CQCC: Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce

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!

SDAC's 8th annual Connect. Collaborate. Succeed.
2023-09-29 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver)
Date: September 29, 2023 8:00 am – September 29, 2023 12:00 pm EST

Supplier Diversity Alliance Canada is pleased to present the 8th annual Connect. Collaborate. Succeed. supplier diversity networking event. The event will take place on September 29th at EY Tower (EY Tower, 100 Adelaide Street West, 40th floor) from 8 am to 12pm.

​The focus is on cultivating, building and growing relationships and business opportunities between certified diverse suppliers, corporations, and public organizations.

A key component of the event every year is the roundtable sessions between corporate partners and diverse suppliers. This is an opportunity for businesses to connect directly with procurement representatives from leading corporations.

​Learn about procurement processes and supplier diversity programs from company representatives and have the chance to introduce yourself, your products/services and your unique value proposition.

Register Today

Agenda

8:00am: Registration opens

8:00 – 9:00 am: Breakfast & Networking

9:00 – 9:10 am: Opening Remarks

9:10 – 9:30 am: SDAC Updates

9:30 – 10:15 am: Panel Session: Linking SD to Sustainability

10:15 – 10:30 am: Break & Networking

10:30 – 11:45 am: Sourcing Roundtables

11:45 – 12:00 pm: Wrap-Up

This event is free for Corporate Members and Certified Suppliers. For more information and registration of the event please click here.

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.

Supplier Diversity Days (SDAC) - Calgary
2023-10-11 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver)
Date: October 11, 2023 1:00 pm – October 11, 2023 4:00 pm MST

Join the leading council members of Supplier Diversity Alliance Canada as they discuss the benefits of Supplier diversity.

Are you a diverse owned company looking to grow your business?

Supplier Diversity provides diverse owned businesses with greater access to corporate and public procurement opportunities. By connecting diverse suppliers with organizations that are actively looking to diversify their supply chain, supplier diversity is supporting the growth of those businesses that are owned by Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQI+Q, disabled, women, Veteran, and refugee people.

This event will provide you with the opportunity to learn how certification as a diverse owned business can benefit you, hear from corporate and government leaders on what they are doing to engage diverse suppliers, and network with other entrepreneurs. As part of the event, diverse owned businesses will also have the opportunity to pitch their company to corporate buyers through our roundtable connections.

Register Now

Supplier Diversity Days (SDAC) - Edmonton
2023-10-12 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver)
Date: October 12, 2023 1:00 pm – October 12, 2023 4:00 pm MST

Join the leading council members of Supplier Diversity Alliance Canada as they discuss the benefits of Supplier diversity.

Are you a diverse owned company looking to grow your business?

Supplier Diversity provides diverse owned businesses with greater access to corporate and public procurement opportunities. By connecting diverse suppliers with organizations that are actively looking to diversify their supply chain, supplier diversity is supporting the growth of those businesses that are owned by Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQI+Q, disabled, women, Veteran, and refugee people.

This event will provide you with the opportunity to learn how certification as a diverse owned business can benefit you, hear from corporate and government leaders on what they are doing to engage diverse suppliers, and network with other entrepreneurs. As part of the event, diverse owned businesses will also have the opportunity to pitch their company to corporate buyers through our roundtable connections.

Register Today

Supplier Diversity Days (SDAC) - Vancouver
2023-10-13 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver)
Date: October 13, 2023 1:00 pm – October 13, 2023 4:00 pm PST

Join the leading council members of Supplier Diversity Alliance Canada as they discuss the benefits of Supplier diversity.

Are you a diverse owned company looking to grow your business?

Supplier Diversity provides diverse owned businesses with greater access to corporate and public procurement opportunities. By connecting diverse suppliers with organizations that are actively looking to diversify their supply chain, supplier diversity is supporting the growth of those businesses that are owned by Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQI+Q, disabled, women, Veteran, and refugee people.

This event will provide you with the opportunity to learn how certification as a diverse owned business can benefit you, hear from corporate and government leaders on what they are doing to engage diverse suppliers, and network with other entrepreneurs. As part of the event, diverse owned businesses will also have the opportunity to pitch their company to corporate buyers through our roundtable connections.

Register Today

Meet the Buyer – Sonami
2023-10-31 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver)
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 (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

Virtual One-on-One Matchmaking (Nov 15th, 2023)
2023-11-15 12:00 - 18:00 (America/Vancouver)
Date: November 15, 2023 12:00 pm – November 15, 2023 6:00 pm EDT

CQCC’s One-on-One Virtual Matchmaking is a semi-annual event that brings together Certified 2SLGBTQI+Q Business Enterprises and CQCC corporate members. During each session, 2SLGBTQI+BEs have the opportunity to present their business to our Corporate Members, providing a perfect opportunity for them to learn about each unique 2SLGBTQI+BE in a concentrated environment. The matchmaking event is held in a completely virtual setting, allowing attendees to book meeting times throughout the afternoon that fit best with personal scheduling.

We would like to extend a Corporate/Supplier-only invitation for you to join us at our upcoming Virtual Matchmaking event on November 10th from 12 pm to 6 pm EDT.

Register Now

We will begin by hosting a Welcome Webinar from 12 pm to 12:30 pm EDT. Throughout the afternoon, matchmakers can schedule 15 or 30 minutes one-on-one meetings. As an added benefit, Certified Suppliers can schedule meetings with Corporate Members in attendance and fellow diverse suppliers.CQCC has engaged with mybusinessmatches.com for this event to create a technologically and socially-elevated matchmaking experience for corporate members and certified suppliers.

