BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//CQCC: Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce - ECPv6.17.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH 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: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 BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260909T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260909T150000 DTSTAMP:20260818T135630Z CREATED:20260818T135626Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260818T135630Z UID:10002245-1788962400-1788966000@queerchamber.ca SUMMARY:Webinar Wednesday: Scaling Through B2B Collaboration DESCRIPTION:Certification and membership open doors to contracts most members are structurally too small to bid alone. The gap is rarely ambition or capability. It is capacity\, and the fastest way to manufacture capacity is partnership. \n\n\n\nIn one hour\, Aaron Cruikshank walks through how supplier partnerships actually work: subcontracting\, teaming agreements and joint ventures compared on risk\, control\, client ownership and speed to stand up. How to read an opportunity backwards to identify the exact capacity you are missing\, so you recruit to a gap instead of to a friendship. What separates a prime from a sub\, and who owns the client relationship next year. And how a buyer can tell an integrated team from an assembled one\, usually within the first page. \n\n\n\nThe session also names something diverse suppliers encounter often and discuss rarely: being recruited onto a bid for the certification rather than the capability\, then finding the scope thin once the contract lands. You will leave knowing how to spot it early\, what to ask for in writing\, and how to decline without burning the relationship. \n\n\n\nCome with a live opportunity in mind if you have one. Everything covered is meant to be applied to a real pitch\, not filed away. \n\n\n\n\n \n Our Team \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Aaron Cruikshank (He/Him) \n\n \n President \n \n \n \n CTRS \n \n \n \n Aaron Cruikshank (He/Him) LinkedIn \n \n \n \n \n View Bio \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n Aaron Cruikshank (He/Him) \n\n \n President \n \n \n \n CTRS \n \n \n Aaron Cruikshank is a market intelligence and research professional with more than 25 years of experience in dozens of sectors which include private sector\, government and nonprofits. After a career in the public service\, Aaron began working as a freelancer/researcher in 2003. Including a stint as an Associate Vice President with Ipsos in 2011-2012\, Aaron has worked with many large clients including Bosch\, Bosa Properties\, London Drugs\, FortisBC\, BC Hydro\, the Government of Canada\, BC Lottery Corporation\, the City of Surrey\, Vancity Credit Union\, New York Institute of Technology\, Nintendo and the Business Development Bank of Canada. Aaron formed CTRS after leaving an Executive Director role in 2014. Aaron’s areas of expertise are market intelligence\, competitive intelligence\, qualitative market research\, market validation\, public policy research and strategy\, and business strategy in heavily regulated industries. \nAaron holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication\, a Master of Public Policy from Simon Fraser University\, an Executive MBA at the University of Fredericton and a Professional Instructors Diploma from Vancouver Community College. \nAaron is located in Maple Ridge\, BC on the unceded territory of the Stó:lô\, Kwantlen (qʼʷa:n̓ ƛʼən̓ ) and Katzie (q̓ ic̓əy̓) nations. \n \n \n \n \n Aaron Cruikshank (He/Him) LinkedIn URL:https://queerchamber.ca/event/webinar-wednesday-scaling-through-b2b-collaboration/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://queerchamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/CQCC-Webinar-Wednesdays-5.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260911T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260911T150000 DTSTAMP:20260904T141452Z CREATED:20260512T154618Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260904T141452Z UID:10002229-1789124400-1789138800@queerchamber.ca SUMMARY:CQCC X TELUS Supplier Diversity Day DESCRIPTION:Join us for a dynamic morning of candid conversation\, shared learning\, and practical connection-building at the CQCC x TELUS Supplier Diversity Day. This event brings together corporate leaders and diverse suppliers\, thoughtfully matched by sector\, goals\, and logistics\, to foster meaningful engagement and unlock new procurement opportunities. Together\, we will explore how to strengthen pathways for diverse suppliers within corporate supply chains while building relationships that drive inclusive economic growth. \n\n\n\nLocation: 25 York Street\, Toronto\, ON – Flex Space | Floor 3 \n\n\n\nThis event is exclusively for CQCC Certified Suppliers and Corporate Partners. \n\n\n\nAgenda \n\n\n\n10:20 – 11:00 – Registration Starts \n\n\n\n11:00 – 11:10 – Entrance & Networking \n\n\n\n11:10 – 11:20 – Opening Remarks by TELUS \n\n\n\n\n \n Our Team \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Neville \n\n \n Director of Procurement: Transformation\, Risk Management\, Enablement\, and ESG \n \n \n \n TELUS \n \n \n \n Katie Neville LinkedIn \n \n \n \n \n View Bio \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n Katie Neville \n\n \n Director of Procurement: Transformation\, Risk Management\, Enablement\, and ESG \n \n \n \n TELUS \n \n \n Currently a Procurement Director at TELUS\, leading a team of 28 supporting the following categories: M&A\, Marketing\, Procurement Service Desk\, Finance Services\, HR and Travel. \n \n \n \n \n Katie Neville LinkedIn \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n11:20 – 12:05 – Interactive Panel and Table Dialogue \n\n\n\nBeyond Access: What it takes to build lasting supplier-corporate partnerships (moving from introductions to sustained\, contract-based relationships). This panel will emphasize what corporations look for in long-term supplier partners\, common disconnects between suppliers and procurement teams\, how to build trust and move from first meeting to first contract. This session will also explore how to keep relationships even if no opportunities for contracts are available at the time. Suppliers present in the panel will share their experience\, success stories\, and lessons learned. \n\n\n\nPanelists  \n\n\n\n\n \n Our Team \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lloyd Switzer \n\n \n Chief Procurement Officer \n \n \n \n TELUS \n \n \n \n Lloyd Switzer LinkedIn \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tony Colley (he/him) \n\n \n Founder & CEO \n \n \n \n B12Give \n \n \n \n Tony Colley (he/him) LinkedIn \n \n \n \n \n View Bio \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n Tony Colley (he/him) \n\n \n Founder & CEO \n \n \n \n B12Give \n \n \n Tony Colley is the Founder & CEO of B12Give\, a FoodTech company transforming surplus food recovery through technology\, logistics\, and circular economy innovation. His mission is to help food businesses eliminate surplus food waste while creating measurable environmental and social impact. \n \n \n \n \n Tony Colley (he/him) LinkedIn \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ann-Marie Anderson (she/her) \n\n \n Advisor\, Canadian Supplier Development \n \n \n \n BMO Financial Group \n \n \n \n View Bio \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n Ann-Marie Anderson (she/her) \n\n \n Advisor\, Canadian Supplier Development \n \n \n \n BMO Financial Group \n \n \n Ann-Marie Anderson is an Advisor in Canadian Supplier Development at BMO\, where she leads initiatives to strengthen and grow relationships with small- to mid-sized suppliers across Canada. She works closely with advocacy councils and internal stakeholders to help advance BMO’s commitment to an inclusive and sustainable supplier ecosystem. Ann-Marie is passionate about connecting suppliers to opportunities and equipping them with the knowledge and networks needed to succeed. \nWith over 30 years of experience in financial services\, she has held diverse roles across multiple business areas\, supporting customers\, employees\, and business owners. Ann-Marie is also deeply committed to community impact\, actively contributing to BMO’s Enterprise Resource Groups and supporting initiatives such as Kids Help Phone and education programs for students in the Caribbean. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n12:05 – 12:15 – Transition Break \n\n\n\nShort break to allow for movement and preparation for the lunch session. \n\n\n\n12:15 – 13:15 – Lunch \n\n\n\n12:45 – 13:05 – Keynote Session \n\n\n\n13:15 – 14:35 – Matchmaking Sessions \n\n\n\nExtended matchmaking sessions form the core of the afternoon. Participants take part in structured rounds of pre-matched meetings\, including one-to-one and small group discussions. Rotations occur at set intervals (25 mins) to maximize the number of meaningful connections.  \n\n\n\n14:35 – 14:45 – Closing Remarks  \n\n\n\nClosing reflections from CQCC and TELUS\, including key takeaways\, next steps\, and upcoming opportunities for continued engagement within the supplier diversity programme.  \n\n\n\n14:45 – 15:00 – Open Networking and Follow-Ups \n\n\n\nParticipants reconnect with key contacts\, exchange information\, and identify the next steps for potential partnerships and collaboration. \n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\nPlease enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.First Name *Surname *PronounsEmail *Job Title *Organization *City * \n Entrepreneur? rural\, an\n \n \n Industry *How would you best describe your business size? *Microenterprise (less than 10 employees)Small (10-49 employees)Medium (50-249 employees)Large (250+ employees)What\, if anything\, is your affiliation with CQCC? *Certified SupplierRainbow RegisteredFAMOUT For BusinessCorporate PartnerEcosystem Fund RecipientCommunity Partner / Regional AffiliateCQCC staff / Board memberNot a memberNot a member\, but interested!OtherIs your SME owned and managed by an equity-deserving group that has been served? *2SLGBTQI+WomenVisible minoritiesIndigenous PersonsYouthPersons