do Something Together in BC: a domestic seasonal marketing campaign urging BC and Alberta residents to plan and book a spring trip in BC, while reconnecting with loved ones and doing something unforgettable, together. Running from now until May 27, the campaign is designed to create a sense of urgency, highlighting the time-sensitive nature of spring experiences in BC, and encouraging travellers to embrace new adventures as they explore the province with fresh eyes, brighter days, and restored connection with the important people in their lives.
As part of the spring campaign, Destination BC has created a partner toolkit to help industry learn more about the campaign, suggested messaging, how to align content and marketing efforts, and opportunities to get involved – including industry media discounts.
Over the past two weeks, Destination BC has completed its launch of Let’s do Something Together in BC: a domestic seasonal marketing campaign urging BC and Alberta residents to plan and book a spring trip in BC, while reconnecting with loved ones and doing something unforgettable, together.
Running from now until May 27, the campaign is designed to create a sense of urgency, highlighting the time-sensitive nature of spring experiences in BC, and encouraging travellers to embrace new adventures as they explore the province with fresh eyes, brighter days, and restored connection with the important people in their lives.
Partner Toolkit
As part of the spring campaign, Destination BC has created a partner toolkit to help industry learn more about the campaign, suggested messaging, how to align content and marketing efforts, and opportunities to get involved – including industry media discounts.
Adventure Travel Industry Survey | Complete by March 27, 2022
The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) is seeking industry insights through an industry snapshot survey. The yearly industry snapshot provides tremendous insight into the trajectory of the industry and, with this data, ATTA can influence the industry and give operators a way to compare your business. Last year, a robust report was created with information from over 200 respondents.
A senior marketing/sales team member, the general manager, or the CEO often have ready access and knowledge necessary to complete the survey easily.
The deadline for the survey is Sunday, March 27. The survey will take about 20 minutes.
The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) is seeking industry insights through an industry snapshot survey. The yearly industry snapshot provides tremendous insight into the trajectory of the industry and, with this data, ATTA can influence the industry and give operators a way to compare your business. Last year, a robust report was created with information from over 200 respondents.
A senior marketing/sales team member, the general manager, or the CEO often have ready access and knowledge necessary to complete the survey easily.
The deadline for the survey is Sunday, March 27. The survey will take about 20 minutes.
Tourism Industry Association of Canada Survey on Needs for Recovery | Closes March 28
Algonquin College’s School of Business is conducting a research project on behalf of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) to understand what is needed for the full recovery of the tourism industry and thoughts on emerging travel trends.
The research team hopes to identify the expectations of visitors as the pandemic lingers on, the regions of the tourism market that may be first to rebound, the international markets that may be the first to return, and more.
Share your thoughts and support the recovery of the industry with your feedback by March 28.
Algonquin College’s School of Business is conducting a research project on behalf of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) to understand what is needed for the full recovery of the tourism industry and thoughts on emerging travel trends.
The research team hopes to identify the expectations of visitors as the pandemic lingers on, the regions of the tourism market that may be first to rebound, the international markets that may be the first to return, and more.
Share your thoughts and support the recovery of the industry with your feedback by March 28.
Signage Request: Invasive Species Signage | Submit by March 31
The Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) has just received funding from the Department of Fisheries & Oceans (DFO) to distribute another 200 CDD signs to places in BC with either no signs or outdated signage.
The Invasive Species Council is asking for input to:
Determine if there is a need for signage.
Seek requests for signage.
ISCBC's goal is to expand the messaging of these best practices for preventing the spread of invasive species to help protect the ecosystems of our province.
Attached in the link below is to determine a signage request form to determine which signs are needed and where they will be placed.
Note: The updated deadline for signage requests is March 31st, and there is no limit on the signage you can request.
The Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC) has just received funding from the Department of Fisheries & Oceans (DFO) to distribute another 200 CDD signs to places in BC with either no signs or outdated signage.
The Invasive Species Council is asking for input to:
Determine if there is a need for signage.
Seek requests for signage.
ISCBC's goal is to expand the messaging of these best practices for preventing the spread of invasive species to help protect the ecosystems of our province.
Attached in the link below is to determine a signage request form to determine which signs are needed and where they will be placed. This is a FREE initiative (installation not covered).
Note: The updated deadline for signage requests is March 31st, and there is no limit on the signage you can request.
Survey on Business Names Renewal | Deadline: May 15, 2022
Participate in the Business Names Renewal Consultation to share your thoughts on the potential for a required business name registration renewal process with the corporate registry.
The Corporate Registry holds information on all corporations, partnerships, and businesses. Initial research suggests that many business names registered with the Corporate Registry belong to non-operational businesses. Currently, there is no process to remove the names of these non-operational business entities from the Corporate Registry.
A renewal process would ensure that the Registry is up-to-date for people and businesses, and there is greater access to names for new businesses in B.C.
For more information, visit the consultation website and read the letter from the Deputy Minister of Finance.
Your feedback can be submitted through the online survey or by writing to biz.consult@gov.bc.ca. The deadline is May 15, 2022.
Participate in the Business Names Renewal Consultation to share your thoughts on the potential for a required business name registration renewal process with the corporate registry.
The Corporate Registry holds information on all corporations, partnerships, and businesses. Initial research suggests that many business names registered with the Corporate Registry belong to non-operational businesses. Currently, there is no process to remove the names of these non-operational business entities from the Corporate Registry.
A renewal process would ensure that the Registry is up-to-date for people and businesses, and there is greater access to names for new businesses in B.C.
For more information, visit the consultation website and read the letter from the Deputy Minister of Finance.
Your feedback can be submitted through the online survey or by writing to biz.consult@gov.bc.ca. The deadline is May 15, 2022.
Driving Female Success | Royal Roads University Survey for Female Executives
The School of Tourism and Hospitality Management at Royal Roads University is collecting data from women to understand how women in executive leadership roles, specifically in the hospitality and tourism sectors, have successfully obtained top positions. They invite women to describe experiences as a leader in the tourism and hospitality industry in a survey of 17 questions. It should take you approximately 10 minutes to complete.
Upon completing this research, the objective is to submit a peer-reviewed journal article to share with current industry professionals and graduate students looking for more guidance and successful leadership pathways.
The School of Tourism and Hospitality Management at Royal Roads University is collecting data from women to understand how women in executive leadership roles, specifically in the hospitality and tourism sectors, have successfully obtained top positions. They invite women to describe experiences as a leader in the tourism and hospitality industry in a survey of 17 questions. It should take you approximately 10 minutes to complete.
Upon completing this research, the objective is to submit a peer-reviewed journal article to share with current industry professionals and graduate students looking for more guidance and successful leadership pathways.
Merritt Raising Funds for 3D Home Printer
Following November’s catastrophic flooding events, roughly 600 Merritt residents still haven't returned to 250 homes. The City of Merritt considered a variety of different types of homes and discovered that 3D printing is cost-effective and quick.
The next step is raising roughly $700,000 to purchase a $1.3 million 3D printer. The city is hoping to find grants, charities, and donations to get half of the printer’s cost. The cost will be matched by UBC as they have all the engineering and would like to perform case studies.
Following November’s catastrophic flooding events, roughly 600 Merritt residents still haven't returned to 250 homes. The City of Merritt considered a variety of different types of homes and discovered that 3D printing is cost-effective and quick.
The next step is raising roughly $700,000 to purchase a $1.3 million 3D printer. The city is hoping to find grants, charities, and donations to get half of the printer’s cost. The cost will be matched by UBC as they have all the engineering and would like to perform case studies.
Worn or Damaged Highway Signs
Many highway signs throughout the province are either old, worn, dirty, out-of-date, or heavily damaged by weather and other factors. Poorly maintained signs don't serve us well as a visitor destination.
TIABC and BC Lodging & Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) are looking to provide the Province with recommendations on how to improve the province-wide service and attraction highway signage program.
During your travels throughout various regions, please take photos of any recent blue and white signs that are in disrepair and send them to info@TIABC.ca at your earliest convenience.
Many highway signs throughout the province are either old, worn, dirty, out-of-date, or heavily damaged by weather and other factors. Poorly maintained signs don't serve us well as a visitor destination.
TIABC and BC Lodging & Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) are looking to provide the Province with recommendations on how to improve the province-wide service and attraction highway signage program.
During your travels throughout various regions, please take photos of any recent blue and white signs that are in disrepair and send them to info@TIABC.ca at your earliest convenience.
Host a Green Wine Future Virtual Expo Booth on May 23 to 26, 2022 | Apply by March 18, 2022
TOTA is seeking wineries to represent the Thompson Okanagan wine regions by hosting a Green Wine Future virtual booth.
Hosts of the Green Wine Future Virtual Expo will have the opportunity to showcase their wines, products, and services. Delegates, speakers, and exhibitors can network virtually with companies through the booths on the days of the event, May 23 to 26, 2022, starting two weeks prior to the event.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has joined with Green Wine Future (GWF) as a corporate sponsors and strategic partners. The event is the most ambitious environmental conference ever organized for the wine community and will launch as a fully online gathering May 23-26, 2022.
Wineries in the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program are invited to represent the Thompson Okanagan wine regions by hosting a Green Wine Future Virtual Expo Booth.
Hosts will have the opportunity to showcase their wines, products, and services to an international audience interested in sustainable wine. Delegates, speakers, and exhibitors can network virtually with companies through the booths on the days of the event, May 23 to 26, 2022, and starting two weeks prior to the event, May 9.
Availability is limited.
Benefits of hosting a virtual booth include:
Virtual booth networking opportunities during the conference, beginning 2 weeks prior.
Share company information including description, video, and website link.
Operate a Video Chat with ability to share your video with up to 10 people and share a presentation.
Host live virtual tastings with up to 10 clients.
Advertise an Event Offer, a special promotion curated especially for attendees, with a Call to action button.
Receive attendee Registered Interest requests to engage.
How to Apply
The cost for the virtual expo booths is $1,000 USD (invoiced in CAD based on the exchange at the time of invoicing + GST). The first ten Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program wineries to apply by March 18 are eligible to receive a $250 USD discount.
Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program members or those interested in joining can apply for the virtual expo through TOTA. Email Kavan@TOTABC.com with any questions.
Other wineries can can email Wendy Vallaster, Green Wine Future Canadian Agent and Contact at WendyVallaster@Gmail.com.
Small Business BC Awards - Vote for Thompson Okanagan Nominees
The Small Business BC Awards are open for nominations and voting until February 28, 2022. This year’s competition consists of two categories, the Business Impact Award and the returning Premier’s People’s Choice Award.
The Thompson Okanagan small business nominees are:
Click the profile links to cast your vote and support these outstanding small businesses!
The Small Business BC Awards are open for nominations and voting until February 28, 2022. This year’s competition consists of two categories, the Business Impact Award and the returning Premier’s People’s Choice Award.
The Thompson Okanagan small business finalists are:
Click the profile links to cast your vote and support these outstanding small businesses!
Once a small business is nominated, they must gain as many public votes as possible. The businesses with the most votes in the SBBC Business Impact Award category will be narrowed down to the top twenty, then judged by an internal panel of business experts to select the Top Five finalists. The Top 5 Finalists will be invited to present to a panel of judges.
The winner of the Premier’s People’s Choice award will be selected based on the most votes, after a normalization process to allow for regional populations.
On April 28, 2022, a virtual gala will be hosted by Small Business BC to announce and honour the winners.
Destination BC Spring Marketing Campaign Seeking Your Travel Offers by March 8
Destination BC’s spring and summer campaigns will encourage people from within the province, Alberta, Ontario, California, and Washington to explore B.C. As part of these campaigns, they are promoting various travel offers through the Travel Deals page that encourages potential travellers to explore a variety of BC experiences, attractions, and accommodations.
To take advantage of the interest generated from these campaigns and motivate travellers to book with your tourism business, DBC encourages tourism businesses to post up to three offers on HelloBC before the first campaign launches on March 8.
Travel offers represent a key opportunity to generate referrals to your business from HelloBC and through Destination BC’s marketing activities and do not require you to discount your experiences or products. Offers can be an enticing package, an experience unique to the province, or a savings of some sort.
Destination BC’s spring and summer campaigns will encourage people from within the province, Alberta, Ontario, California, and Washington to explore B.C. As part of these campaigns, they are promoting various travel offers through the Travel Deals page that encourages potential travellers to explore a variety of BC experiences, attractions, and accommodations.
To take advantage of the interest generated from these campaigns and motivate travellers to book with your tourism business, DBC encourages tourism businesses to post up to three offers on HelloBC before the first campaign launches on March 8.
Travel offers represent a key opportunity to generate referrals to your business from HelloBC and through Destination BC’s marketing activities and do not require you to discount your experiences or products. Offers can be an enticing package, an experience unique to the province, or a savings of some sort.
Hell or High Water BC Disaster Relief Concert & Telethon Fundraiser | March 13, 2022
The “Hell or High Water” live music concert and virtual live streaming telethon is scheduled for March 13, 2022, from 10 AM to 10 PM. The event is a fundraiser to support the British Columbia communities and people impacted by the 2021 wildfires and floods.
Proceeds will go to Merritt Rotary Club and partnered non-profits, who will disperse the funds to individuals affected by the natural disasters.
To learn more and donate, visit HellOrHighwater.ca.
Businesses can get involved as a Corporate Sponsor.
The founder of Rockin’ River Music Fest, Tourism Nicola Valley, and Eh Canada Travel have joined together to host the “Hell or High Water” live music concert and virtual live streaming telethon on March 13, 2022.
The event is a fundraiser to support the British Columbia communities and people impacted by the 2021 wildfires and floods. Proceeds will support people affected by the natural disasters around Merritt, Princeton, Lytton, and Abbotsford.
The event will be both in-person and virtually, with a live country music concert in Mission, B.C. at the Clarke Foundation Theatre and a live 12 hour live streaming telethon from 10 AM to 10 PM hosted in Merritt, B.C., including a live-stream of the music concert.
Donating to Hell or High Water includes opportunities to win prizes, such as:
Two tickets to a Vancouver Canucks Game
Golf & Stay Getaway
Tickets to Rockin River Music Festival
Two night stay at a Lakeside Cabin
Tickets to a Calgary Flames Game
To learn more and donate, visit HellOrHighwater.ca.
Businesses can get involved as a Corporate Sponsor.
Event Details
The event will feature 50+ musicians from across North America, including:
George Canyon
Loverboy
Lisa Brokop
Russel deCarle of Prairie Oyster
Chilliwack
Patricia Conroy
Crystal Shawanda
And more
Hell or High Water is a partnership between:
Kenny Hess (Founder of Rockin’ River Music Festival)
EH Canada Travel Marketing Group
Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly (Nooaitch, Coldwater, Shackan, and Cook’s Ferry Indian Bands)
Tourism Nicola Valley
Experience Nicola Valley
Merritt Rotary Club
Annual Shuswap Trail Alliance Virtual Fundraiser Now Open | Buy Tickets & Place Bids by Feb 20, 2022
The Shuswap Trail Alliance (STA) is hosting its much-anticipated annual fundraiser February 4-20, 2022.
The fundraiser includes:
Online silent auction featuring local businesses
50/50 raffle – last year’s winner took home over $3,500!!
Limited-edition STA toques, while supplies last
Funds raised will allow the Shuswap Trail Alliance to work with regional partners throughout the year. The funds are leveraged with matching grants, donations, in-kind contributions, dedicated community project budgets, and an extraordinary contribution of volunteer time to grow local greenway trails throughout the region.
The Shuswap Trail Alliance (STA) is hosting its much-anticipated annual fundraiser February 4-20, 2022.
The fundraiser includes:
Online silent auction featuring local businesses
50/50 raffle – last year’s winner took home over $3,500!!
Limited-edition STA toques, while supplies last
Funds raised will allow the Shuswap Trail Alliance to work with regional partners throughout the year. The funds are leveraged with matching grants, donations, in-kind contributions, dedicated community project budgets, and an extraordinary contribution of volunteer time to grow local greenway trails throughout the region.
Through the generous support of businesses and individuals alike, last year’s Silent Auction raised over $57,000 in support of STA trail projects throughout the region.
The Shuswap Trail Alliance auction committee thanks and invites everyone throughout the region to participate in the Online Auction. They look forward to seeing you online for the fundraiser and in-person out on the trails.
Research Study: Access and Equity for LGBTQ2S+ Businesses in Canada
CGLCC, in partnership with the Diversity Institute at Ryerson University, is conducting a research study to explore LGBTQ2S+ business ownership in Canada, including trends and support needs of these organizations, as well as both economic and social challenges faced by LGBTQ2S+ entrepreneurs.
Participant Eligibility Criteria:
Participants must self-identify as LGBTQ2S+ and must be a founder or owner of a business that operates in Canada. Participants must be 18 years of age or older. 30 participants will be asked to participate.
CGLCC, in partnership with the Diversity Institute at Ryerson University, is conducting a research study to explore LGBTQ2S+ business ownership in Canada, including trends and support needs of these organizations, as well as both economic and social challenges faced by LGBTQ2S+ entrepreneurs.
Participant Eligibility Criteria:
Participants must self-identify as LGBTQ2S+ and must be a founder or owner of a business that operates in Canada. Participants must be 18 years of age or older. 30 participants will be asked to participate.