CQCC: Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce

Meet the CITY OF TORONTO
2026-04-01 13:00 - 13:45 (America/Toronto)
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 provides information on how to do business with the City of Toronto, capturing information on the City of Toronto purchasing activity, policies, and the Social Procurement Program.

For CQCC Certified Suppliers ONLY

Foundations Of Your Marketing Strategy: Goals, ICP & Positioning
2026-04-23 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto)
Built To Be Seen: A Queer Marketing Lab series, led by creative-industry expert, Charles McFarland!

Want marketing that actually works and feels aligned? Join us on Thursday, April 23 at 2pm ET to explore the foundations of your marketing strategy: goals, ICP, & positioning! This interactive workshop will help you build a clear, practical foundation…without the jargon or overwhelm.

You’ll define your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) – who you help, what they need, and why you – and learn a simple framework to create messaging that sparks curiosity, builds trust, and drives action. We’ll also touch on communicating your value and pricing in a way that reflects outcomes, not just hours.

✨ What you’ll walk away with:

1–2 clear, measurable marketing goals

A draft of your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP)

A foundational positioning statement

Practical tools to create aligned, effective messaging

*** Each workshop in this series is designed to build on the others, offering a cohesive, step-by-step journey rather than standalone sessions. We strongly recommend attending all workshops in the series to get the most out of the experience and knowledge.

We’re excited to partner with Massimadi Fondation for this workshop series! Their mission is to celebrate Afro LGBTQ+ artists and their cultural contributions through vibrant, multidisciplinary events. Attend the workshop series for a chance to score a pass to their upcoming virtual programming! Learn more about Massimadi Fondation.

Vancouver Startup Week - Queer Coffee Connector
2026-04-30 08:30 - 09:30 (America/Vancouver)
Join the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC) and Queer Business BC (QBBC) for a casual coffee networking hour for queer entrepreneurs, start-ups, and ecosystem partners.

We are proud to be official partners of Vancouver Startup Week 2026 (VSW). This event is part of the VSW 2026 schedule of events and is offered for free to VSW All-Access Pass holders on a first come first served basis.

If you would like to purchase a VSW 2026 All-Access Pass, you can do so online at www.vanstartupweek.ca using our 20% off promo code: CQCC20.

If you would like to attend the Queer Coffee Connector, but not Vancouver Startup Week, please email chris.mariano@queerchamber.ca to reserve your spot.

Location: VSW HQ, One Bentall Centre, #950, 505 Burrard Street, VancouverDate and time: Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 8:30 – 9:30 AMCQCC Code for 20% off VSW 2026 All-Access Passes: CQCC20

Register below to let us know you’re coming!

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.12Contact information:Full Name *FirstLastPronoun(s)She/HerShe/TheyHe/HimHe/TheyThey/ThemHe/She/TheyOther (please specify)Other: *Email *PhoneAre you or your business one of the following? *CQCC Certified SupplierQBBC MemberCQCC FAM MemberRainbow RegisteredCQCC Corporate MemberRepresentative from an ecosystem or affiliate organization2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneur, but not a CQCC or QBBC memberI’m not a 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneur, but interested in attendingNextJob title *Company name *Company URL *Questions about the eventDietary restrictions, if anyVegetarianGluten-freeDairy-freeLactose intoleranceAllergies (please specify in others)HalalKosherOther (please specify)Other: *How did you hear about this event? *Search engine (Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc)CQCC Social MediaQBBC Social MediaCQCC NewsletterQBBC NewsletterCQCC staffQBBC staffWord of MouthOther (please specify below)Other *Comments or Questions?Sign me up!

Rainbow Registered Presents: GENDERCRAFT
2026-04-30 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Halifax)
A Deeper Dive on Gender Identity & Gender Expression

Gender Identity Fundamentals

This module is primarily concerned with deepening understanding of the term “gender identity”. It discusses five major components of gender identity: sense of self, community identity, societal influences, biology, and time.

The module proceeds to discuss intersectionality and the ways gender interacts with other aspects of identity. There is a brief discussion of pronouns, and the distinction between pronouns and identity. The module continues with a detailed examination of cisgender privilege, to ground the theoretical discussion and prepare participants to explore the scenarios in Module II.