with disabilitiesN/AAre you from a rural\, remote\, or northern community? *YesNoAre you a 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneur? *YesNoIf you have any accessibility requests\, please mention belowWe will try our best to accommodate your needs.If you have any dietary restrictions\, please mention belowSubmit URL:https://queerchamber.ca/event/cqcc-x-telus-supplier-diversity-day/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://queerchamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/CQCC-x-Telus-Supplier-Diversity-Day-2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260916T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260916T120000 DTSTAMP:20260810T135726Z CREATED:20260728T225352Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260810T135726Z UID:10002240-1789547400-1789560000@queerchamber.ca SUMMARY:Business Connect MTL (CQCC x TD) DESCRIPTION:Join us for an intimate and highly curated leadership forum designed to foster meaningful engagement between TD leaders and CQCC’s most established entrepreneurs and diverse suppliers. \n\n\n\nBusiness Connect MTL blends thought leadership\, strategic dialogue\, and facilitated networking to create high-value business development opportunities\, while advancing inclusive procurement and long-term partnership pathways. Through facilitated discussions and targeted matchmaking\, participants will build valuable connections and explore potential partnerships. \n\n\n\nDate & Time: September 16\, 2026 | 8:30am – 12pm ETLocation: TD Office\, 1350 Boul. René-Lévesque Ouest\, Montréal\, QC. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nagenda\n\n\n\n\n\n8:30 – 9:00 – Arrival & RegistrationGuest arrival\, coffee service\, and light networking. Attendees are welcomed into a curated setting designed to encourage early\, informal connection. \n\n\n\n9:00 – 09:10 – Opening RemarksWelcome from CQCC and TD leadership. Overview of objectives: strengthening relationships\, enabling business conversations\, and supporting procurement pathways. \n\n\n\n09:10 – 09:45 – Leadership Panel & Strategic DialogueModerated discussion featuring TD leaders and CQCC representatives on trends for 2026–2029\, supplier expectations\, and opportunities for competitive advantage. \n\n\n\n09:45 – 10:15 – Supplier Spotlight & Curated DiscussionSelected suppliers present brief insights followed by facilitated discussion to identify collaboration opportunities. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n10:15 – 10:45 – Networking BreakLight lunch and continued informal discussions\, with introductions supported by CQCC. \n\n\n\n10:45 – 11:30 – Curated Matchmaking ConversationsStructured\, pre-matched discussions between TD representatives and suppliers to explore concrete business opportunities. \n\n\n\n11:30 – 11:40 – Closing ReflectionsKey takeaways and next steps from CQCC and TD. \n\n\n\n11:40 – 12:00 – Open Networking & Follow-upsFinal connections and planning for follow-up actions. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nregister below\n\n\nJoin TD leaders and CQCC-certified diverse suppliers in Montréal for strategic conversations\, meaningful networking\, and business development opportunities. The information collected here will be shared with both CQCC and TD event staff.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 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 *Please indicate the languages you speak or understand. (Please select all that apply) * *EnglishFrenchDo you identify as a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community? (Please select one)YesNoPrefer not to sayQuestions 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) \n from event? you\n \n \n 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! URL:https://queerchamber.ca/event/business-connect-mtl-cqcc-td/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://queerchamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/REVISED-CQCC-x-TD-ENG.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260917T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260917T150000 DTSTAMP:20260826T163120Z CREATED:20260826T163009Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260826T163120Z UID:10002247-1789653600-1789657200@queerchamber.ca SUMMARY:FAM Workshop: Building Joint Agreements and Collaborative Pitches DESCRIPTION:Most suppliers hit a ceiling where the next contract is bigger than they can deliver alone. Partnership is how you get past it\, and this is a hands-on hour spent doing exactly that. \n\n\n\nEveryone starts from the same anonymized real opportunity\, so a solopreneur and a fifteen-person firm are on common ground from minute one. A short opening covers the ways suppliers team up and the language buyers use\, so no prior session or experience is needed to take part. \n\n\n\nFrom there you will complete a partner fit screen live\, covering capability gap\, risk tolerance\, delivery standards and exit terms\, and keep it for any future partner conversation. In small groups you will build a joint capability statement against the scenario\, then review another group’s work against a short rubric weighted toward the thing buyers care about most: does this read as one cohesive solution\, or three firms stapled together? \n\n\n\nThe last stretch is the part most partnerships skip until it is too late. Scope splits. Revenue splits. Whose name goes first. What happens when the client wants to hire only one of you next year. \n\n\n\nThe breakout structure doubles as partner discovery. You meet other members with something concrete in front of you rather than a networking prompt. URL:https://queerchamber.ca/event/fam-workshop-building-joint-agreements-collaborative-pitches/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://queerchamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/Marketing-APR-EN.