What’s the Buzz? The Latest from Rainbow Registered
2023-04-25 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver)
Date: April 25, 2023 12:00 pm – April 25, 2023 1:00 pm

PLEASE NOTE: This event is open to businesses that are presently accredited in the Rainbow Registered program or those who have submitted their program application.

Join us for the latest updates on all of our activities, opportunities for education, networking and best practice sharing.

Please sign up if you:

Are a Rainbow Registered accredited business or organization.

Are a current CQCC member who wants to learn about the benefits of becoming a Rainbow Registered business or organization.

Are a business or organization who is considering becoming a Rainbow Registered business or organization.

During this session we will:

Give updates on the program, including PR and marketing efforts.

Share best practices on maximizing your Rainbow Registered accreditation.

Highlight other programs offered by the CQCC, including membership benefits, the Certified Supplier Program, and training opportunities.

Provide an opportunity to connect and network with other Rainbow Registered businesses.

We will make time at the end for any questions and comments you may have.

Register today to learn more!

Register Here

Startup Canada Tour - Halifax, NS
2023-05-02 09:00 - 17:00
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
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!

Navigating 2SLGBTQI+ Diversity & Inclusion in the Tourism Industry – ACOA Webinar (May 24th, 2023)
2023-05-24 14:00 - 17:00
Date: May 24, 2023 2:00 pm – May 24, 2023 5:00 pm ADT

The global 2SLGBTQI+ travel market is valued at more than US$200B annually. Canadian destinations are well-positioned to grow their share of this market. But in order to be successful, destinations and operators must ensure that 2SLGBTQI+ customers feel welcome, accepted, and served in a way that exceeds their expectations and accommodates their needs.

To support efforts in developing market-ready products, CQCC’s Navigating 2SLGBTQI+ Diversity and Inclusion in the Tourism Industry helps tourism-based businesses learn about 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion and how to effectively understand, value, and serve 2SLGBTQI+ customers and employees.

This training is presented as a workshop webinar, live via Zoom. This training would not be possible without the support of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Government of Canada.

Register Here

Rainbow Registered Open Office Hours (June 29th, 2023) - Come Chat!
2023-06-29 15:00 - 17:00
Date: June 29, 2023 3:00 pm – June 29, 2023 5:00 pm EST

Are you interested in pursuing the Rainbow Registered program or are you an accredited Rainbow Registered business that wants to:

discuss how to maximize your accreditation

receive feedback on your current diversity & inclusion efforts

discuss any questions or concerns you are experiencing related to Rainbow Registered and 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion

The Rainbow Registered program manager is holding open office hours on the last Thursday of each month to have an ongoing, dedicated opportunity for businesses to drop in and chat with our team about whatever is on their mind.

Drop in anytime between 3 PM and 5 PM Eastern and let’s chat!

Register Here

Not able to make it to the office hours or have an urgent question? Email us anytime at rainbowregistered@queerchamber.ca , and our team is always happy to chat.

What’s the Buzz? The Latest from Rainbow Registered
2023-07-25 12:00 - 13:00
Date: July 25, 2023 12:00 pm – July 25, 2023 1:00 pm EDT

PLEASE NOTE: This event is open to businesses that are presently accredited in the Rainbow Registered program or those who have submitted their program application.

Join us for the latest updates on all of our activities, opportunities for education, networking and best practice sharing.

During this session we may:

Give updates on the program, including PR and marketing efforts.

Share best practices on maximizing your Rainbow Registered accreditation.

Highlight other programs offered by the CQCC, including membership benefits, the Certified Supplier Program, and training opportunities.

Provide an opportunity to connect and network with other Rainbow Registered businesses.

We will make time at the end for any questions and comments you may have.

Register today to learn more!

Register Here

Rainbow Registered Open Office Hours (July 27th, 2023) - Come Chat!
2023-07-27 15:00 - 17:00
Date: July 27, 2023 3:00 pm – July 27, 2023 5:00 pm EST

Are you interested in pursuing the Rainbow Registered program or are you an accredited Rainbow Registered business that wants to:

– discuss how to maximize your accreditation

– receive feedback on your current diversity & inclusion efforts

– discuss any questions or concerns you are experiencing related to Rainbow Registered and 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion?

