City launches free inclusion toolkit for small businesses

A new toolkit aims to help small businesses make a big impact with workplace inclusion. Several community and business organizations gathered earlier in April to celebrate the launch of the City of Kingston’s Inclusion Toolkit for Small Businesses. City staff provided attendees with an overview of the project at the launch event hosted at Kingston Frontenac Public Library’s Central Branch.

The resource was designed to help businesses start or further their Indigenization, inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IIDEA) initiatives. The toolkit introduces IIDEA topics, provides examples from local businesses and includes checklists and fillable templates to help businesses build their own strategies. It is available to view and download within the Employer Toolkit on PossibleMadeHere.org, a resource hub for Kingston’s Workforce Development and In-migration Strategy.

"The IIDEA Toolkit is more than a resource, it's a call to action. It empowers small businesses to embed Indigenization, inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility into their everyday practices, helping to build stronger, more welcoming communities for all,” says Vanessa Mensah, Manager of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the City of Kingston.

The idea of a toolkit emerged when local business owners indicated they were interested in this type of resource. After some initial research, City staff could not find an existing comprehensive guide for small businesses looking to implement IIDEA initiatives. The new toolkit was compiled by staff across several departments and will be updated periodically to reflect changes in equity, diversity and inclusion practices.

Helping employers build inclusive workplaces with resources like the toolkit is one of the goals of the Workforce Development & In-migration Strategy.

“The Inclusion Toolkit exemplifies the City’s ongoing commitment to fostering equitable and inclusive workplaces in our community. By providing practical resources and guidance, we aim to empower small businesses to create environments where everyone feels valued and respected,” says Craig Desjardins, Director, Strategy, Innovation & Partnerships.

The toolkit can be used alongside other local business resources, including the Workplace Inclusion Charter.