CCQC: Chambre de commerce queer du Canada

La FAM : Événement de lancement
2025-10-22 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto)
Participez à l’événement de lancement de la FAM : le nouveau niveau d’adhésion de la CQCC pour les entrepreneurs 2ELGBTQI+

Nous nous réunissons à Toronto pour célébrer le lancement officiel de The FAM, notre tout nouveau niveau d’adhésion créé par et pour les professionnels 2ELGBTQI+, et nous voulons que vous soyez là avec nous !

L’événement de lancement promet une célébration de la connexion, de l’innovation et de nouvelles opportunités pour tous les membres de la communauté 2ELGBTQI+.

Inscrivez-vous ci-dessous et soyez parmi les premiers à découvrir comment The FAM peut vous aider à développer votre entreprise, à élargir votre réseau et à amplifier votre impact.

À quoi s’attendre

Cette soirée de réseautage et de célébration comprendra quelques mots de notre PDG, Darrell Schuurman, sur les prochaines étapes pour le CQCC et le programme FAM à l’aube de la fin de 2025 et au-delà.

Présentation des avantages et des ressources offerts par l’entremise du MAF, y compris l’accès anticipé aux outils qui seront offerts dans le cadre du programme.

Les participants auront l’occasion de rencontrer d’autres entrepreneurs et professionnels 2ELGBTQI+ dans un espace conçu pour célébrer et soutenir leur travail.

Pour aider à susciter des liens significatifs, nous organiserons un bingo de réseautage pour vous aider à rencontrer d’autres participants.

De plus, nous aurons un mur de discussion où vous pourrez partager vos espoirs et vos objectifs autour de l’entrepreneuriat, du CQCC et de votre propre parcours – il suffit de prendre un post-it et d’ajouter votre voix à la conversation.

Des rafraîchissements légers seront fournis.

Détails de l’événement :

Heure et date : Mercredi 22 octobre | 18 h à 20 hLieu : Galerie 1888, 225, chemin Sterling #20, Toronto (Ontario) M6R 2B2Accessibilité: La galerie est accessible en fauteuil roulant ; Il y a une rampe qui monte deux marches à l’extérieur du site et une rampe qui descend trois marches à l’intérieur du site.

Qu’est-ce que la FAM ?

+ FAM est le plus récent niveau d’adhésion de la CQCC !

+ Il s’agit d’un réseau professionnel national visant à renforcer l’entrepreneuriat queer par le biais de ressources, d’opportunités de réseautage et d’inclusion dans l’écosystème de la CQCC.

+ FAM élargit les offres du programme de diversité des fournisseurs de la CQCC pour offrir une adhésion inclusive et à faible barrière axée sur le réseautage communautaire.

À qui s’adresse-t-il ?

+ Tous les entrepreneurs 2ELGBTQI+, des pigistes aux entrepreneurs, en passant par les entrepreneurs qui détiennent de 1 à 100 % de leur entreprise.

+ Pour ceux qui apprécient d’avoir une communauté professionnelle queer solide, mais qui n’apprécient pas la certification Diversité des fournisseurs et/ou qui ne sont pas (encore) en mesure d’obtenir la certification Diversité des fournisseurs.

The Connection Café: Your monthly blend that brews networks, and big ideas
2025-10-23 14:00 - 15:00
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.

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.

Le Sales Lab : une IA éthique et efficace dans votre entreprise
2025-11-13 14:00 - 15:00
Vous avez entendu l’expression « s’adapter ou mourir » et nous ne voulons pas être dramatiques, mais c’est la même chose dans le monde des affaires. Qu’on l’aime ou qu’on la déteste, l’IA est là, et les entreprises qui ne s’adaptent pas deviendront rapidement inutiles et mourront. Aïe!

Rejoignez cette discussion de groupe animée par Lindsay Johnson, alias The Radical Connector, et allons…

Explorez l’aspect éthique de l’intégration de l’IA dans votre entreprise

Votre propre analyse SWOT de l’IA pour vous assurer que votre entreprise ne devient pas obsolète

Comment utiliser l’IA dans les opérations et la livraison aux clients de votre entreprise

Partagez vos préoccupations, vos idées et la façon dont vous explorez actuellement l’IA dans votre entreprise

Bonus : nous vous enverrons une feuille de calcul avec les coordonnées de chacun et les personnes que vous souhaitez rencontrer afin que vous puissiez rester en contact et explorer ensemble les partenariats de collaboration et de référence !

CQCC Trade Mission to Mexico City
2025-11-17 08:00 - 2025-11-21 17:00
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
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 u0026amp; Principal Consultant

Ivy + Dean Consulting

Risa Payant (she/her)

Chief Operations Officer u0026amp; Principal Consultant

Ivy + Dean Consulting

Le Connection Café : Votre mélange mensuel qui brasse des réseaux et de grandes idées
2025-12-04 14:00 - 15:00
Joignez-vous à nous le jeudi 4 décembre de 14 h à 15 h (HE) pour une heure vibrante de réseautage intentionnel, de visibilité authentique et de nombreux moments « omg, pareil ! » avec d’autres entrepreneurs et acteurs du changement 2ELGBTQI+. Cette séance sera animée par le seul et unique Andrew ACE Edwards de DesignACE.

Que vous veniez pour partager une nouvelle idée, trouver votre prochain partenaire créatif ou que vous souhaitiez simplement vibrer en communauté, cet espace est fait pour vous. Attendez-vous à des introductions significatives, à des amorces de conversation ludiques et à de l’espace pour célébrer vos victoires et partager ce sur quoi vous travaillez. Pensez : l’énergie du réseautage rapide avec la profondeur d’un cœur à cœur.

CQCC members only – Meet-Up: Calgary
2025-12-16 18:00 - 20:00
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 TBD.

Register below.

2026 EY/CQCC Pitch Competition
2026-02-19 13:00 - 14:00
Chambre de commerce queer du Canada, 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
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 TBD.

Virtual One-on-One Matchmaking (Members Only)
2026-02-24 12:00 - 18:00
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
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
