CQCC: Canada's 2SLGBQTI+ Chamber of Commerce

Startup Canada Tour - Whitehorse, Yukon
2023-04-25 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver)
Date: April 25, 2023 9:00 am – April 25, 2023 5:00 pm

Location: Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre

Join us in Whitehorse for an opportunity to connect with the Canadian entrepreneurship ecosystem, build out your network, learn from industry experts, and apply that knowledge back into your early stage business.

Don’t miss out on Early Bird prices, available until March 24!

Register Today

What to Expect

Build a networkAt each Startup Canada Tour stop you’ll have the opportunity to connect with business mentors and entrepreneur support organizations from across the country. Meet with experts in our Ask the Expert Lounge and connect with other entrepreneurs to grow your business network!

Learn from industry expertsThroughout the day, you’ll have access to a series of keynotes, panels, and workshops featuring leading industry experts. Attend insightful sessions on making your first hire to protecting your business for the future.

Drive your business forwardWhether you’re at the ideation stage or looking to expand your business, you’ll leave Startup Canada Tour with the tools and resources to take your business to the next level!

Startup Canada Tour - Halifax, NS
2023-05-02 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver)
Date: May 2, 2023 9:00 am – May 2, 2023 5:00 pm

Location: Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Join us in Halifax for an opportunity to connect with the Canadian entrepreneurship ecosystem, build out your network, learn from industry experts, and apply that knowledge back into your early stage business.

Don’t miss out on Early Bird prices, available until March 24!

Register Today

What to Expect

Build a networkAt each Startup Canada Tour stop you’ll have the opportunity to connect with business mentors and entrepreneur support organizations from across the country. Meet with experts in our Ask the Expert Lounge and connect with other entrepreneurs to grow your business network!

Learn from industry expertsThroughout the day, you’ll have access to a series of keynotes, panels, and workshops featuring leading industry experts. Attend insightful sessions on making your first hire to protecting your business for the future.

Drive your business forwardWhether you’re at the ideation stage or looking to expand your business, you’ll leave Startup Canada Tour with the tools and resources to take your business to the next level!

Startup Canada Tour - Vancouver, BC
2023-05-11 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver)
Date: May 11, 2023 9:00 am – May 11, 2023 5:00 pm

Location: The Nest at University of British Columbia

Join us in Vancouver for an opportunity to connect with the Canadian entrepreneurship ecosystem, build out your network, learn from industry experts, and apply that knowledge back into your early stage business.

Don’t miss out on Early Bird prices, available until March 24!

Register Today

What to Expect

Build a networkAt each Startup Canada Tour stop you’ll have the opportunity to connect with business mentors and entrepreneur support organizations from across the country. Meet with experts in our Ask the Expert Lounge and connect with other entrepreneurs to grow your business network!

Learn from industry expertsThroughout the day, you’ll have access to a series of keynotes, panels, and workshops featuring leading industry experts. Attend insightful sessions on making your first hire to protecting your business for the future.

Drive your business forwardWhether you’re at the ideation stage or looking to expand your business, you’ll leave Startup Canada Tour with the tools and resources to take your business to the next level!

Government of Canada’s Working Holiday VISA ProgramWebinar
2023-07-11 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver)
Date: July 11, 2023 1:00 pm – July 11, 2023 2:00 pm EDT

International Experience Canada (IEC) is the Government of Canada’s Working Holiday visa program, which allows Canadians between 18-35 to work and travel for up to two years in any of over 30 partner countries and territories and for youth from these partners to do the same in Canada. If you see Australian youth working the slopes in Whistler, French youth developing video games in Montreal, or Korean youth working retail in Toronto there’s a good chance they are working and traveling on an IEC visa.

This workshop will explore how CQCC members can leverage IEC to achieve their business and human resource goals. From attracting young international talent through a simplified visa pathway to bolstering retention and training by offering current employees work abroad experiences at an international office or with partners abroad, this session will explore the many ways CQCC members can use IEC to their advantage. The session will also outline IEC research that has highlighted the unique barriers that 2SLGBTQI+Q2+ youth face to working and traveling abroad and how innovative partnerships can address them.