The Rainbow Registered program manager is holding open office hours on the last Thursday of each month to have an ongoing, dedicated opportunity for businesses to drop in and chat with our team about whatever is on their mind.

Drop in anytime between 3 PM and 5 PM Eastern and let’s chat!

Register Here

Not able to make it to the office hours or have an urgent question? Email us anytime at rainbowregistered@queerchamber.ca , and our team is always happy to chat.

Unleash the Power of LinkedIn with our Exclusive Masterclass!
2023-08-09 11:00 - 12:00
Date: August 9, 2023 11:00 am – August 9, 2023 12:00 pm EDT

Location: Online

The POKR MasterClass on LinkedIn is a powerful session dedicated to optimizing your LinkedIn profile, learning strategies to connect with industry experts, and the keys to building a strong professional network. You’ll learn strategies to engage with peers, colleagues, and future revenue partners.

Don’t miss out on this unparalleled opportunity to revolutionize your LinkedIn presence and catapult your networking capabilities to unprecedented heights. Join our Masterclass now and unlock the limitless potential of LinkedIn!

Intro – Personal Story – how did we grow

Why LinkedIn – budget, personalization, credibility, validation

Update your profile – call to action.

Give Recommendations

Sample DM’s

Cadence (business post, article, personal post, videos, etc.)

Q&A

Register Now

INTRODUCING WEBINAR WEDNESDAYS!

Join us every second Wednesday of the month for our exciting and informative recurring webinars, where we dive into a world of knowledge and expertise. Explore a wide range of topics, from industry trends and best practices to cutting-edge innovations and strategies that can elevate your professional journey. Our expert speakers will captivate you with their insights, providing valuable tips, practical advice, and thought-provoking discussions.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to elevate your existing venture, our webinar series offers a supportive and inclusive environment where you can connect with like-minded individuals, expand your professional network, and foster meaningful collaborations. Led by industry experts and successful 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs, these webinars delve into various aspects of entrepreneurship, covering topics such as business development, marketing and branding, financial management, networking, and more.

Mark your calendar and join us on Wednesdays as we unlock new possibilities!

Your Host

Our Team

Darren Thompson

Chief Business Development Officer

POKR Consulting

Darren Thompson LinkedIn

Darren Thompson has over 16 years of experience with creating and sustaining sales, marketing, and business development plans. His passion is working with companies that create innovative technology and organizations that have a vested interest in making the world a more equitable and inclusive place for now and future generations. Darren has helped to build, repair and grow sales teams with a unique approach to building bridges of communication between product and consumer. Driving brand growth with a focus on interpersonal style has helped him reach successes like growing a sales team by 47% over 16 months.

What’s the Buzz? The Latest from Rainbow Registered
2023-08-23 12:00 - 13:00
Date: August 23, 2023 12:00 pm – August 23, 2023 1:00 pm EDT

PLEASE NOTE: This event is open to businesses that are presently accredited in the Rainbow Registered program or those who have submitted their program application. Join us for the latest updates on all of our activities, opportunities for education, networking and best practice sharing.

Please sign up if you:

Are a Rainbow Registered accredited business or organization.

Are a current CQCC member who wants to learn about the benefits of becoming a Rainbow Registered business or organization.

Are a business or organization who is considering becoming a Rainbow Registered business or organization.

During this session we will:

Give updates on the program, including PR and marketing efforts.

Share best practices on maximizing your Rainbow Registered accreditation.

Highlight other programs offered by the CQCC, including membership benefits, the Certified Supplier Program, and training opportunities.

Provide an opportunity to connect and network with other Rainbow Registered businesses.

We will make time at the end for any questions and comments you may have.

Register today to learn more!

Register Here

Navigating 2SLGBTQI+ Diversity & Inclusion in the Tourism Industry – Webinar (Sept 20th, 2023)
2023-09-20 12:00 - 14:30
Date: September 20, 2023 12:00 pm – September 20, 2023 2:30 pm ET

The global 2SLGBTQI+ market is significant and ever-growing. To tap into this potential, businesses must ensure that 2SLGBTQI+ staff and customers feel welcomed, accepted, and are provided with services that exceed their expectations and cater to their needs.

