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Global

Canada’s Gateway to Inclusive Global Commerce.

We’re proud to work alongside the Canadian Government to drive inclusive, international development that opens doors for 2SLGBTQI+ businesses and entrepreneurs worldwide. By uniting Canada’s extensive reach in global markets with our commitment to supporting Canadian businesses, we can offer tailored capacity-building programs, mentorship opportunities, and access to vital trade networks. Together, we identify growth sectors, facilitate cross-border partnerships, and help these innovators navigate the complexities of exporting into new regions. This collaboration ensures they have the knowledge, resources, and support needed to flourish in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

NEW TRADE MISSIONS ANNOUNCED!

(registration only) 

CQCC will host a series of domestic and international Trade Missions (to Toronto, Japan/Taiwan, France, Brazil/Colombia, Halifax) from now through the end of March 2026.

Where available Delegates will join a mix of curated B2B matchmaking, market briefings, trade fair-style showcases, conferences, and high-value networking with SMEs and corporate buyers.

Eligible participants may qualify for 50% reimbursement for:

  • Economy roundtrip airfare
  • Per diem towards meals and accommodation (roughly $250 per day)
  • Reduced registration costs/Promo rates for hotel and airfare as available
  • Participants can join multiple Trade Missions: please only apply to missions you are able to join if accepted.
*Register for these Trade Missions now!

*NOTE: Completing this registrant application form does not guarantee you access to participate in these Trade Missions, or any other CQCC events. The final delegation of attendees will be determined at the sole discretion of CQCC in consultation with relevant partners.

Global Program at CQCC: Your Gateway to International Growth

With Canada’s incredible business potential, the world is full of opportunities for LGBTQ+ Certified suppliers ready to expand beyond our borders. That’s why CQCC, with the generous support of Export Development Canada (EDC) as our Global Program Sponsor, is proud to help Canadian businesses go global. 

We offer a Export Readiness Training Program—a 4-6-week modular course designed to give you the knowledge, skills, and connections you need to explore global markets. As part of a cohort of like-minded business leaders, you’ll learn the fundamentals of exporting, gain insights from industry experts, and build a support network that continues long after the program ends.

But our commitment to your success doesn’t stop there. CQCC regularly conducts trade missions around the world, having successfully visited the United States, the European Union, Brazil, Mexico, and more. We connect you with international chambers of commerce and organizations eager to partner with Canadian businesses. Our resources, events, and partner connections give you insider knowledge on international trends, direct access to market experts, and the chance to meet key decision-makers who can help propel your business forward.

Click here to check out an example of how we promote Canadian businesses during our Trade Missions.

In partnership with the Government of Canada, CQCC led Canada’s first-ever international LGBT trade mission in 2019, proudly showcasing Canada’s commitment to being at the forefront of expanding global opportunities for all.

Canadian SME’s offer tremendous business solutions and partnership opportunities, and together there is no limit to what can be achieved.  

CQCC is committed to collaborative international development

Over the years, we have worked with partners in Thailand and India, and we are currently teaming up with partner organizations in Colombia and Latin America to cultivate stronger economic and social ties that support economic inclusion globally.  By forging alliances, bridging knowledge gaps, and sharing best practices, CQCC fosters inclusive economic growth that uplifts Canadian businesses worldwide. CQCC is a proud multi-year partner in the ACT Together For Inclusion Fund (ACTIF) and organizational partner of Dignity Network Canada.

Check out some of our recent trade missions

Contact us

Connect with CQCC’s Global Team to learn more about how we can help you go global.

Cass Elliott He/Him
Manager, Global
+1 (866) 300 7556 ext. 113
cass.elliott@queerchamber.ca

Oscar Andrade He/Him
Administrator, Global
+1 (866) 300 7556 ext. 133
oscar.andrade@queerchamber.ca

Meet our global partners

Our international network is on the rise.

By connecting Canadian 2SLGBTQI+ enterprises to a global network of other LGBT+ chambers of commerce, governments, corporate partners and individuals, CQCC helps you access international opportunities. Through collaborative agreements, we make it easier for our members to seek procurement opportunities around the world.

International network of 2SLGBTQI+ chambers of commerce

Argentina: Camara de Comercio Gay Lesbica Argentina

Australia: GLOBE – Gay and Lesbian Organization of Business and Enterprise

Brazil : Câmara de Comércio Lésbica, Gay, Bisexual e Transgênera Brasileira

Central & Eastern Europe: East Meets West

Colombia : Cámara de Comerciantes LGBT de Colombia

Costa Rica : Cámara de Comercio Diversa Costa Rica

Dominican Republic : Cámara de Comercio LGBT de la República Dominicana

India : RWS: India’s Diverse Chamber of Commerce

Italy : Italian GLBT Business Chamber

Jamaica : Jamaica Association of Diverse Businesses

Mexico : Federación Mexicana de Empresarios

Scandinavia : Scandinavian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

South Africa: PLUS – LGBT+ Business Network

Uruguay: Cámara de Comercio & Negocios LGBT de Uruguay

United States: NGLCC – National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

Collaborative agreements

East Meets West* (Central & Eastern Europe)

Cámara de Comerciantes LGBT de Colombia

Cámara de Comercio Diversa Costa Rica

Cámara de Comercio LGBT de la República Dominicana

Federación Mexicana de Empresarios

Scandinavian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce**

National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (United States)

OutBritain (Britain)

OutScotland (Scotland)

*  Member countries include: Albania, Austria, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Kosovo, Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine

** Member countries include: Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.

Thank you to Export Development Canada (EDC), our Global Program partner.