CQCC Trade Mission to Mexico City
2025-11-17 08:00 - 2025-11-21 17:00 (America/Toronto)
Business for Inclusion – SME Edition

Reforma Avenue, Mexico City

About the Mission

As part of CQCC’s 2025 Global Program, delegates will take part in the “Business for Inclusion – SME Edition”, hosted by our global affiliate Compro Diverso in Mexico City.

This high-impact event will bring together Canadian SMEs, Mexican SMEs, and leading Mexican corporations for a full day of business matchmaking, networking, and knowledge sharing.

Join us in Mexico City for a week of networking, learning, and business growth—while advancing supplier diversity and Canada–Mexico business ties.

Register now!

Why Participate?

Open new markets: Create tangible opportunities for Canadian SMEs in Mexico, one of Latin America’s most dynamic economies.

Learn how to do business in Mexico: Gain practical insights through conferences on trade, culture, and market entry strategies.

Network with decision-makers: Connect with corporate leaders, SMEs, and government representatives.

Embassy engagement: Proposed session with the Embassy of Canada in Mexico to build future collaborations.

Global visibility: Position your business within Canada’s international 2SLGBTQI+ trade network and support inclusive economic growth.

Program Highlights

Business matchmaking between Canadian and Mexican SMEs + corporates

Trade fair and networking sessions

Conferences on “How to Do Business in Mexico”

Engagement with the Embassy of Canada in Mexico

Costs & Funding Support

Eligible participants may qualify for 50% reimbursement through CanExport for:

Roundtrip economy airfare

Daily per diem covering meals & accommodation

Webinar Wednesday: "No, I don't want to move to Toronto": What People Get Wrong about Entrepreneurship in Small Places
2025-11-19 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto)
Ivy + Dean Consulting is a company that was founded in small cities that are often overlooked: Regina and Yellowknife. As they’ve grown the business, Jacq and Risa have both regularly been asked variations of the question: ‘When will i+d open an office in Toronto?’ These questions usually come from people who have never lived outside of a metropolitan area. Join both Jacq and Risa as they share their stories as entrepreneurs and their core business ethos of staying (and nailing it!) right here at home.

Our Team

Jacq Brasseur (they/them)

CEO & Principal Consultant

Ivy + Dean Consulting

Jacq Brasseur (they/them)

CEO & Principal Consultant

Ivy + Dean Consulting

Originally from Yellowknife, Jacq has over a decade of experience leading teams as a queer and non-binary professional. They co-founded what is now known as the Northern Mosaic Network, the only 2SLGBTQ+ human service agency in the Northwest Territories, and proudly served as the agency’s first Executive Director. Since then, they have led various queer and trans agencies as either an Executive Director or Board Member, including NWT Pride, UR Pride Centre for Sexuality & Gender Diversity, Fierté Canada Pride, TransSask Support Services, and The Enchanté Network. Currently, Jacq volunteers their time as the Chair of the Saskatchewan Queer Entrepreneurs & Professionals, an organization they co-founded. In 2021, Jacq established Ivy + Dean Consulting, a bilingual jacq -of-all-trades consulting firm designed to empower non-profit leadership to solve the unique problems faced by organizations in the Prairies and Northern Canada. They are the Chief Executive Officer + Principal Consultant, which allows them to wear many “hats” to serve clients and lead the team. When Jacq isn’t busy working or volunteering, you can find them drinking too much Diet Pepsi, playing the most recent Zelda video game, and spending time with their family.

Risa Payant (she/her)

Chief Operations Officer & Principal Consultant

Ivy + Dean Consulting

Risa Payant (she/her)