To bolster initiatives in fostering inclusive environments, CQCC’s Navigating 2SLGBTQI+ Diversity and Inclusion program educates businesses on 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion. The goal is to help businesses effectively understand, value, and serve the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

This training is delivered as a workshop webinar, live via Zoom.

Register Here

What’s the Buzz? The Latest from Rainbow Registered (September 2023)
2023-09-26 12:00 - 13:00
Date: September 26, 2023 12:00 pm – September 26, 2023 1:00 pm ET

PLEASE NOTE: This event is open to businesses that are presently accredited in the Rainbow Registered program or those who have submitted their program application. Join us for the latest updates on all of our activities, opportunities for education, networking and best practice sharing.

During this session we will:

Give updates on the program, including PR and marketing efforts.

Share best practices on maximizing your Rainbow Registered accreditation.

Highlight other programs offered by the CQCC, including membership benefits, the Certified Supplier Program, and training opportunities.

Provide an opportunity to connect and network with other Rainbow Registered businesses.

We will make time at the end for any questions and comments you may have.

Important: Registration link for this session will be sent to all eligible businesses via e-mail in advance.

Startup Canada Tour - Calgary, AB
2023-09-28 09:00 - 17:00
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!

Rainbow Registered Open Office Hours (Sept 28th, 2023) - Come Chat!
2023-09-28 15:00 - 17:00
Date: September 28, 2023 3:00 pm – September 28, 2023 5:00 pm EST

Are you interested in pursuing the Rainbow Registered program or are you an accredited Rainbow Registered business that wants to:

discuss how to maximize your accreditation

receive feedback on your current diversity & inclusion efforts

discuss any questions or concerns you are experiencing related to Rainbow Registered and 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion?

The Rainbow Registered program manager is holding open office hours on the last Thursday of each month to have an ongoing, dedicated opportunity for businesses to drop in and chat with our team about whatever is on their mind.

Drop in any time between 3 PM and 5 PM Eastern and let’s chat!

Register Here

Not able to make it to the office hours or have an urgent question? Email us at rainbowregistered@queerchamber.ca and our team is always happy to chat.

CQCC Members-Only Webinar | Growing your business with the Canadian Small Business Financing Loan
2023-10-11 11:00 - 12:00
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.

What’s the Buzz? The Latest from Rainbow Registered (October 2023)
2023-10-24 12:00 - 13:00
Date: October 24, 2023 12:00 pm – October 24, 2023 1:00 pm ET

PLEASE NOTE: This event is open to businesses that are presently accredited in the Rainbow Registered program or those who have submitted their program application. Join us for the latest updates on all of our activities, opportunities for education, networking and best practice sharing.

During this session we will:

Give updates on the program, including PR and marketing efforts.

Share best practices on maximizing your Rainbow Registered accreditation.

Highlight other programs offered by the CQCC, including membership benefits, the Certified Supplier Program, and training opportunities.

Provide an opportunity to connect and network with other Rainbow Registered businesses.

We will make time at the end for any questions and comments you may have.

Important: Registration link for this session will be sent to all eligible businesses via e-mail in advance.

Meet the Buyer – Sonami
2023-10-31 14:00 - 15:00
Companies in the manufacturing industry, SONAMI can support you with your R&D Leverage SONAMI support and partner with a post-secondary institution

Canadian companies within the manufacturing industry, did you know you can get access to federal funding, expertise from post-secondary institutions, and state-of-the-art equipment through the Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation (SONAMI)?

Let SONAMI be your in-house research and development (R&D) team.

SONAMI is a Niagara College-led network of eleven post-secondary institutions, who, through their respective Research and Innovation Centres, collaborate with small- and medium-sized companies to tackle their manufacturing-related challenges.

Why should you leverage support from SONAMI?

1:1.2 match for company cash and in-kind contributions

For example: 10K invested into the project by SONAMI, and $12K financed by the company (20% should be in cash the rest can be in-kind or cash)

Companies keep their Intellectual Property (IP)

Streamlined application process (no long application form, just contact SONAMI)

Companies approach with a concept and/or challenge, then researchers develop and test innovative solutions that meet the manufacturer’s requirements

No administrative or compliance hassles

Serves companies in all of Canada

Continual intake process

Capabilities include:

automation

additive manufacturing technologies

product testing & validation

information & communication technology (including cyber security)

process optimization

simulation & modelling

commercialization and intellectual property protection support, and many more

Your company may be a good fit to work with SONAMI, even though your challenge does not neatly fit with the capabilities mentioned above. For example, SONAMI can help companies:

reduce the carbon footprint in their packaging

that do not manufacture products, but serve manufacturing companies

protect critical business data and information

Contact Mitchell Lutz, Business Development Lead at SONAMI mlutz@niagaracollege.ca to discuss how you can leverage assistance from SONAMI for challenges your company is facing.

Learn more on SONAMI’s website.

Watch a quick overview of SONAMI:

Your speaker

Our Team

Mitchell Lutz

Business Development Lead

SONAMI

Mitchell Lutz

Business Development Lead

SONAMI

Mitchell Lutz is the Business Development Lead for the Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation (SONAMI), a Niagara College-led consortium of eleven academic institutions supporting manufacturers’ research and development needs through applied research projects.rnrnIn his role, Mitchell is responsible for researching, planning, and implementing new target market initiatives and supporting the recruitment and outreach activities of the network.

Interested in learning more about some of our Corporate Partners? This is the perfect opportunity to meet some of our partners at the CQCC and see what they are specifically looking for in procurement.

Please note that our Meet The Buyer sessions are for certified diverse suppliers only – for more information on becoming a certified supplier with CQCC, click here or email us at supplierdiversity@queerchamber.ca.

Rainbow Registered Holiday Gift Guide 2023
2023-11-01 00:00 - 2023-12-31 23:59
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
By Kate Madden

Rainbow Registered Open Office Hours (Nov 23rd, 2023) - Come Chat!
2023-11-23 15:00 - 17:00
Date: November 23, 2023 3:00 pm – November 23, 2023 5:00 pm ET

Are you interested in pursuing the Rainbow Registered program or are you an accredited Rainbow Registered business that wants to:

discuss how to maximize your accreditation

receive feedback on your current diversity & inclusion efforts

discuss any questions or concerns you are experiencing related to Rainbow Registered and 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion?

The Rainbow Registered program manager is holding open office hours on the last Thursday of each month to have an ongoing, dedicated opportunity for businesses to drop in and chat with our team about whatever is on their mind.

Drop in any time between 3 PM and 5 PM Eastern and let’s chat!

Register Here

Not able to make it to the office hours or have an urgent question? Email us at rainbowregistered@queerchamber.ca and our team is always happy to chat.

What’s the Buzz? The Latest from Rainbow Registered (November 2023)
2023-11-28 12:00 - 13:00
Date: November 28, 2023 12:00 pm – November 28, 2023 1:00 pm ET

PLEASE NOTE: This event is open to businesses that are presently accredited in the Rainbow Registered program or those who have submitted their program application. Join us for the latest updates on all of our activities, opportunities for education, networking and best practice sharing.

During this session we will:

Give updates on the program, including PR and marketing efforts.

Share best practices on maximizing your Rainbow Registered accreditation.

Highlight other programs offered by the CQCC, including membership benefits, the Certified Supplier Program, and training opportunities.

Provide an opportunity to connect and network with other Rainbow Registered businesses.

We will make time at the end for any questions and comments you may have.

Important: Registration link for this session will be sent to all eligible businesses via e-mail in advance.

Numbers to Navigate: Year-End Tax, Accounting & Payroll Prep
2023-11-29 11:00 - 12:00
Date: November 29, 2023 11:00 am – November 29, 2023 12:00 pm

Join us for an insightful journey into financial preparedness at the exclusive workshop ‘Numbers to Navigate: Year-End Tax, Accounting & Payroll Prep’, presented by the experts at Zenbooks, Canada’s go-to online accounting and bookkeeping firm. As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to equip yourself with essential knowledge to navigate your year-end business financials and proactively strategize for 2024 and beyond.