This event is sponsored by our friends at Realize and is open to only CQCC members.

Numbers to Navigate: Year-End Tax, Accounting & Payroll Prep
2023-11-29 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver)
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 (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

Meet the Buyer – Manulife
2024-01-30 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver)
Date: January 30, 2024 2:00 pm – January 30, 2024 3:00 pm

Manulife Financial / John Hancock Financial is a publicly traded leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better.

We serve over 34 million customers (individuals, businesses, and institutions) worldwide with support from our more than 40,000 employees, over 116,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners.

With our wide array of products and services, we help our customers protect their loved ones, grow their wealth, improve their health – and build their futures.

We believe our greatest contribution to society is the products we provide, which help make people’s decisions easier and lives better.

We also make meaningful impacts by adhering to the strongest standards of conduct, through environmental responsibility, philanthropy, employee volunteerism, promoting health and wellness, and much more.

Manulife makes decisions easier and lives better: Our core values include doing the right thing and sharing our humanity. That’s why we partner with like-minded organizations to support the needs of our customers and drive meaningful change.

Sign Up Now

Your speakers

Our Team

Sandra M. Riano (She/Her)

Supplier Diversity Manager

Nick Balkaran (He/Him)

Director, Supplier Diversity Lead

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 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

2024 EY/CQCC Pitch Competition
2024-02-28 13:00 - 2024-05-31 15:00 (America/Vancouver)
Dates: February 28, 2024 1:00 pm – May 31, 2024 3:00 pm

Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with EY, invites CQCC’s certified suppliers and OUT for Business entrepreneurs to participate in the 2024 Virtual EY Pitch Series. This series comprises three Pitch Sessions throughout the year, offering selected participants the opportunity to present their pitches to a panel of judges within a 10-minute timeframe. Judges will provide constructive feedback and tips to help entrepreneurs enhance their selling techniques to corporate buyers.

The pitch competition is only for CQCC’s certified suppliers and OUT for Business Entrepreneurs.

Format of the 2024 EY Virtual Pitch Series:

Each round will feature at least three participants.

The order of presenters will be randomly selected before the presentations.

Presentations are limited to two individuals from each participating company.

Each participant will deliver a ten-minute presentation focusing on their service and value proposition.

A two-minute warning will be given, and presentations must conclude after ten minutes.

Presenters may use PowerPoint presentations, handouts, or videos.

Prizes:Winners of each round will be paired with mentors to prepare for the Finale in May.

Best Pitch: Full scholarship to the Supplier Diversity Professional Excellence, Tuck Executive Education at Dartmouth (approximate value: $4,000US).

Runner Up: To be announced.

Third Place: To be announced.

Dates (Subject to change):

MARCH 14 | 1-3 PM EST

APRIL 5 | 1-3 PM EST

APRIL 18 | 1-3 PM EST

FINALE in May. Dates to be announced.

You will receive a calendar invite for your slot upon registration if you get in!

Mentorship:After the last pitch session on April 18th, each finalist will be paired with a mentor from EY, who will receive up to four hours of one-to-one mentoring to perfect their pitch.

Judging:EY will secure a minimum of 5 judges for each session and the Finale. Candidates will be assessed on a scale of 1-5 for the following criteria:

Presentation materials

Verbal communications

Non-verbal communications

Use of time

Communication of core service(s)

Value proposition

EY is committed to maintaining a diverse supplier base and building relationships with suppliers that reflect the market, clients and communities they serve. EY seeks to actively identify, develop, and do business with diverse suppliers as an integral component of its procurement activities. Their Inclusive and Sustainable Procurement team drives the supplier diversity initiative at EY to promote supplier inclusion.

Meet the Buyer – City of Toronto
2024-03-19 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver)
Dates: March 19, 2024 2:00 pm – March 19, 2024 3:00 pm

City of Toronto – The Municipal Government provides programs and services to Toronto residents, businesses, and visitors. Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse cities.This session is for CQCC certified suppliers only!

Register Now

In the session, the City of Toronto will address:

Exciting news and developments within your organization in regard to procurement and supplier diversity.

Specifics on visibility and winning contracts with your organization.

Current procurement needs (Please see the list below)

High spend or common areas for procurement for your organization.

Plus:

City’s Procurement types, methods and social procurement policy/program

Registration in Ariba and other procurement platforms that the City is using.

Some highlights and success stories

Some City’s programs or workshops available to suppliers

List of Service Areas –Architectural ServicesArtisansBranding and graphic designCatering (food vending, vegan options, gluten-free, pastry and cafés)Cleaning products and services (including waste removal, and window cleaning)Clothing, footwear and rainwearConstruction servicesConsulting (including management, human resources, communications, environment, landscape, and drafting)Courier servicesElectrical products and servicesEngineering servicesEvent planningFloristsFuel and chemical products supplyGraffiti removersHVAC suppliesInterior designIT products and servicesLegal servicesMachine shop equipment and toolsMarketing (including advertising, promotions and communications)Medical supplies and hospital furnishingsOffice furnitureOffice SuppliesPPE and safety equipmentPrinting servicesPromotional productsPublishingSignageSofwareSurveyorsTraining

CQCC’s certified suppliers can contact their procurement team (Socialprocurement@toronto.ca) before the session to have you included in their Diverse Supplier List.

Your speaker

Our Team

Dana Al Balkhi (she/her)

Coordinator, Purchasing Services

Social Procurement – Policy and Program Planning

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.

[SAVE THE DATE] Masterclass: Creating content on TikTok
2024-04-09 11:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver)

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.
