BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//CQCC: Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:CQCC: Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://queerchamber.ca X-WR-CALDESC:Events for CQCC: Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Toronto BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Halifax BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0300 TZNAME:ADT DTSTART:20240310T060000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0300 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:AST DTSTART:20241103T050000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0300 TZNAME:ADT DTSTART:20250309T060000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0300 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:AST DTSTART:20251102T050000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0300 TZNAME:ADT DTSTART:20260308T060000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0300 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:AST DTSTART:20261101T050000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251001T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251001T150000 DTSTAMP:20260513T130959 CREATED:20250819T191113Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T183456Z UID:10002188-1759327200-1759330800@queerchamber.ca SUMMARY:Meet the Buyer: City of Toronto DESCRIPTION:This live virtual event is for suppliers who want to learn ‘How to do Business with the City of Toronto as a Diverse Supplier’. This webinar is an excellent way for entrepreneurs and diverse businesses to learn more about the City of Toronto and its procurement policies and procedures. \n\n\n\nWe will focus on the following topics : \n\n\n\n\nUnderstand City of Toronto Purchasing Practices/Dollar Value Thresholds and Purchasing Document Types \n\n\n\nCurrent ways the City of Toronto Social Procurement Program integrates Diverse Suppliers \n\n\n\nCommodity they purchase \n\n\n\nBest way to connect and contact information \n\n\n\nPrograms and opportunities available to diverse suppliers \n\n\n\nTips\, best practices\, success stories \n\n\n\nOpportunity for live Q&A \n\n\n\n\n\n \n Our Team \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alyssa Nienhuis (she/her) \n\n \n Social Procurement Coordinator \n \n \n \n City of Toronto \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n Alyssa Nienhuis (she/her) \n\n \n Social Procurement Coordinator \n \n \n \n City of Toronto \n \n \n u003cbu003eu003ciu003eAlyssa Nienhuis is the Social Procurement Coordinatoru003c/iu003eu003c/bu003e for the City of Toronto under the Purchasing and Materials Management Division (PMMD)\, where she facilitates the growth and operations of Toronto’s Social Procurement Program. Adopted by the City of Toronto in 2016\, the Social Procurement Program is intended to address economic disadvantage\, discrimination\, and barriers to equal opportunity in the procurement process\, particularly among equity-deserving communities. Alyssa has over 6 years’ experience in public sector purchasing practices and policy in the Purchasing and Materials Management Division. Prior to joining PMMD\, Alyssa worked with Toronto Employment and Social Services\, and also has experience in communications and marketing. URL:https://queerchamber.ca/event/meet-the-buyer-city-of-toronto/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://queerchamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Meet-The-Buyer-2024-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251007T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251007T193000 DTSTAMP:20260513T130959 CREATED:20250820T214557Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T183506Z UID:10002189-1759856400-1759865400@queerchamber.ca SUMMARY:CQCC members only - Meet-Up: Montréal DESCRIPTION:We’re thrilled to announce a brand-new initiative designed to bring our community closer than ever before. For the first time\, the CQCC is hosting a series of casual\, non-programmed regional meetups across Canada! \n\n\n\nThis 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. \n\n\n\nWhether 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. \n\n\n\nOur first event kicks off in Montreal on Tuesday\, October 7\, 2025. Location set for l’idéal bar & contenus – 151 Ontario est\, Montréal\, QC.  \n\n\n\nRegister below. URL:https://queerchamber.ca/event/regional-meet-up-montreal/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://queerchamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-08-26-at-10.11.38-AM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251009T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251009T150000 DTSTAMP:20260513T130959 CREATED:20251001T230503Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T183528Z UID:10002192-1760018400-1760022000@queerchamber.ca SUMMARY:The Sales Lab: Surviving the Sales Slump DESCRIPTION:Sales slump got you pulling your hair out? You’re not alone!  \n\n\n\nSales are slow and sometimes non-existent for every business across the board right now so rest assured\, it’s not something you’re doing wrong. That being said\, if you’re not doing something about it\, it will grow into a much bigger YOU problem than it needs to be. Yikes! \n\n\n\nJoin this hybrid rant-creative thinking session hosted by Lindsay Johnson\, aka The Radical Connector\, and let’s… \n\n\n\n\nGive ourselves the space to vent and commiserate as entrepreneur buds. It’s hard out here right now! \n\n\n\nThink creatively about what we can actually do about it so it doesn’t become a bigger problem down the road\n\n\n\nUse this opportunity to look at our businesses differently and see where we might be overdue for a pivot\, upgrade\, or shift\n\n\n\n\nBonus: We’ll send out a spreadsheet with everyone’s contact info and who y’all want to meet so you can stay in touch and explore collaboration and referral partnerships together! \n\n\n\n\n \n Our Team \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lindsay Johnson \n\n \n The Radical Connector \n \n \n \n https://www.theradicalconnector.com/ \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n Lindsay Johnson \n\n \n The Radical Connector \n \n \n \n https://www.theradicalconnector.com/ \n \n \n u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eLindsay Johnson\, aka The Radical Connector\, is a business coach and ethical sales trainer helping misfit entrepreneurs do business differently. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur drowning in conflicting advice and busy-work\, or a seasoned pro tired of growth at the expense of your sanity\, Lindsay offers a proven\, anti-hustle approach to getting sales\, growing your brand\, and scaling your offers. Through their Ick-Free Sales Community\, YouTube channel\, and 20+ years of experience\, Lindsay helps entrepreneurs create a business that feels good\, makes money\, and changes the world…without burning out\, selling out\, or doing it all alone!u003c/spanu003e URL:https://queerchamber.ca/event/the-sales-lab-surviving-the-sales-slump/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://queerchamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-01-at-3.02.10-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251014T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251014T150000 DTSTAMP:20260513T130959 CREATED:20250917T214549Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T183518Z UID:10002191-1760446800-1760454000@queerchamber.ca SUMMARY:Burnout Happens: Let's Talk About It (Neurodivergent Edition) DESCRIPTION:Virtual Event \n\n\n\n\n\nJoin Aziz and Sawah in a workshop and discussion on navigating neurodivergent burnout. Drawing on both professional knowledge and lived neurodivergent experience\, we will explore affirming prevention strategies\, ways to slow/mitigate its progression\, and methods for navigating when you’re deep in burnout. The workshop will be a blend of psychoeducation\, practical tools/skills\, and resources\, as well as a space for open discussion and questions. Psychoeducation will highlight the impact\, the differences between ND burnout and non-ND burnout\, and early indicators; all grounded in both research and real-life insights.We aim for a relaxed and affirming space\, so feel free to bring items/objects to aid in focus\, any questions you might have\, and get comfy while we get nerdy (and real) about ND burnout.This workshop is for neurodivergent individuals seeking support in understanding and navigating burnout in a more informed and personally meaningful way\, with the validation of knowing you’re learning from people who’ve been there too. \n\n\n\n\n \n Our Team \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Aziz Mirza (he/him) \n\n \n Provisional Psychologist\, Family Counsellor\, and Professor \n \n \n \n Our Landing Place \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n Aziz Mirza (he/him) \n\n \n Provisional Psychologist\, Family Counsellor\, and Professor \n \n \n \n Our Landing Place \n \n \n u003ca title=u0022http://www.ourlandingplace.com/aziz-mirzau0022 href=u0022http://www.ourlandingplace.com/aziz-mirzau0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022 data-outlook-id=u00228dec77ac-6b2a-41a2-99d6-49b578931c90u0022u003eAziz Mirzau003c/au003e (he/him) is a Provisional Psychologist\, Family Counsellor\, and Professor based in Calgary\, Alberta. He works across clinical\, academic\, and community settings\, specializing in supporting individuals\, relationships\, youth and families through attachment-based and relational approaches. His practice is rooted in anti-oppressive values\, neuro-affirming and Queer-affirming care\, and is trauma-informed to foster self-belonging\, resilience\, and meaningful connection. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sawah Danniels (they/them) \n\n \n Certified Canadian Counselor \n \n \n \n Our Landing Place \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n Sawah Danniels (they/them) \n\n \n Certified Canadian Counselor \n \n \n \n Our Landing Place \n \n \n u003ca title=u0022www.ourlandingplace.com/sawah-dannielsu0022 href=u0022file:///Applications/Microsoft%20Outlook.app/Contents/Frameworks/EmailRendererKit.framework/Resources/www.ourlandingplace.com/sawah-dannielsu0022 data-outlook-id=u00229922c0db-5140-4191-a73d-de6d597a610eu0022u003eSawah Dannielsu003c/au003e (they/them) is a Certified Canadian Counsellor living on the unceded territory of the Sinixt People\, colonially known as Nelson\, BC. They support individuals and couples through a relational\, narrative and person centered approach. They strive to provide a trauma-informed\, intersectional and anti-oppressive space for neurodivergent and queer clients to feel at home and accepted during the therapeutic process. URL:https://queerchamber.ca/event/webinar-neurodivergent-burnout/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://queerchamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/Oct-Group-Banner.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Halifax:20251016T163000 DTEND;TZID=America/Halifax:20251016T193000 DTSTAMP:20260513T130959 CREATED:20250818T203340Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T183440Z UID:10000810-1760632200-1760643000@queerchamber.ca SUMMARY:Supplier Diversity Information Session in Charlottetown DESCRIPTION:Are you a business on Prince Edward Island wanting to network and learn more about CQCC’s supplier program? \n\n\n\nJoin Nic Sánchez\, our Atlantic Business Development Manager\, at this FREE event on October 16 in Charlottetown! This exclusive Networking and Supplier Diversity Information Session\, hosted by CQCC at the Delta Prince Edward\, is your chance to learn more about supplier diversity certification with CQCC (whether you’re already certified\, or looking to get certified) and network with like-minded folks in the region. \n\n\n\nDiscover how supplier diversity can unlock new opportunities for your business and help you build meaningful connections within the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Spaces are limited\, so register today! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat to expect\n\n\n\n\n\n— Supplier Diversity presentation by Nic Sanchez (CQCC)— Building Resilience presentation by Alice Curitz (Our Landing Place)— Queer Atlantic Business Hub presentation by Corrie Melanson (Sea Change CoLab)— Presentation by BIPOC Professional Network (BPN)— Networking Session— Diverse Local Vendors (please submit your interest via the registration form) — Refreshments \n\n\n\n\n\nDate: October 16th\, 2025Time: 4:30-7:30pm (AT)Location: Delta Prince Edward\, 18 Queen St\, Charlottetown\, PEI\, C1A 4A1\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister now! URL:https://queerchamber.ca/event/sd-info-session-charlottetown/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://queerchamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/4.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251022T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251022T150000 DTSTAMP:20260513T130959 CREATED:20250626T222852Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T192704Z UID:10002179-1761141600-1761145200@queerchamber.ca SUMMARY:Webinar Wednesday: "Wait... Is that True? Rethinking What Blocks Us" Shift stressful thinking and open new doors to understanding gender diversity DESCRIPTION:For many\, trans and non-binary issues are new territory. Concepts related to gender diversity may feel overwhelming\, confusing and sometimes stressful. Join Kai for a highly interactive and engaging session designed to help you overcome internal blocks and confidently support trans and non-binary people.  \n\n\n\nIn a safe and supportive group setting\, Kai uses an inquiry-based approach to guide you through one recurring stressful thought\, leading to surprising realizations and a deeper understanding of trans people and how you can show up for them in your life.  \n\n\n\nLeave this session feeling empowered to create inclusive spaces and avoid common missteps! \n\n\n\nNotes for Attendees: \n\n\n\n\nPreparation for the session:Fill out this brief anonymous survey. This will help focus on rich discussions during your time with the facilitator.\n\n\n\nDuring the session:Bring your smartphone to the session to participate in anonymous mentimeter polls. More information will be shared on the day of the session.\n\n\n\n\n\n \n Our Team \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Kai Scott\, MA (He/Him) \n\n \n Senior Gender Strategist \n \n \n \n TransFocus \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n Kai Scott\, MA (He/Him) \n\n \n Senior Gender Strategist \n \n \n \n TransFocus \n \n \n u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400;u0022u003eKai is a social scientist who has spent nearly 20 years researching and educating on complex social problems\, including gender diversity in the last 10 years. He uses an engaging\, inquiry-based approach to help participants overcome internal barriers and build genuine support for trans and non-binary people.u003c/spanu003e URL:https://queerchamber.ca/event/webinar-wednesday-wait-is-that-true-rethinking-what-blocks-us-shift-stressful-thinking-and-open-new-doors-to-understanding-gender-diversity/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://queerchamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/CQCC-WW-October.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251022T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251022T200000 DTSTAMP:20260513T130959 CREATED:20251008T005503Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T204246Z UID:10002193-1761156000-1761163200@queerchamber.ca SUMMARY:The FAM: Launch Event DESCRIPTION:Join the Launch Event for The FAM: CQCC’s New Membership Tier for 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurs \n\n\n\nWe’re gathering in Toronto to celebrate the official launch of The FAM\, our brand-new membership tier created by and for 2SLGBTQI+ professionals\, and we want you to be there with us! \n\n\n\nThe launch event promises a celebration of connection\, innovation\, and new opportunity for all members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. \n\n\n\nRegister below and be amongst the first to discover how The FAM can help grow your business\, expand your network\, and amplify your impact. \n\n\n\nWhat to Expect\n\n\n\n\nThis evening of networking and celebration will feature a few words from our CEO\, Darrell Schuurman\, on the next steps for both CQCC and The FAM program as we enter late 2025 and beyond.\n\n\n\nIntroduction to the benefits and resources available through The FAM\, including early access to the tools that will be available through the program.\n\n\n\nAttendees will have the opportunity to meet fellow 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs and professionals in a space designed to celebrate and support their work. \n\nTo help spark meaningful connections\, we’ll be hosting a networking bingo to help you meet fellow attendees. \n\n\n\n\n\nPlus\, we’ll have a discussion wall where you can share your hopes and goals around entrepreneurship\, CQCC\, and your own path—just grab a sticky note and add your voice to the conversation.\n\n\n\nLight refreshments to be provided.\n\n\n\n\nEvent details:\n\n\n\nTime & Date: Wednesday\, October 22 | 6–8 PMVenue: Gallery 1888\, 225 Sterling Rd #20\, Toronto\, ON M6R 2B2Accessibility: The gallery is wheelchair accessible; there is a ramp going up two steps outside the venue\, and a ramp going down three steps inside the venue. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat is FAM? \n\n\n\n+ FAM is CQCC’s newest membership tier! \n\n\n\n+ It is a national professional network aiming to strengthen queer entrepreneurship through resources\, networking opportunities and inclusion in CQCC’s ecosystem. \n\n\n\n+ FAM expands on the offerings within CQCC’s Supplier Diversity program to provide a low-barrier\, inclusive membership focused on community networking. \n\n\n\n\n\nWho is it for? \n\n\n\n+ All 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs\, from freelancers to contractors\, to entrepreneurs who own 1-100% of their business. \n\n\n\n+ For those who value having a robust queer professional community but either do not value Supplier Diversity certification and/or are not (yet) able to attain Supplier Diversity certification. URL:https://queerchamber.ca/event/the-fam-launch-event/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://queerchamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/FAM-Launch-CQCC-logo-EN.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20251023T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20251023T150000 DTSTAMP:20260513T130959 CREATED:20251006T191858Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T192936Z UID:10002043-1761228000-1761231600@queerchamber.ca SUMMARY:The Connection Café: Your monthly blend that brews networks\, and big ideas DESCRIPTION:Join us on Thursday\, October 23rd 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. \n\n\n\nWhether 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. URL:https://queerchamber.ca/event/the-connection-cafe-your-monthly-blend-that-brews-networks-and-big-ideas-8-2/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://queerchamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/CQCC-Connection-Cafe-October-EN.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR