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Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC) Launches New Brand to Champion Queer Entrepreneurs Nationwide 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Toronto, ON – October 22, 2025  

The Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC) proudly announces its rebrand from Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), marking a pivotal moment in its two-decade mission to represent and support the full diversity of Canada’s queer business community.

Why the Change? 

“We’re rebranding from CGLCC to the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC) to better reflect the diversity of the queer business community we serve and to connect more meaningfully with 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs who haven’t always seen themselves represented in traditional chambers of commerce,” said Darrell Schuurman, Chief Executive Officer of CQCC. 

Language matters. The term “Queer” embraces the full spectrum of identities, industries, and experiences CQCC represents. This rebrand expands the tent—welcoming everyone from side-hustlers and consultants to established business owners. CQCC is here to ensure every queer entrepreneur sees a place for themselves in our programming and within Canada’s broader queer business ecosystem.

Why Now?  

Despite progress made, too many queer entrepreneurs still face barriers—from accessing capital to feeling safe being out in business settings. Rising anti-queer sentiment at home and abroad makes visibility and leadership more critical than ever. This rebrand sends a clear message: queer businesses are essential to Canada’s economy. 

  • Queer entrepreneurs deserve visibility: Many 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs still feel pressure to hide parts of themselves in professional spaces. CQCC exists to change that.
  • This moment needs leadership: We refuse to be silent or invisible in the face of growing outside pressures.
  • We’re investing in the future: This rebrand is a commitment to centring queer entrepreneurs in Canada’s economic future. The new brand is designed to resonate with entrepreneurs not traditionally seen or represented in chambers of commerce, while deepening our relationships with established queer business leaders.
  • We’ve launched a new membership tier: The FAM is a new, low-barrier, high-impact entry point program designed to welcome more 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs into the chamber’s ecosystem.

We’re evolving to ensure every queer entrepreneur sees themselves reflected—and supported—within CQCC. 

About CQCC  

The Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce is Canada’s leading advocate for queer-owned businesses and 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs. Through networking, education, and advocacy, CQCC works to ensure queer businesses thrive and can continue contributing to a stronger, more inclusive Canadian economy. 

Media Contact:  

Julie-Léonora Kesch  
Director of Marketing & Communications, CQCC 
julie-leonora.kesch@queerchamber.ca