You should attend this workshop if you are:

An employer looking for ways to address labour shortages

An employer looking for innovative ways to retain and up-skill staff

Someone in the academic sector looking to provide students with international career development opportunities

A young Canadian looking to learn about how you can go on an international work and travel experience

What you will learn:

What the International Experience Canada (IEC) program is;

How IEC has been used by businesses to achieve their goals;

IEC’s research findings on the unique barriers 2SLGBTQI+Q2+ youth face when planning to work and travel abroad;

How innovative partnerships can be implemented to address the unique barriers 2SLGBTQI+Q2+ youth encounter and to achieve partner business goals.

Speaker Bio: Colin Lalonde is a Policy Analyst with International Experience Canada. His work focuses on spreading awareness of the Program and its benefits as well as improving engagement with the tourism sector, and 2SLGBTQI+Q2 youth and organizations.

Register now and discover the opportunities!

Register Today

Startup Canada Tour - Calgary, AB
2023-09-28 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver)
Date: September 28, 2023 9:00 am – September 28, 2023 5:00 pm

Location: BMO Centre at Stampede Park – Palomino Ballroom

Join us in Calgary for an opportunity to connect with the Canadian entrepreneurship ecosystem, build out your network, learn from industry experts, and apply that knowledge back into your early stage business.

Don’t miss out on Early Bird prices, available until July 28!

Register Today

What to Expect

Build a networkAt each Startup Canada Tour stop you’ll have the opportunity to connect with business mentors and entrepreneur support organizations from across the country. Meet with experts in our Ask the Expert Lounge and connect with other entrepreneurs to grow your business network!

Learn from industry expertsThroughout the day, you’ll have access to a series of keynotes, panels, and workshops featuring leading industry experts. Attend insightful sessions on making your first hire to protecting your business for the future.

Drive your business forwardWhether you’re at the ideation stage or looking to expand your business, you’ll leave Startup Canada Tour with the tools and resources to take your business to the next level!

CQCC Members-Only Webinar | Growing your business with the Canadian Small Business Financing Loan
2023-10-11 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver)
Date: October 11, 2023 11:00 am – October 11, 2023 12:00 pm

Learn how to start or expand your business with the Canadian Small Business Financing Loan Program (CSBFL). CSBFL is a treat financing option through TD and the Government of Canada to help small business owners that can help fund many aspects of their business needs.

Takeaways: You will learn how the program works, the qualification criteria, and how it can help your business needs.

Register Here

Your speaker

Our Team

Ivan Ding

Account Manager, Small Business

TD Business Banking

Ivan Ding

Account Manager, Small Business

TD Business Banking

I have a tenure of more than 11 years with TD. In the past, I held the position of Customer Services Manager. Presently, I have been serving as an Account Manager Small Business (AMSB) for approximately 4 years. In my current role, my main focus is on nurturing strong personal and professional relationships with our Small Business Banking clients.rnrnMy primary objective is to offer optimal solutions to address our clients’ various needs, whether it pertains to launching a business, ensuring financial stability and resilience, fostering business expansion, or facilitating business transitions. I firmly believe that my extensive knowledge of credit products will bring enhanced value to my clients’ businesses.

Rainbow Registered Holiday Gift Guide 2023
2023-11-01 00:00 - 2023-12-31 23:59 (America/Vancouver)
Dive into a world of unique, inclusive gifts from Rainbow Registered accredited businesses. Support 2S2SLGBTQI+ friendly businesses this festive season.

Insurance benefits for Entrepreneurs
2023-11-08 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver)
By Kate Madden

Rainbow Networking Event with BNI Maritimes and Workspace Bayers Lake
2023-12-12 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver)
Date: December 12, 2023 3:00 pm – December 12, 2023 5:00 pm AST

Exciting news for the 2SLGBTQI+ professional community! We’re hosting a networking event at Workspace Bayer’s Lake in collaboration with BNI Maritimes Inc.