Chief Operations Officer & Principal Consultant

Ivy + Dean Consulting

Born and raised in rural Saskatchewan, Risa is passionate about increasing capacity for oft-overlooked and misunderstood communities across Canada. Risa came to Ivy + Dean Consulting in 2023 with nearly three decades’ experience in the non-profit arts and cultural sector, 15 years of which saw her in senior leadership roles. Risa contributed to Saskatchewan’s vibrant arts scene through positions at SK Arts, the Regina Folk Festival, and the MacKenzie Art Gallery. From 2015 to 2022, she served as Executive Director of Common Weal Community Arts, a provincial organization dedicated to socially-engaged practice. In her last role before moving into the for-profit world, Risa led Planned Parenthood Regina through a period of crisis. Risa is Ivy + Dean Consulting’s Chief Operations Officer + Principal Consultant, a position that allows her to get nerdy about infrastructure development and building frameworks to ensure the business thrives. When she’s not working, Risa is a travel-loving, adventure-seeking bibliophile who finds joy in live music, bold colours, and the expansive prairie landscape. She lives in Regina’s Heritage neighbourhood with her wife and teenage daughters.

The Connection Café: Your monthly blend that brews networks, and big ideas
2025-12-04 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto)
Join us on Thursday, December 4th from 2–3 PM ET for a vibrant hour of intentional networking, authentic visibility, and plenty of “omg, same!” moments with fellow 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs and changemakers. This session will be hosted by the one and only Andrew ACE Edwards of DesignACE.

Whether you’re coming to share a new idea, find your next creative partner, or just want to vibe in community, this space is for you. Expect meaningful intros, playful conversation starters, and room to celebrate your wins and share what you’re working on. Think: the energy of speed networking with the depth of a heart-to-heart.

QBBC x CQCC: Queer Holiday Market 2025
2025-12-10 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver)
Brought to you by Queer Business BC and Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce

Join us at Queer Business BC x Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC) Queer Holiday Market at The Birdhouse (Vancouver) for a festive celebration of all things queer and holiday!

Hosted by the incomparable Hotmale, this year’s market will feature 15 incredible vendors offering unique gifts, art, and goodies — perfect for spreading love and cheer this season.

Enjoy delicious bites from local food trucks and a fully licensed venue, making it the perfect evening to shop, sip, and celebrate with community.

Come support local 2SLGBTQIA+ creators and find one-of-a-kind treasures for your loved ones (or yourself!). Whether you’re hunting for the perfect stocking stuffer or simply want to soak up some queer holiday magic, this event is not to be missed.

See you there!

RSVP here!

Note: Early entry is not permitted as the venue is closed for a member-only VIP-hour. To learn more about QBBC and CQCC membership, please visit websites.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes. To read more about The Birdhouse’s accessibility, click here.

Will there be alcoholic beverages onsite?

Yes, the event is fully licensed. We will only be IDing at the bar, please bring 2 pieces of identification.

Are minors allowed admission?

Yes! All are welcome but folks under 19 years of age are required to be accompanied by a guardian.

CQCC members only - Meet-Up: Calgary
2025-12-16 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto)
We’re thrilled to announce a brand-new initiative designed to bring our community closer than ever before. For the first time, CQCC is hosting a series of casual, non-programmed regional meetups across Canada!

This is your opportunity to connect with fellow members, forge new relationships, and grow your network in a relaxed, local setting. Forget the formal presentations and structured agendas—these events are all about building authentic connections and supporting the vibrant local businesses that make our communities shine.

Whether you’re an established business owner, a budding entrepreneur, or a corporate leader, these meetups are the perfect way to expand your network and celebrate the power of our diverse community.

After a successful first session in Montréal in October, we’re happy to come to bring the energy to Calgary on Tuesday, December 16th, 2025, 6:00 – 8:00 PM MT.

Location: Gummi Boutique, 205 10 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1V5.

Register below.

Registration – CQCC Meet-up: CalgaryPlease enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
you If Organisation

First name *Surname *Email *Job title *Organisation *Company websiteIndustry *City *Other *What is your membership status with CQCC? *Certified SupplierRainbow RegisteredNational Associate MemberOUT For BusinessCorporate PartnerEcosystem Fund RecipientCommunity Partner / Regional AffiliateCQCC staff / Board memberOtherSelect all that applyIs your SME owned and managed by an equity-deserving group that has been served? *2SLGBTQI+WomenVisible minoritiesIndigenous PersonsYouthPersons with disabilitiesN/ASelect all that applyAre you from a rural, remote, or northern community? *YesNoAre you a 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneur? *YesNoIf you have any accessibility requests, please mention belowWe will try out best to accommodate your needs.Submit

Push Beyond Borders: Elevating Queer Global Talent in Business
2025-12-18 13:00 - 17:00 (America/Toronto)
Presented by the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce

Join us for Push Beyond Borders, a flagship CQCC event celebrating the power and potential of queer global talent shaping Canada’s business landscape.

