Ecosystem Fund Profile
How Pictou County Pride and Pictou County Partnership are building visibility, access, and opportunity
In rural Nova Scotia, starting a business can be isolating, especially for queer entrepreneurs who often navigate complex, overlapping barriers. From social exclusion to limited access to affirming services, the path to entrepreneurship is not always clear.
“When working with queer entrepreneurs in rural Nova Scotia, we identified a range of intersecting barriers they often face,” said Maddie Kennedy, Program Coordinator for the 2SLGBTQI+ Business Support Program at the Pictou County Partnership. She added, “such as social and familial isolation, a lack of visible role models or networks, and limited access to affirming business support services and/or funding.”
A Queer-Centered Approach to Business Development
To address these challenges, Pictou County Pride and Pictou County Partnership launched an inclusive business initiative supported by the Ecosystem Fund. The program offers workshops, coaching, self-guided learning, and peer support, all delivered with a strong focus on queer identity and lived experience.
“This project is helping change that by creating a space where 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs don’t have to downplay who they are in order to succeed in business,” Maddie said. “We’re not just offering tools, we’re reinforcing that these resources belong to them, too.”
Removing Financial Barriers at Local Markets
One of the most impactful aspects of the initiative has been the removal of vendor fees at Pictou County Pride’s market. This small but meaningful shift has allowed vendors to participate without the stress of upfront costs.
“For many 2SLGBTQI+ vendors who are just starting out, vendor fees can be a significant financial barrier to participating in local markets,” Maddie explained. “Even when they can afford it, the risk of testing new products with personal funds on the line can cause a lot of anxiety.”
That change is already making a difference. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” Maddie added. “One vendor said that, while in the middle of moving for school, having her market fees covered through the program has been a life-saver.”
Tailored Learning Tools for Queer Entrepreneurs
Beyond events, the project has also introduced new educational tools specifically tailored to queer entrepreneurs. Two self-guided business modules, focused on brand identity and financial planning, were developed in collaboration with 2SLGBTQI+ firms.
“From our conversations with 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs, a clear trend emerged; business skills training often isn’t designed with queer businesses in mind.” Maddie said. “Many existing services assume a base-level understanding of business fundamentals, and even when it is accessible, it rarely acknowledges the unique challenges that 2SLGBTQI+ business owners face.”
The tone of the modules was just as intentional as the content. “These modules are rooted in affirmation, accessibility, and relevance. The tone is approachable and validating. We’re not just teaching skills; we’re helping people build businesses that are true reflections of who they are”, shares Maddie.
Redefining Inclusive Economic Development
With initiatives like this, Pictou County is not only opening up opportunities for queer entrepreneurs: it’s redefining what inclusive, community-driven economic development can look like in rural Canada.
Learn more at pictoucountypartnership.com.
Keep exploring the Ecosystem Fund in action and learn how communities everywhere are making an impact—see more profiles here.