This is a fantastic chance for professionals and entrepreneurs to connect, share ideas, and explore new opportunities. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, find collaborators, or just meet peers from the community, this event is for you.

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out on this unique networking opportunity. We’re excited to see you there!

Register Here

The Entrepreneur’s Manifesto
2024-02-14 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver)
Dates: February 14, 2024 11:00 am – February 14, 2024 12:00 pm

Experiences and insights from over 20 years of working with entrepreneurs

In this session, we will share insights, lessons learned (mine and yours!), tips and techniques on everything from Relationship Management to Client Management and Marketing!

This is an interactive, facilitated, shared learning experience, and not a 1-hour presentation, so bring your own learnings and lessons learned and be prepared to share them.

Come prepared to meet other entrepreneurs, learn and engage with this great community.

Register Now

Your speaker

Our Team

Gregg Brown

Entrepreneur Thought Leader Author

Gregg Brown LinkedIn

Gregg Brown

Entrepreneur Thought Leader Author

Over 30 years ago, Gregg was part of the ground-breaking team that opened the first wave of Starbucks stores in Canada. Since then, as a speaker and consultant, he has worked with leaders all over the planet ranging from Fortune 500 companies such as Johnson u0026amp; Johnson, and TD Bank through to international humanitarian organizations including the UN, Habitat for Humanity and the CDC.rnrnGregg has mentored and coached entrepreneurs for many years. He currently mentors veterans and ex-military with the Prince’s Trust Canada and entrepreneurs with the CQCC – Canada’s National 2SLGBTQI+ chamber of commerce.rnrnHe’s shared his ideas on Change and the Future of Work in Forbes, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, and Entrepreneur amongst others.rnrnGregg holds a Master’s of Social Science Degree from the University of Leicester in the UK, with a focus on organizational psychology, leadership and performance and is an Associate Member of the American Psychological Association.rnrnHe is the author of Ready, Set, Change AGAIN! and and his latest book, released in October, is the #1 Amazon Bestseller, Spark Action: How to Lead Change That Matters.

Gregg Brown LinkedIn

In-Person: Fireside Chat with Swish Goswami + Networking
2024-02-20 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Vancouver)
Dates: February 20, 2024, 4:00 pm – February 2024 6:00 pm

Join us for a FREE absolute banger event with Swish Goswami, followed by Networking on the 40th Floor at EY, Toronto.

At the age of 20, Swish Goswami’s business was valued in the millions. Through trial and error, he learned how to build a product and market it to millions of consumers and how to effectively hire/manage a team, fundraise, and bring on customers/partners.

In this presentation, Goswami will share his entrepreneurial playbook and the A-Zs on starting a business from scratch, including conceptualizing an idea, collecting early customer feedback, scale, etc. He draws lessons and experiences from his new book, The Young Entrepreneur, and speaks candidly on the importance of entrepreneurs prioritizing their mental health.

AGENDA

3:30 pm – 4 pm: Registration & Networking

4 pm – 4:15 pm: Opening Remarks and Introductions

4:15 pm – 5 pm: Fireside Chat

5 pm – 5:30 pm: Interactive session

5:30 pm – 6 pm: Networking

Food and Beverages will be served during the event.

Your speaker

Swish Goswami built a multi-hyphenate career by the age of 26. He has started six high-impact ventures across four industries and is currently the CEO and co-founder of Surf, a tech company providing brands with a better way to engage and understand consumers while compensating them for their data. His company has worked with some of the biggest brands, including Netflix, Sony Music, L’Oreal, Electronic Arts, Hewlett Packard, Amazon Prime Gaming, and more.

Our Team

Swish Goswami

CEO, Surf Startup Canada’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Swish Goswami

CEO, Surf Startup Canada’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year

A disruptor, curator, and builder, Goswami explores entrepreneurship, mental health, personal branding, and trends influencing technology and business today.rnrnGoswami co-founded Surf with the vision to build an equitable data economy. This revolutionary browser extension passively rewards over 300,000 people for their everyday browsing and helps them save when shopping with their favourite brands. Since its launch in 2021, the company has made two acquisitions and raised over $8M from several NBA players, unicorn founders, and venture firms.rnrnA four-time TEDx speaker, Goswami is the bestselling author of The Young Entrepreneur and the host of Track Limits, a motorsport podcast that shares inspiring stories from Formula 1 drivers, mechanics/engineers, and team bosses. He is also an investor and advisor to popular social companies, such as FaZe Clan, Wombo AI, Othership, and the League of Innovators, through his angel fund, AGEX.rnrnIn recognition of his entrepreneurial and philanthropic achievements, Goswami was inducted into Plan Canada’s “Top 20 under 20” and Bay Street Bull’s “30 under 30”, recognized as LinkedIn’s Top Voice and Startup Canada’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and awarded thernUnited Nation’s Outstanding Youth Leadership award. Most recently, Goswami was named to The Peak’s 2023 list of emerging leaders, as a young leader helping to shape Canada’s economy, culture, and society.

Register Now!

CQCC Trade Mission to New York City
2024-02-20 17:00 - 2024-02-23 12:00 (America/Vancouver)
Dates: February 20, 2024 5:00 pm – February 23, 2024 12:00 pm

CQCC is leading a Trade Mission to New York City in February 2024!

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED

WHY PARTICIPATE?

Promote your business across Trade Commissioner Service Canada and with our Global Affiliates in new markets with top 2SLGBTQI+Q businesses, corporates, and allied business leaders.

Enjoy a rich networking environment amongst like-minded business people and organizations who are ready to meet and help 2SLGBTQI+ businesses gain a foothold in the market.

Learn about supplier diversity and explore opportunities with Canada’s new Free Trade Agreement CUSMAs and the opportunities that exist for certified 2SLGBTQI+Q-owned businesses.

Take part in programming organized specifically for the Canadian delegation to match your business with corporate partners keen to work with you.

Making time to make connections works! Each year the delegates who attend our Trade Missions report that the introductions and networking made possible by participating helped their company forge valuable business connections and/or make inroads into a valued market.

Participating could qualify you to certify your 2SLGBTQI+ business at no cost to you via TCS’s new certification grant opportunity.

CQCC has secured additional funding that may cover up to 50% of your travel and accommodation per diems as a CQCC certified business (with support from CanExport).

More details to come!

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?

Canadian 2SLGBTQI+ SMEs* looking to learn more about supplier-diversity programs and/or seeking businesses or supplier-diversity opportunities in the North American region.

Qualified Corporate companies from abroad and Canada seeking networking opportunities with 2SLGBTQI+Q suppliers and Global Affiliate business networks can be involved as partners, sponsors, and more.

*SMEs will benefit most if they are currently certified 2SLGBTQI+ business enterprises through the CQCC, or be eligible for certification as an 2SLGBTQI+ business enterprise. For more information on eligibility, and certification contact Cass@queerchamber.ca.

TESTIMONIAL

2SLGBTQI+ owned businesses that participated in our previous Trade Missions called the experience “invaluable” and felt confident that concrete economic benefits would result, both in terms of building and expanding business connections and partnerships, as well as securing real contract opportunities.

Contact Us

Interested? Contact Cass@queerchamber.ca for more information.

Looking to certify your company as an 2SLGBTQI+ owned business? Contact Cass Elliott for more information.

LENGTH OF TIME & TRAVEL DATES:

February 20-23, 2024.

Dates are tentative: final dates and suggested travel times will shared upon successful acceptance of your application to join as a delegate on the Trade Mission. Reach out if you have any questions!

REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

From Fear to Freedom (How Changing Gender Transformed My Life)
2024-05-08 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver)
Dates: May 8, 2024 12:00 pm – May 8, 2024 1:00 pm

In this candid keynote, Kate Madden will share her personal journey of coming out as a transgender woman at the age of 40 after a successful career as an Account Executive at one of the big three insurance companies. Through the course of the hour, Kate will share how this life-changing decision impacted her relationships, parenting, friendships, work and – ultimately – identity. Kate recognized a lack of resources and stories of gender transition for people in their 30s, 40s and 50s and started a YouTube channel to share her experiences of gender transition, parenting while Trans, navigating divorce, dating, work, religion and so on and so on; five years later her videos have been watched more than 200K times and has expanded her social media platform to build an inclusive and supportive community.

Register Now

Takeaways:

Kate’s story will demonstrate how embracing authenticity and vulnerability can make you a better person, parent, friend, and co-worker and how others can learn from this to help build a more compassionate and inclusive workplace and society.

Your Speaker

Our Team

Kate Madden

Group Account Executive

Equitable Life

CQCC Connect: Panel, Networking and Matchmaking
2024-05-16 11:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver)
Dates: May 16, 2024 11:00 am – May 16, 2024 4:00 pm

In-person and free to attend.

Open to all, discover a dynamic environment where 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and allies converge to unlock new opportunities, foster meaningful connections, and drive sustainable success. From insightful panel discussions to networking, immerse yourself in a transformative experience crafted to amplify 2SLGBTQI+ voices and drive impactful change in the business landscape. Spanning across Toronto and Vancouver simultaneously, CQCC Connect promises an unforgettable experience packed with opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together.

But that’s not all – brace yourself for the highlight of the day: our exclusive matchmaking sessions. Tailored specifically for CQCC-certified suppliers and corporate partners, these sessions are your ticket to unlocking strategic collaborations and seizing exciting business opportunities. Whether you’re seeking innovative solutions or looking to expand your network of diverse suppliers, our matchmaking platform connects you with the perfect match to fuel your success.

Limited seats available – register now to guarantee your spot at this exclusive event.

Register for Toronto

REGISTER FOR VANCOUVER

Agenda:

11 am – 12 pm: Registration and opening remarks

12 pm – 1 pm: Panel Discussion

1 pm – 2 pm: Lunch & Networking

2 pm – 4 pm: Matchmaking (The matchmaking session is exclusively for CQCC-certified suppliers and corporate partners)

Both events are hosted by BDC

DEFY 2024
2024-06-12 07:00 - 2024-06-14 14:00 (America/Vancouver)
Dates: June 12, 2024 7:00 am – June 14, 2024 2:00 pm

Location: Le Centre Sheraton Hotel

Register now for Canada’s largest Supplier Diversity event!

This year, CAMSC, CQCC, and IWSCC, (SDAC) together with WEConnect International as the event partner, join forces to bring you an unmatched diverse supplier experience. We have combined our programming to forge the future of Supplier Diversity in Canada and beyond. Our three-day conference welcomes hundreds of suppliers and corporations from across four vibrant networks, giving you unprecedented opportunities for learning, connection, and growth.

Register Now

What to Expect at DEFY 2024

Inspirational Keynotes: Hear from industry leaders and gain insights that will help shape your growth in meaningful ways.

Diverse Networking Opportunities: Forge connections with like-minded entrepreneurs and corporate leaders, and open the door to valuable new partnerships.

Interactive Workshops: Sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the curve with engaging breakout sessions. Expand on topics such as AI, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Sustainability to take your knowledge to the next level.

Trade Show Floor: Showcase your business and connect with new partners through a dynamic trade show featuring sponsors, corporations and suppliers from all industries and tiers.

Exclusive Matchmaking Sessions: Tailored specifically for certified suppliers and corporate partners, these sessions open the door to strategic collaborations across the SDAC network.

Forge the Future at DEFY 2024

As we navigate the rapidly changing waters in both political and economic spheres, we often ask ourselves how to DEFY the odds. How do we challenge tradition and encourage new and innovative solutions? How do we channel our companies in the right direction? Ultimately, how do we support and facilitate our companies to grow and expand their footprint across borders?

Over the last few years, we have recognized that a diverse supply chain is a resilient supply chain. Flexibility to pivot is critical when the environment is ever-changing.

Learn More and Register Now!

DEFY CONFERENCE 2024
2024-06-12 12:00 - 2024-06-14 17:00 (America/Vancouver)
CAMSC, CQCC, and IWSCC, (SDAC) together with WEConnect International as the event partner, join forces to bring you an unmatched diverse supplier experience.

Edmonton 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurs Learning and Networking Evening
2024-08-08 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto)
AUG 8, 2024 | EDMONTON

Join Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce and the Alberta LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce for an evening dedicated to celebrating and supporting the vibrant 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurial community!

The evening will kick off with engaging speakers followed by delicious hors d’oeuvres and an opportunity to network with fellow 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs and ecosystem organizations. Reserve your spot today and be part of a dynamic community driving positive change and inclusion in business.

Join us for an in-person event that’s absolutely FREE!

This event will take place from 5-8pm MDT at LAST (10242 106 Street, Edmonton, AB).

AGENDA

5:00 – 5:30pm: Registration

5:30 – 5:45pm: Opening remarks

5:45 – 6:30 pm: Speakers

6:30 – 8:00pm : Networking, Mingling and Hors D’oeuvres

Registration has now closed. For any questions about the event or late registrations, please email chris.mariano@queerchamber.ca

YOUR SPEAKERS

Event Host

Our Team

Chris Mariano (he/him, il/lui)

CQCC Business Development Manager, West

Panel: The Power of Mentorship and Community for 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurs

Our Team

Nicholas Rheubottom (he/him)

Moderator

Executive Director, Alberta LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce

Dr Chúk Odenigbo (il/lui, he/him)

Panelist

Community Development Project Manager at the Comité FrancoQueer de l’Ouest

Connie Stacey (she/her)

Panelist

CEO and Founder Grengine Inc (CQCC Certified Supplier)

Idara Effiom (she/her, elle)

Panelist

CQCC Manager, Mentorship

Steve Tsonev (he/him)

Panelist

Alberta LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce Board Treasurer

Building Generational Wealth and Wellbeing in Marginalized Communities: Practical Strategies and Skills
2024-10-09 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto)
Join us for a practical and informative webinar designed to empower participants with the knowledge and tools needed to build generational wealth. In this session, you’ll discover inclusive strategies that not only help in the accumulation of wealth but also ensure its preservation and growth across generations.

Participants will delve into actionable insights on how to create lifelong habits that foster financial security and prosperity. These strategies are tailored to be inclusive, recognizing the diverse backgrounds and unique challenges faced by marginalized communities. The webinar will address the importance of financial education, smart investment practices, and the role of community support in achieving long-term financial goals.

In addition to financial strategies, the webinar will explore the crucial link between positive well-being and wealth creation. Participants will learn how maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle can directly influence financial success. By understanding the impact of mental, emotional, and physical well-being on decision-making and financial resilience, attendees will be equipped with a holistic approach to wealth-building.

This session is ideal for anyone looking to create a sustainable financial legacy while also nurturing their overall well-being. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or looking to refine your wealth-building strategies, this webinar will provide valuable insights and practical steps to help you achieve your goals.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Defining Generational Wealth

Practical Wealth Building Strategies

Well-Being Planning

Finding Support

Since 2001, Browns Consulting has provided accessible and transformative speaking and training to a diverse clientele. Tenniel is a highly sought professional speaker and registered psychotherapist with over 18 years of experience. Marcus is an inspiring storyteller, trans inclusion speaker and wealth building expert with over 20 years of experience in the customer service, retail management and financial services industries.

Our Team

Marcus Brown (He/Him)

Founder

Brown's Consulting

Marcus Brown (He/Him)

Founder

Brown's Consulting

Since 2001, Browns Consulting has provided accessible and transformative speaking and training to a diverse clientele. Tenniel is a highly sought professional speaker and registered psychotherapist with over 18 years of experience. Marcus is an inspiring storyteller, trans inclusion speaker and wealth building expert with over 20 years of experience in the customer service, retail management and financial services industries.