Gender Identity Fundamentals concludes by addressing current political context for trans people internationally and nationally, and possible actions.

Our Team

Eliot Newton (they|them)

Genderbandit

Eliot Newton (they|them)

Genderbandit

u003cp style=u0022text-align: leftu0022u003eu003cspan data-teams=u0022trueu0022u003eu003ciu003eEliot Newton is a genderqueer activist and educator who has been working in the 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion field for twelve years. After ten years in the nonprofit sector, working primarily in education and health care, Eliot now freelances as a gender and sexuality expert. They help teachers, small and large businesses, and community organizations make their spaces safer for queer and trans clients (as well as their staff!). You can learn more about them at their website, Genderbandit.com.u003c/iu003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e

Series schedule:April 30, 2026 – 1-2:30pm AST – Gender Identity FundamentalsMay 7, 2026 – 1-2:30pm AST – Gender Identity ApplicationsMay 21 2026 – 1-2:30pm AST – Gender Expression FundamentalsMay 28, 2026 – 1-2:30pm AST – Gender Expression Applications

Note: facilitator is bilingual though facilitation will be primarily in EN

Webinar Wednesday: How to Grant write as a Queer Entrepreneur
2026-05-06 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto)
Running a queer-owned business is an act of resistance. Every day you open your doors or launch your services you are proving that our community belongs in the marketplace. But let’s be real: resistance is exhausting when you’re underfunded.

If you’ve been DIY-ing your growth, maxing out personal credit cards, or skipping your own paycheque because you think grants are “just for non-profits,” this 60-minute session is your wake-up call. If you aren’t applying, you’re not only missing out, you’re leaving possible money on the table.

You will learn 1) what types of grants are available to for profit businesses, 2) how to assess your eligibility, 3) where to find relevant opportunities, and 4) how to prepare a strong application. You’ll leave with clearer direction, practical next steps, and greater confidence to pursue funding that supports your growth rather than hinders it.

Vanessa Burns, GPC is the founder of Vanessa Burns Grant Consulting. She teaches small businesses and nonprofits how to navigate the world of grants using purpose, not panic. Vanessa is 1 of 6 Canadians to hold the Grant Professionals Certified accreditation and since 2021, Vanessa has worked with over 130 clients to help them apply for first time grants, become more confident in their grants programs, and win much needed funding.

Register below and you will get a Zoom link in the next few days.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.First Name *Last Name *Email *Job Title *Organization *Industry *City *Are you a 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneur *YesNoSubmit

Rainbow Registered Presents: GENDERCRAFT (Part 2)
2026-05-07 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Halifax)
A Deeper Dive on Gender Identity & Gender Expression

Gender Identity Applications

This module begins with a review of best practices related to supporting people with diverse gender identities in three areas: personal support, institutional practices, and environmental experiences.

Following this review, there is a brief discussion of current political realities facing people with diverse gender identities, discussing international context and reviewing current Canadian issues.

The bulk of the module will be a discussion of four scenarios. Each participant will have time to discuss two scenarios in detail, and review the other two scenarios as part of a debrief. Each scenario has proposed discussion questions, and most scenarios also include suggested scripts for practice.

Our Team

Eliot Newton (they|them)

Genderbandit

Eliot Newton (they|them)

Genderbandit

u003cp style=u0022text-align: leftu0022u003eu003cspan data-teams=u0022trueu0022u003eu003ciu003eEliot Newton is a genderqueer activist and educator who has been working in the 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion field for twelve years. After ten years in the nonprofit sector, working primarily in education and health care, Eliot now freelances as a gender and sexuality expert. They help teachers, small and large businesses, and community organizations make their spaces safer for queer and trans clients (as well as their staff!). You can learn more about them at their website, Genderbandit.com.u003c/iu003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e

Series schedule:April 30, 2026 – 1-2:30pm AST – Gender Identity FundamentalsMay 7, 2026 – 1-2:30pm AST – Gender Identity ApplicationsMay 21 2026 – 1-2:30pm AST – Gender Expression FundamentalsMay 28, 2026 – 1-2:30pm AST – Gender Expression Applications

Note: facilitator is bilingual though facilitation will be primarily in EN

Rainbow Registered Presents: GENDERCRAFT (Part 3)
2026-05-21 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Halifax)
A Deeper Dive on Gender Identity & Gender Expression

Gender Expression Fundamentals

This module is primarily concerned with deepening understanding of the term “gender expression”.

