Combatting Queer Entrepreneurial Loneliness with Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce
2024-04-11 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver)
Dates: April 11, 2024 3:00 pm – April 11, 2024 4:00 pm

Winter blues made your Q1 harder than you expected?

Felt sad about your sales during the winter time?

Are you trying to manage your business and feeling exhausted and lonely?

Let’s talk about the importance of mental health, psychosocial support, and some available resources.

Join us for a free online webinar discussing Queer Entrepreneurial Loneliness, featuring guest speaker Rafael Torres!

Register Now

About Rafael

Rafael Torres is the Manager of Mental Health Services at ACT, a not-for-profit that provides mental health services, social support and employment services for people living with and at increased risk for HIV and other STIs in Toronto, ON.

CQCC Trade Mission to Brazil
2024-04-21 17:00 - 2024-04-26 12:00 (America/Vancouver)
Dates: April 21, 2024 5:00 pm – April 26, 2024 12:00 pm

Location: São Paulo, Brazil

CQCC is leading a Trade Mission to São Paulo, Brazil, in April 2024!

DOWNLOAD THE DELEGATE DIRECTORY!

Are you a Canadian 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneur? We want you to come with us to Brazil!

WHY PARTICIPATE?

Promote your business across Trade Commissioner Service Canada and with our Global Affiliates in new markets with top 2SLGBTQI+ businesses, corporates, and allied business leaders on this historic first Trade Mission to São Paulo, Brazil!

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 South America’s Largest Economy and the opportunities that exist for Canadian Business down South.

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.

*There will be translators accessible to the delegation while in Brazil.

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 Brazil.

Qualified Corporate companies from abroad and Canada seeking networking opportunities with 2SLGBTQI+ 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.

FUNDING

You may qualify for funding to support your participation in this mission!

We will be supporting you to apply directly for funding via CanExport SME. CanExport that may cover up to 50% of your eligible costs. CanExport, eligible costs may include:

50% Travel Airfare: (with restrictions)50% Accommodation Per Diem.

50% Local Transit Costs.

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

April 21-26, 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!

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.

Queer Bizz - All things Supplier Diversity! (July 2024)
2024-07-02 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto)
The QueerBizz program call is a quarterly event held on the first Tuesday every three months, designed to connect suppliers within our network.

Who can join this call?

CQCC-Certified suppliers.

Those in the process/pipeline to becoming certified diverse suppliers.

What to expect from this call?

This call provides a platform for suppliers to meet and network with one another and stay updated with the latest news and information.

Future sessions will feature a spotlight presentation from one supplier, allowing participants to gain deeper insights into the work and contributions of their peers. This collaborative space fosters stronger relationships and encourages mutual growth and support within the community.

Join us for the inaugural session on the 2nd of July, 1-2 PM ET. Do note, for this inaugural session, a spotlight presentation from a supplier will not take place.

The registration link for this session will be emailed in advance to all eligible businesses.

Please note that our Queer Bizz 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.

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

Meet the City of Brampton
2024-08-27 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto)
The Purchasing Division is part of the Office of the CAO and is t​he centralized group responsible for the procurement of all goods, services and construction for the City. Purchasing uses a variety of procurement methods, in accordance with the Purchasing By-law, encouraging the competitive bid process. Purchasing adopts the goal of fairness by ensuring that all who wish to compete for the opportunity to sell to the City can do so.​

In line with Brampton City Council’s priorities of creating more opportunities and embedding diversity in our operations, the City launched a Supply Chain Diversity program.

We have embedded​ supplier diversity as part of the City’s Invitational Procurement process ($25,000 to $100,000). Suppliers who would like to participate in this program will have to be certified as a diverse supplier through established non-profit Supplier Certification Organizations.

Goods and services the City of Brampton purchases to name a few:

• Construction of buildings and infrastructure

• Renovation and Maintenance of buildings

• Snow removal and landscaping services

• Janitorial services

• Security services

• Electrical services

• Plumbing services

• Office supplies

• Consulting and professional services

• Fleet vehicles

• Clothing, Uniforms, Safety Clothing

• Pest control services

• Concession Foods and Equipment

• Courier services

• Specialized equipment for Fire and Emergency Services

• Fuel

• Advertising

• Specialized services for the Rose Theatre

Our Team

Claudia Santeramo (She/Her)

Manager, Procurement Performance

City of Brampton

Webinaires du Mercredi: Le « Thought Leadership » pour les entrepreneur.e.s
2024-09-25 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto)
Le « thought leadership » est un outil crucial pour les personnes entrepreneures qui cherchent à se positionner en tant qu’expertes dans leur domaine et à attirer leurs clientèles cibles.

