U of A launches resource for 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurship and research

The University of Alberta received a $3 million grant from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to develop a Canada-wide 2SLGBTQI+ Knowledge Hub (also known as the Rainbow Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, or REKH).

“This hub has enormous practical implications for the 2SLGBTQI+ community and entrepreneurs,” says Michael Lounsbury, academic director of the eHUB Entrepreneurship Centre and chair of the strategic, entrepreneurship and management department at the Alberta School of Business.

"It has the potential to leverage entrepreneurship as a mechanism to address social inequalities, empower marginalized groups and promote social justice.”

Hub deliverables

As the national research director for the project, Lounsbury says that the hub will serve all Canadians and will be developed and operated in close and ethical partnership with 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs, service providers and lived experience communities.

Michael Lounsbury and Glynnis Lieb, executive director of the Fyrefly Institute, are constructing and overseeing a national network that will research the entrepreneurship landscape for the 2SLGBTQI+ community to better understand the challenges 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs face. They also aim to:

1. Develop and maintain a national, accessible and bilingual database and map of resources;
2. Conduct a systematic literature review to identify existing research gaps;
3. Design and conduct research to improve data and enable social change; and
4. Engage in knowledge mobilization using diverse tools, technologies and formats.

“Much of the focus in entrepreneurship research and education is on the typical Silicon Valley-style entrepreneur who identifies and develops market opportunities to generate wealth,” says Lounsbury. “Yet this overlooks many entrepreneurs in marginalized communities who lack access to the same resources and support, and who are often motivated by social and community goals, alongside economic ones.”

While Lounsbury says that researchers are paying more attention to entrepreneurship within marginalized groups, such as Indigenous Peoples, immigrants, Black communities, women, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, these groups often face significant hurdles, from economic and social barriers to psychological and cultural ones, all of which make it harder to succeed in entrepreneurship.

Emancipatory entrepreneurship

These obstacles — rooted in broader social issues like class, race and gender inequality—have sparked interest in a new area of study called ‘emancipatory entrepreneurship,’ which focuses on removing these barriers to allow more people the freedom to pursue entrepreneurial goals.

Emancipatory entrepreneurship research looks at entrepreneurship as a way to empower individuals by breaking down the barriers that limit their opportunities. It emphasizes creating new paths—whether by launching businesses, building new careers, strengthening communities, or finding ways to create a more sustainable and fulfilling life.

Lounsbury’s research team includes: Emily Block, school researcher who’s work in over 30 countries explores how entrepreneurship can promote peace and improve livelihoods; Leanne Hedberg, researcher from MacEwan University who focuses on inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems; and Micah Rajunov, postdoctoral researcher at the school who combines research on professional identity with prior experience in 2SLGBTQI+ health advocacy and tech entrepreneurship.  

Lounsbury says that while there is limited research on emancipatory entrepreneurship, particularly in marginalized communities, this approach offers a valuable framework that helps connect academic research and local communities and opens new possibilities for collaboration.

“This project serves as an example of how interdisciplinary research can produce both fresh academic insights and practical, real-world impact.” 

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