Date: December 18, 2025Time: 1:00 – 5:00 PM ETLocation: Applewood United Church, 2067 Stanfield Road, Mississauga, ON

Canada is home to one of the most diverse and vibrant queer communities in the world—nearly 1.3 million Canadians (4.4%) identify as 2SLGBTQI+, and an increasing number are newcomers and global professionals driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth.

Through dynamic panels, networking, and collaboration, this program will bring together queer professionals, diaspora leaders, and corporate partners to explore how identity, opportunity, and global talent intersect to build the future of inclusive business.

When queer global talent thrives, Canada’s economy thrives.

Push Beyond Borders – RegistrationPlease enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.123Contact 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 SupplierCQCC Corporate MemberCQCC Affiliate MemberRepresentative from an ecosystem or affiliate organization2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneur, but not a CQCC memberMedia representativeGovernment representativeI’m not a 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneur, but interested in attendingCQCC staff / SpeakerJob title *
restrictions, languages select

Company nameCompany URLNextDemographic questions (optional)Before we proceed with the demographic questions, we want to share why we are asking for this information. The Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC) is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all entrepreneurs and community members. Collecting data on race, gender identity, and other demographic factors allows us to: understand the diverse makeup of our community and ensure that our programs and initiatives are accessible and relevant to everyone; identify and address any gaps or barriers that equity-deserving groups may face in accessing our services; and, measure our progress towards creating a more inclusive ecosystem and inform our strategies for continuous improvement.

Your responses will be kept confidential and only used to enhance our programs and support diversity and inclusion within our community. How long have you been in Canada?Less than 1 year1-2 years3-4 years5-7 years8-10 yearsMore than 10 yearsI was born in CanadaFYI: Thank you for your interest in attending Push Beyond Borders! This event has been designed for newcomers (of less than 10 years) to Canada, and may not be relevant for you and your business’ needs.
Please indicate the languages you speak or understand. (Please select all that apply) * *EnglishFrenchOther (please specify)Please indicate the language(s) you speak: *Which of the following best describes your primary geographical location? (Please select one) *Rural CommunityRemote CommunityNorthern CommunityUrban/Suburban CommunityNone of the aboveRural: outside of urban and suburban communities but within reasonable driving distance of an urban centre.
Remote: not within reasonable driving distance of an urban centre, limited access to services and infrastructure.Could you tell us about your cultural or ethnic background? Please describe your background in the way you identify with it most.Do you identify as a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community? (Please select one)YesNoPrefer not to sayWhich 2SLGBTQI+ communities do you identify with? (Please select all that apply)LesbianGayBisexualTransgenderQueerIntersexAsexualTwo SpiritNon-binaryOtherUnderstanding gender identity will help us tailor our programs and support to meet everyone's needs. Please select the option(s) that best describe your gender identity. (Please select all that apply)WomanManNon-binaryTwo SpiritTransgenderPrefer not to sayOtherTo better support equity-deserving groups, we are also interested in understanding if you identify as part of any of the following groups. (Please select all that apply)NewcomersRefugeesBlack CommunityIndigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis, Inuit)Other racialized communitiesPersons with disabilitiesVeteransOtherPrefer not to sayNot applicableNextQuestions about the eventDietary restrictions, if anyVegetarianGluten-freeDairy-freeLactose intoleranceAllergies (please specify in others)HalalKosherOther (please specify)Other: *Accessibility needs, if anyWheelchair AccessibilityLive language transcriptionSign language interpretationOther (please specify)Other: *How did you hear about this event? *Search engine (Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc)LinkedInInstagramFacebookWord of MouthCQCC NewsletterCQCC staffOther (please specify below)Other *Comments or Questions?By registering, you consent to the following: *You may be filmed or photographed during the event. They might be used for promotional material, including advertisements on CQCC social media and website. If you have any concerns, please notify a staff member upon arrival.I agree to receive communications from CQCC.I agree to receive promotional communications from CQCC. In order to provide you the content requested, we need to store and process your personal data.You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information please review our Privacy Policy at https://queerchamber.ca/privacy-policy/.Sign me up!

