CQCC: Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce

Q-EDGE
2026-03-30 09:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto)
Join us in Ottawa on March 30 for Q‑EDGE, CQCC’s inaugural Economic Development & Growth Exchange—created to advance 2SLGBTQI+ economic prosperity and strengthen our business ecosystem.

This high‑energy, in‑person event will bring together 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs, innovators, and ecosystem partners. The day includes open networking and a tradeshow, CQCC remarks, and a Regional Partner Spotlight featuring the Ontario Queer Chamber of Commerce (OQCC), exploring Creative Economies & Queer Innovation.

You’ll also hear from QueerTech in a timely panel on AI, access, and agency, and take part in facilitated Brain Dates designed to spark meaningful peer‑to‑peer exchange.

Whether you’re growing a business, exploring new ideas, or looking to connect with the queer business ecosystem, Q‑EDGE offers:

Actionable insights you can use right away

Meaningful connections with peers and partners

A welcoming space to learn, share, and build community

Be part of the movement advancing inclusive economic growth: come curious and leave connected. Register now!

Date & Time: March 30, 2026 | 9am-2pm ETLocation: Alma Duncan Salon @ OAG Ottawa Art Gallery, 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa ON

AGENDA

9:00 AM: Registration Opens

9:30 AM: Mingling & Tradeshow

10:00 AM: CQCC Opening Remarks

10:30 AM: Ontario Queer Chamber of Commerce (OQCC) session on Creative Economies & Queer Innovation

11:15 AM: Break

11:30 AM: Panel Presented by QueerTech: Access & Agency: Understanding AI Before It Decides for Us

12:30 PM: Lunch (presented by Chambre de commerce LGBT du Québec)

1:15 PM: Networking Session

2:00 PM: Event Closes

MEET THE Hosts & Speakers

canadian queer chamber of commerce (cqcc)

Our Team

Darrell Schuurman (he/him)

CEO

Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CCQC)

Vanessa Ntinu (she/her)

Membership Services Coordinator, Supplier Diversity

Merve Tosun (she/her)

Business Development Manager, National

Hanna Haddad (he/him)

Business Development Manager, East

Chris Mariano (he/him)

Business Development Manager, West

ontario queer chamber of commerce (OQCC)Creative Economies & Queer Innovation

Our Team

Jeff St. Denis, MBA (he/him)

Founder & CEO

Culture Catalyst Inc.

Steven Hilliard (he/him)

Program & Events Coordinator

OQCC

Chimaera (she/her)

Speaker

Chambre de commerce lgbt du québec (cclgbt)

Our Team

Mathieu Vézina, MBA (il/lui/he/him)

Président du conseil d'administration

CCLGBT

QueertechAccess & Agency: Understanding AI Before It Decides for Us

Our Team

Eustacio (Andy) Saldaña (he/they)

Moderator

COO & Co-Founder

QueerTech

Tristan Smyth (they/them)

Managing Director | CEO

Propel Impact | Propel Impact Capital.

Mitch Schwartz (he/him)

Founder

Ops Machine

REGISTER HERE!

Please note that dietary restrictions may not be able to be accommodated for registrations received after March 18, 2026.

Please 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 MemberRainbow RegisteredCQCC FAM MemberCQCC Affiliate Member2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneur, but not a CQCC memberRepresentative from an ecosystem or affiliate organizationGovernment representativeMedia representativeI’m not a 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneur, but interested in attendingCQCC staff / SpeakerNextJob title *Company name *Company URL *Demographic 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.

– Measure our progress towards creating a more inclusive ecosystem and inform our strategies for continuous improvement.

Please be assured that your responses will be kept confidential and used solely to enhance our programs and support diversity and inclusion within our community. Please indicate the languages you speak or understand. (Please select all that apply) * *EnglishFrenchWhich 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-binaryOtherOther *Understanding 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 sayOtherOther *To 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)Black CommunityOther racialized communitiesIndigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis, Inuit)Persons with disabilitiesNewcomersRefugeesVeteransPrefer not to sayOtherNot applicableOther *NextQuestions about the eventDietary restrictions, if anyVegetarianGluten-freeDairy-freeLactose intoleranceAllergies (please specify in others)HalalKosherOther (please specify)Other: *Accessibility needs, if anyWheelchair AccessibilitySign language interpretationOther (please specify)Other: *How did you hear about this event? *Search engine (Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc)CQCC LinkedInCQCC FacebookCQCC InstagramCQCC NewsletterCQCC staffSocial media (not a CQCC account)Word of MouthOther (please specify below)Other *Comments or Questions?Image consentBy 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!

presented in partnership with

Meet the CITY OF TORONTO
2026-04-01 13:00 - 13:45
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
