The CQCC has continued to increase its programs throughout its 20 years, offering support and resources in response to the ongoing needs of the 2SLGBTQI+ business community. The Global Program<\/a> and OUT For Business Youth Entrepreneurship<\/a> initiative were both launched in 2017 and continue to offer opportunities for 2SLGBTQI+ businesses and individuals to grow and expand knowledge and networks. These programs provide access and support to 2SLGBTQI+ businesses at critical points in their journey – from formation, to scale-up and possible international expansion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first 2SLGBTQI+ trade mission, an inaugural one for CQCC\u2019s Global Program in 2018, brought 15 Certified Suppliers to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The government-led trade mission that included The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification further enabled these 2SLGBTQI+ businesses to access global markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additional trade missions have brought greater business and international trade exposure for CQCC\u2019s members and global supporters – with missions to Florida (2019) and Nevada (2022), Colorado (2023) in the US, Colombia (2021-virtual), and a more recent mission to the European Union and United Kingdom (2023). In August 2023, CQCC was awarded Global Affiliate Chamber<\/a> of the Year by NGLCC<\/a> in Denver, USA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEverything we\u2019ve built out has been with a mission of supporting the economic empowerment of the 2SLGBTQI+ community,\u201d explains McDonald. \u201cIn the early days it was Darrell and I as volunteers. I am so proud of what Darrell and team CQCC have built in the past few years, along with our amazing board of directors and many corporate and government partners.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Starting with the Supplier Diversity program, everything CQCC has done has been strategic, explains Schuurman. \u201cSeeing young entrepreneurs as the future built the OUT For Business mentorship program to support them. We are constantly asking ourselves \u2018how can we best support our members and stakeholders?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Schuurman points to various 2SLGBTQI+ businesses who have continued to find long-term benefits and opportunities in CQCC\u2019s programs. \u201cWe have entrepreneurs who came in via OUT For Business<\/a>; we supported them along the journey to help them grow and become certified, then we opened the doors to enter the international marketplace!\u201d Schuurman excitedly explains. \u201cWhen I hear these stories, when entrepreneurs say CQCC has helped them – they\u2019ve expanded their businesses, they\u2019ve made it through COVID, and are now increasing staffing and scaling up – it feels good to know we are making a difference for and with these businesses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The CQCC marked a new milestone by launching the Rainbow Registered accreditation program<\/a> in June 2021,Canada’s national accreditation for 2SLGBTQI+ safe and welcoming spaces. This distinctive program emphasizes Canada’s dedication to promoting inclusivity across diverse sectors. By choosing Rainbow Registered businesses and organizations<\/a>, one directly supports spaces championing diversity and inclusion, creating a safer environment for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCQCC goes Global<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nStrategically building a supported future<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Major events and amazing growth ahead<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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