2026 EY/CQCC Pitch Competition
2026-02-19 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto)
Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with EY, invites CQCC’s certified suppliers and OUT for Business entrepreneurs to participate in the 2026 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. For a more robust understanding of what the EY Pitch Competition will entail, join us for an Info Session on February 19th, 1:00 – 2:00 PM ET . This is a great opportunity to gain knowledge about the application process and what to expect at this year’s competition. This webinar will go over details of the pitch competition, you will get to meet past participants and will end with a Q&A.

Format of the 2026 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 must use visual presentations. (PowerPoint, slides, Canva, Figma, etc.)

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: $4,000USD).

Runner Up: To be announced.

Third Place: To be announced.

Dates (Subject to change):

MARCH 5 | 1-3 PM ET

APRIL 2 | 1-3 PM ET

MAY 7 | 1-3 PM ET

FINALE in June. Dates to be announced.

You will receive a calendar invite for your slot upon registration if you get in! Participants are selected on first come, first served basis.

Mentorship:After the last pitch session on May 7th, 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.

Register below.

CQCC Connect Halifax
2026-02-23 09:30 - 14:00 (America/Toronto)
Join us in Halifax for CQCC Connect, a unique event that brings together LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and allies in a vibrant, inclusive environment. This is your chance to discover new business opportunities, establish valuable connections, and participate in thought-provoking discussions that pave the way for long-term success.

What to Expect

This event combines insightful breakout, impactful networking, and personalized opportunities designed to support the growth of LGBTQ+ businesses and promote supplier diversity.

Breakout Sessions – Dive into engaging and thought-provoking breakout sessions tailored to your interests, where you’ll explore key topics, exchange ideas, and connect with like-minded professionals.

Matchmaking Sessions – A tailored opportunity for CQCC-certified suppliers and corporate partners ONLY to engage in focused, strategic meetings that can unlock new collaborations and business ventures.

Why Attend?

Whether you’re an established business owner, a corporate leader seeking to diversify your supplier base, or an ally eager to support the LGBTQ+ community, CQCC Connect in Halifax offers a platform to connect, collaborate, and grow.

Be part of an event that will inspire, empower, and strengthen the LGBTQ+ business community in Nova Scotia and beyond.

Register below and secure your spot for this transformative experience!

Location: Glitter Bean Cafe Co-op, 5896 Spring Garden Rd, Halifax, NS B3H 0A6.

Virtual One-on-One Matchmaking (Members Only)
2026-02-24 12:00 - 18:00 (America/Toronto)
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 February 24th from 12 pm to 6 pm ET.

We will begin by hosting a Welcome Webinar from 12 pm to 12:30 pm EDT. This workshop is sponsored by our friends at Realize. 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 open to only CQCC’s certified suppliers and corporate partners.

Virtual One-on-One Matchmaking (Members Only)
2026-02-24 12:00 - 18:00 (America/Toronto)
CQCC’s One-on-One Virtual Matchmaking is a semi-annual event that brings together Certified 2SLGBTQI+ 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 February 24th from 12 pm to 6 pm ET.

We will begin by hosting a Welcome Webinar from 12 pm to 12:30 pm ET. This workshop is sponsored by our friends at Realize. 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 open to only CQCC’s certified suppliers and corporate partners.

Webinar Wednesday: Navigating the Maze of Government Procurement: a Vendor's Perspective
2026-02-25 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto)
A practical roadmap to find, qualify, and win public-sector contracts—focused on fast setup, compliant bidding, and navigating the maze that is public procurement. Joe Noss is a proud member of CQCC and the CEO of Publicus, a startup that helps vendors find and win contracts without the headache. Publicus is also a vendor to the Federal Government, providing analytics on procurement.

Our Team

Joe Noss (he/him)

CEO and Founder

Publicus