Cet atelier vous apprendra à vous positionner en tant que leader dans votre secteur. Apprenez à partager des informations, à développer votre marque et à influencer votre public pour stimuler la croissance de votre entreprise. Cet atelier est parfait pour les personnes entrepreneures (en particulier dans les domaines de la prestation de services professionnels) qui cherchent à établir leur autorité et à inspirer l’innovation.

For non-Francophone attendees, EN translations/captions will be offered.

Our Team

Kathryn LeBlanc

Consultante principale

LeBlanc u0026 Co.

Kathryn LeBlanc

Consultante principale

LeBlanc u0026 Co.

Kathryn leBlanc est la consultante principale chez LeBlanc (u0026amp; co.) Communications — une agence de communications et de design au service des organisations à impact social. Depuis près de trois ans, LeBlanc (u0026amp; co.) a bâti une marque établie, servi des dizaines de clients et s’est développé jusqu’à devenir une équipe de quatre personnes à temps plein. Kathryn est une experte en communications.

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.

Meet TJX Canada!
2024-10-29 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto)
At TJX, inclusion and diversity have been an important part of who we are for many years. The value we place on diversity extends across our organization and includes our effort to find opportunities for diverse suppliers.

Through our work, we aim to create meaningful partnerships, increase opportunities for growth and development for diverse businesses, and help contribute to the economic well-being of our communities.

All diverse-owned businesses are encouraged to register on our supplier diversity portal. While registering with us does not guarantee a business opportunity, it helps us better understand suppliers’ capabilities and experience. We contact suppliers that meet our criteria if we have an appropriate, matching opportunity to participate in the request for proposal process or ask that suppliers submit requirements for consideration.

Categories we support:

Services:

Human Resources

Travel

Marketing

Professional Services

Payments

Construction

Fixtures

Loss Prevention

Supply Chain:

Logistics

Distribution Services

Supplies

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.

Our Team

Lisa Atkinson

Manager of Global Supplier Diversity

TJX

Cathy Proikakis

Manager of, Global Category Management

TJX

Keri Coles

Category Manager – Marketing, Professional Services

TJX

Meet CIBC!
2024-11-26 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto)
CIBC’s commitment to a fair and inclusive work environment extends into the supplier community. We aim to do business with suppliers who reflect our employees, clients, and the communities we serve, utilizing a fair and inclusive procurement program to select and manage our supplier relationships.

We are dedicated to maximizing opportunities for diverse businesses while striving to support enterprises whose employee base and supply chain reflect a diverse workforce. Our goals include:

Our goals include:

Expand access for small and diverse suppliers in our procurement processes.

Partner with suppliers who prioritize diversity in their supply chains.

Offer mentorship and guidance to help small and diverse businesses thrive.

Champion the success of small and diverse suppliers within CIBC and industry networks.

Engage in initiatives and events that promote growth and opportunities for diverse business communities.

The need for goods and services is determined based on the specific requirements of CIBC’s lines of business, which include:

Software for Recruitment: CRM Tools, Chatbots and Digital Transformation Tools

Human Resources

Talent Acquisition

Professional Services

Software and Services

Hardware and Telecommunications

Business Process Outsourcing

Specific services you are looking to procure:

Software Tools for Recruitment: CRM, Chatbots and Digital Transformation Tools

Human Resources

Talent Acquisition

Our Team

Sandra Riano

Sr. Consultant, Supplier Diversity and Procurement Governance

CIBC

Mark Carr

Director, Procurement Operations

CIBC

Rupan Regis

Senior Consultant, Talent Acquisition

CIBC

Tanzila Ahmed

Consultant, Talent Acquisition Strategy and Operation

Ryan Kennedy

Senior Contract Specialist, HR Contract Management

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.

The CQCC Holiday Gift Guide 2024 is now live—start shopping today!
2024-12-02 11:00 - 2024-12-31 23:30 (America/Toronto)
Explore the CQCC Holiday Gift Guide 2024, featuring offerings from 2SLGBTQI+ and ally businesses, including Rainbow Registered accredited spaces and CQCC-certified Diverse Suppliers. From handcrafted treasures to unforgettable experiences, find meaningful gifts that celebrate inclusivity and support a diverse community of entrepreneurs and business owners. Start discovering your perfect holiday gift today! Make sure to share it with others.

Good things come to those who wait. Holiday Gift Guide is live!