It explores some of the myriad ways identity can be expressed, and reviews real-life examples of gender expression being restricted, both formally and informally. The module connects gender expression to other intersectional factors of identity. Gender Expression Fundamentals concludes with three small action items and a discussion of “personal inventory” as preparation for engaging in allyship. There will also be time for Q&A.

Our Team

Eliot Newton (they|them)

Genderbandit

Eliot Newton (they|them)

Genderbandit

u003cp style=u0022text-align: leftu0022u003eu003cspan data-teams=u0022trueu0022u003eu003ciu003eEliot Newton is a genderqueer activist and educator who has been working in the 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion field for twelve years. After ten years in the nonprofit sector, working primarily in education and health care, Eliot now freelances as a gender and sexuality expert. They help teachers, small and large businesses, and community organizations make their spaces safer for queer and trans clients (as well as their staff!). You can learn more about them at their website, Genderbandit.com.u003c/iu003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e

Series schedule:April 30, 2026 – 1-2:30pm AST – Gender Identity FundamentalsMay 7, 2026 – 1-2:30pm AST – Gender Identity ApplicationsMay 21 2026 – 1-2:30pm AST – Gender Expression FundamentalsMay 28, 2026 – 1-2:30pm AST – Gender Expression Applications

Note: facilitator is bilingual though facilitation will be primarily in EN

Built to be Seen: a Queer Marketing Lab - Your StoryBrand Messaging & High-Impact Content For Collateral
2026-05-21 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto)
stay tuned: More details to come…

*** Each workshop in this series is designed to build on the others, offering a cohesive, step-by-step journey rather than standalone sessions. We strongly recommend attending all workshops in the series to get the most out of the experience and knowledge.

We’re excited to partner with Massimadi Fondation for this workshop series! Their mission is to celebrate Afro LGBTQ+ artists and their cultural contributions through vibrant, multidisciplinary events. Attend the workshop series for a chance to score a pass to their upcoming virtual programming! Learn more about Massimadi Fondation.

Rainbow Registered Presents: GENDERCRAFT (Part 4)
2026-05-28 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Halifax)
A Deeper Dive on Gender Identity & Gender Expression

Gender Expression Applications

This module begins with a review of best practices related to supporting people with diverse gender identities in three areas: personal support, institutional practices, and environmental experiences.

Following this review, there is a brief discussion of current political realities facing people with diverse gender identities, composed of discussing international context and reviewing current Canadian issues.

The bulk of the module will be a discussion of four scenarios. Each participant will have time to discuss two scenarios in detail, and review the other two scenarios as part of a debrief. Each scenario has proposed discussion questions, and most scenarios also include suggested scripts for practice.

Our Team

Eliot Newton (they|them)

Genderbandit

Eliot Newton (they|them)

Genderbandit

u003cp style=u0022text-align: leftu0022u003eu003cspan data-teams=u0022trueu0022u003eu003ciu003eEliot Newton is a genderqueer activist and educator who has been working in the 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion field for twelve years. After ten years in the nonprofit sector, working primarily in education and health care, Eliot now freelances as a gender and sexuality expert. They help teachers, small and large businesses, and community organizations make their spaces safer for queer and trans clients (as well as their staff!). You can learn more about them at their website, Genderbandit.com.u003c/iu003eu003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e

Series schedule:April 30, 2026 – 1-2:30pm AST – Gender Identity FundamentalsMay 7, 2026 – 1-2:30pm AST – Gender Identity ApplicationsMay 21 2026 – 1-2:30pm AST – Gender Expression FundamentalsMay 28, 2026 – 1-2:30pm AST – Gender Expression Applications

Note: facilitator is bilingual though facilitation will be primarily in EN