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260923T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260925T150000 DTSTAMP:20260828T173100Z CREATED:20260828T171819Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260828T173100Z UID:10002242-1790164800-1790348400@queerchamber.ca SUMMARY:IP Bootcamp for 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurs – 2026 DESCRIPTION:The Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC) Call Out for Participants: IP Bootcamp for 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurs – 2026 \n\n\n\nAre you a 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneur looking to strengthen your business by protecting your intellectual property (IP)? The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)\, in partnership with The Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC)\, is excited to offer a free virtual Intellectual Property (IP) Bootcamp designed specifically for 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs. This program will equip you with the tools\, knowledge\, and hands-on experience to protect your business innovations and take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level. \n\n\n\nWhat’s in it for you?\n\n\n\nThis five-session interactive bootcamp will empower you to: \n\n\n\n\nDevelop a robust IP strategy tailored to your business needs.\n\n\n\nLearn about current IP funding opportunities at various business stages.\n\n\n\nUnderstand how to properly apply for IP funding and use it to grow your business.\n\n\n\nExplore the importance of IP protection as you scale your business\n\n\n\n\nTarget Audience and Selection Criteria\n\n\n\nThis opportunity is designed for 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs who: \n\n\n\n\nAre at the IP strategy development stage.\n\n\n\nHave a basic understanding of intellectual property.\n\n\n\nAre looking to deepen their IP knowledge and apply it to grow their business\n\n\n\n\nWhat’s the format?\n\n\n\n\nThe program will run from September 23 to 25\, 2026\, from (12:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. ET) – in English. For French dates\, click here.\n\n\n\nThe bootcamp will be offered virtually (Microsoft Teams)\, and geographic representation from across Canada will be considered as part of the selection criteria.\n\n\n\nParticipants will be required to complete preparatory homework\, including meeting with a CIPO IP Advisor and reviewing CIPO’s online video on the six steps for developing an IPStrategy.\n\n\n\n\nHow to Apply\n\n\n\nCQCC will shortlist 15-20 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs who meet the target audience criteria. CIPO will then select the final 5-10 participants based on the best fit for the program. \n\n\n\nTo apply\, fill out the candidate information form below. We’re excited to help you level up your IP knowledge and advance your entrepreneurial journey! \n\n\n\n\nApply here\n\n\n\n\nWhy participate?\n\n\n\n\nGain practical IP skills and tools to protect your innovations.\n\n\n\nAccess valuable insights from experts in the field of IP.\n\n\n\nGrow your business with a strategic understanding of IP opportunities. \n\n\n\n\nThis is a pilot project with limited spots\, so don’t miss this unique opportunity to invest in your business’s future. URL:https://queerchamber.ca/event/ip-bootcamp-2slgbtqi-entrepreneurs-2026/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://queerchamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/CIPO-Bootcamp-EN.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260924T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260924T150000 DTSTAMP:20260729T185110Z CREATED:20260729T180025Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260729T185110Z UID:10002241-1790258400-1790262000@queerchamber.ca SUMMARY:The Connection Café: Your monthly blend that brews networks\, and big ideas DESCRIPTION:The Connection Café: Your monthly blend that brews networks\, and big ideas \n\n\n\nJoin us on Thursday\, September 24th 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-3/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://queerchamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/EN_Connection-Cafe-Sept-2026.png ORGANIZER;CN="Andrew Charles Edwards (ACE)":MAILTO:andrew@designace.ca END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR