This article is developed in collaboration with Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce and is part of Interac Pride Season’s initiatives where we celebrate, recognize, and bring visibility to queer-owned small businesses across Canada.
Laura Whiteland, the owner and founder of Inclusive Financial Planning, is breaking new ground as an openly transgender financial planner in Canada. After years in the finance industry, she launched her firm in June 2022 with the mission of creating a more inclusive and personalized approach to financial planning. Laura’s business supports small and medium-sized business owners by providing them with the guidance they need to achieve their goals, all while fostering a welcoming and accessible environment for clients across the country.
A Pioneer in Financial Services
Laura’s decision to start Inclusive Financial Planning emerged from a desire to reshape the way financial services are delivered. After spending years as a portfolio manager in the finance industry, she felt the pull to create something different; something that would address the gaps she saw for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and other underserved communities.
“Inclusive Financial Planning is an advice-only firm that meets clients where they are on their financial journey and helps them navigate their financial landscape,” Laura shares. By offering customized support and guidance, she ensures that clients receive the tailored advice they need to grow their businesses and build financial confidence. Her firm acts as a one-stop shop for business owners, providing everything from financial management to strategic advice. This hands-on, client-centered approach is the backbone of Laura’s work.
Connecting Communities and Bridging Gaps
Operating from rural Nova Scotia, Laura understands the diverse needs of clients living in both rural and urban areas across the country. This understanding is deeply rooted in her personal experiences and her efforts to create supportive environments for queer and transgender individuals. Laura’s clients are found in rural and urban areas across Canada, and she takes pride in being able to relate to their unique circumstances.
Laura’s impact on the 2SLGBTQIA+ community extends beyond her business. She was instrumental in founding a Pride Society in Truro, Nova Scotia. Her local contributions to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Nova Scotia have earned her a Platinum Jubilee Medal. These experiences inform how she runs her firm, with a focus on making financial services accessible to all and fostering empathetic connections with her clients.
Leveraging Interac Payments Solutions
Running a national business from a rural location presents challenges, but Laura has successfully navigated them by embracing digital solutions. Interac e-Transfer is a key part of her business operations, allowing her to manage payments and cash flow effortlessly. “The digital side of my business wouldn’t function without the payment systems we have in Canada, and Interac plays a big role in that,” Laura explains.
These digital tools enable her to deliver efficient services and maintain a seamless experience for clients, regardless of where they are located. By incorporating these technologies into her business model, Laura can focus on what matters most – providing high-quality, personalized financial advice.
Creating a Lasting Impact Through Authenticity
At the heart of Laura’s business is a commitment to authenticity and making a meaningful difference in her clients’ lives. “I’m a bit of a unicorn in my industry, but I’ve never shied away from it,” she says. Laura’s approach to financial planning is deeply personal, rooted in her desire to create a positive impact on the lives of others, especially those who might not have had access to inclusive financial services before.
Her focus on continuous support ensures that clients feel empowered and confident about their financial future. “There’s a moment when clients see the path forward, and that’s the best part of my job,” she reflects. Laura’s goal is to help people think about money less and live more fully, all while fostering a strong sense of community and trust.
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