After the event Zenbooks’ is offering complimentary 1-1 consultations exclusively for CQCC’s certified suppliers and OUT for Business entrepreneurs of the CQCC. In these personalized 30-minute sessions, connect with tax and accounting pros to address your unique challenges and future goals. Whether it’s tax queries or advice on accounting or payroll strategies, Zenbooks will pair you with a specialist best suited to provide expert recommendations and tailored insights to help you elevate your business.

Attend the workshop to know more about the availing the free consultations!

Sign Up Here

Your speakers

Our Team

Ashley Saunders

Payroll Coordinator

Alex Van Dyke

Tax Accountant

Victoria Squire, CPA

Senior Accountant

Madison Burns, PCP

Payroll Manager

Rainbow Networking Event with BNI Maritimes and Workspace Bayers Lake
2023-12-12 15:00 - 17:00
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

What’s the Buzz? The Latest from Rainbow Registered (December 2023)
2023-12-19 12:00 - 13:00
Date: December 19, 2023 12:00 pm – December 19, 2023 1:00 pm ET

PLEASE NOTE: This event is open to businesses that are presently accredited in the Rainbow Registered program or those who have submitted their program application. Join us for the latest updates on all of our activities, opportunities for education, networking and best practice sharing.

During this session we will:

Give updates on the program, including PR and marketing efforts.

Share best practices on maximizing your Rainbow Registered accreditation.

Highlight other programs offered by the CQCC, including membership benefits, the Certified Supplier Program, and training opportunities.

Provide an opportunity to connect and network with other Rainbow Registered businesses.

We will make time at the end for any questions and comments you may have.

Important: Registration link for this session will be sent to all eligible businesses via e-mail in advance.

Rainbow Registered Open Office Hours (Dec 21st, 2023) - Come Chat!
2023-12-21 15:00 - 17:00
Date: December 21, 2023 3:00 pm – December 21, 2023 5:00 pm ET

Are you interested in pursuing the Rainbow Registered program or are you an accredited Rainbow Registered business that wants to:

discuss how to maximize your accreditation

receive feedback on your current diversity & inclusion efforts

discuss any questions or concerns you are experiencing related to Rainbow Registered and 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion?

The Rainbow Registered program manager is holding open office hours on the last Thursday of each month to have an ongoing, dedicated opportunity for businesses to drop in and chat with our team about whatever is on their mind.

Drop in any time between 3 PM and 5 PM Eastern and let’s chat!

Register Here

Not able to make it to the office hours or have an urgent question? Email us at rainbowregistered@queerchamber.ca and our team is always happy to chat.

What’s the Buzz? Connect and learn with Rainbow Registered (January 2024)
2024-01-30 12:00 - 13:00
Date: January 30, 2024 12:00 pm – January 30, 2024 1:00 pm ET

PLEASE NOTE: This event is open to businesses that are presently accredited in the Rainbow Registered program or those who have submitted their program application. Join us for the latest updates on all of our activities, opportunities for education, networking and best practice sharing.

Important: Registration link for this session will be sent to all eligible businesses via e-mail in advance.

The Entrepreneur’s Manifesto
2024-02-14 11:00 - 12:00
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
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
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

What’s the Buzz? Connect and learn with Rainbow Registered (February 2024)
2024-02-27 12:00 - 13:00
Dates: February 27, 2024 12:00 pm – February 27, 2024 1:00 pm ET

PLEASE NOTE: This event is open to businesses that are presently accredited in the Rainbow Registered program or those who have submitted their program application. Join us for the latest updates on all of our activities, opportunities for education, networking and best practice sharing.

Important: Registration link for this session will be sent to all eligible businesses via e-mail in advance.

Rainbow Registered Office Hours (March 2024)
2024-03-12 13:00 - 15:00
Dates: March 12, 2024 1:00 pm – March 12, 2024 3:00 pm EST

Join our informal office hours to chat about everything related to Rainbow Registration! Whether you have questions, need clarification, or just want to learn more, this is your chance to get all the info in a relaxed setting. Everyone’s welcome, so don’t hesitate to drop by if you want to chat with the Rainbow Registered program manager – Spencer Toth.

Book a 15-minute time slot within the available 2-hour window (1 pm – 3 pm ET).

Reserve Time with Spencer
