# Bow Valley Pride Network

> The Bow Valley Pride Network (BVPN) advances 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion across Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and the Bow Valley in Alberta, Canada. BVPN unites Banff Pride and Canmore Pride. It certifies inclusive businesses against a shared standard, delivers DEI workplace training, supports 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs, and publishes regional research on inclusion.

## What BVPN does

- Certifies businesses and organizations against the 9 Inclusion Commitments
- Delivers in-person DEI workshops and online webinars for Bow Valley employers
- Runs SMARTstart, a business program for 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs
- Publishes research on 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in the Bow Valley
- Hosts community events, film screenings and panel discussions

## Membership

Membership is open to businesses and organizations of any size or sector in Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and the Bow Valley, from storefronts and lodges to non-profits, tour operators, professional services and community hubs.

Members meet the 9 Inclusion Commitments, or are actively working toward them:

1. Providing inclusive facilities
2. Never assuming one's sexuality
3. Using gender-neutral language
4. Celebrating non-binary individuals
5. Valuing difference and individuality
6. Handling information sensitively
7. Being explicitly welcoming
8. Actively and continuously learning
9. Establishing a self-perpetuating culture

How to join: complete the inquiry form at https://pridenetwork.ca/join-the-network. The BVPN Coordinator books a short call to confirm readiness and walk through onboarding.

BVPN Membership is designed as a supported pathway into Rainbow Registered, the national 2SLGBTQIA+ accreditation standard administered by the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC). These are two distinct programs, intended to be pursued in sequence.

## Current members

Alberta Food Tours, Banff Ave Brewing Co., BEATNIK Salon, Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley, Canmore Counselling, Community Cruisers, Frankie D's Donuts, Pine Tree Players, Pristine Peak, Rainbow Rockies, SkiBig3.

## Workplace training

Interactive DEI sessions for Bow Valley employers, delivered in person in Banff and Canmore. Maximum 30 attendees, minimum 5.

- DEI Foundations: 3 hours, $1,500
- DEI Policy Work: 3 hours, $2,000
- Indigeneity in the Bow Valley: 2 hours, $1,500

Details: https://pridenetwork.ca/workplace-training

## SMARTstart

An eight-month business program for 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs in the Bow Valley: online learning, 11 in-person workshops, and a volunteer mentor. Free to all 2SLGBTQIA+ participants. Up to 20 spots each year. Open to people with a business idea and to new business owners in their first three years, aged 18 or older, based in or moving to the Bow Valley.

Details: https://pridenetwork.ca/smartstart

## Contact

Email: community@pridenetwork.ca
Service area: Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and the Bow Valley, Alberta, Canada
Contact form: https://pridenetwork.ca/contact

## Key pages

- Join the Network: https://pridenetwork.ca/join-the-network
- Our Members: https://pridenetwork.ca/our-members
- Workplace Training: https://pridenetwork.ca/workplace-training
- SMARTstart: https://pridenetwork.ca/smartstart
- Bow Valley Insights, 2024 research findings: https://pridenetwork.ca/bow-valley-insights
- Inclusive Tourism: https://pridenetwork.ca/inclusive-tourism
- Inclusive Workplaces: https://pridenetwork.ca/inclusive-workplaces
- Inclusive Housing: https://pridenetwork.ca/inclusive-housing
- Events and Learning: https://pridenetwork.ca/events-and-learning
- Resources library: https://pridenetwork.ca/resources
- Who We Are: https://pridenetwork.ca/who-we-are
- Donate: https://pridenetwork.ca/donate