How did a passion to create and share delicious plant-based cheeses turn into an internationally distributed business? Learn how queer entrepreneur Margaret Coons, founder and CEO of Nuts For Cheese, scaled up her business with the CQCC Supplier Diversity Program.
THE BACK STORY
It all started in 2015 at a farmer’s market in London, Ontario.
While working as a vegan chef, Margaret Coons had begun experimenting with nuts and seeds to create creamy, plant-based cheeses. When she introduced a vegan cheese board to the restaurant menu, it quickly became a popular menu item.
Restaurant customers loved Margaret’s cashew-based cheese so much that they wanted to purchase it to enjoy at home.
And so Margaret started spending her evenings crafting cheese in a shared kitchen. She spent her weekends at the farmers market, growing a local fanbase of non-dairy and dairy cheese lovers alike.
THE CHALLENGE
When several stores asked to stock her plant-based cheeses on their shelves, Margaret realized she was on to something. But going from direct sales to retail was a big step, and doors didn’t open easily.
Finding distribution is a huge challenge for any small business, but for a queer-owned and operated venture, the barriers are extra high.
Procurement is still a male dominated industry, and many of the relationships are legacies of yesteryear. That makes it hard for a queer entrepreneur to get into the right rooms and be part of important conversations.
Margaret continued growing her business through health food stores and consumer product shows. When she finally found a small distributor in Ontario, Nuts For Cheese was already in more than 60 stores.
But the next step was elusive. How to scale up?
THE SOLUTION
To scale up her business, Margaret needed access to a larger network. Then in 2017, Nuts For Cheese became a Certified Supplier with the CQCC and everything changed.
Becoming a Certified Supplier expanded Margaret’s reach and support networks. It helped her get into the rooms she needed to be in to make larger distribution deals for her company.
Nuts For Cheese landed distribution across Canada, and even broke through south of the border. Now, in addition to Canadian markets, Nuts For Cheese products are sold in all 50 American states and even select stores across the Caribbean.
THE DIFFERENCE
For Margaret, it’s all about community.
“Community is SO important for queer entrepreneurs,” she says. “The community that CQCC has created is so welcoming and supportive. Becoming part of it really was a game changer.”
The best part? Support from CQCC is ongoing and totally adaptable.
As Margaret continued to scale up her business, she began attracting external funders. She was so successful that she no longer qualified as a certified supplier. But CQCC was still there for her, and in 2022 Nuts For Cheese became a Rainbow Registered business instead.
Then, in 2025 when Nuts For Cheese faced Trump’s tariff threats, the CQCC was there to support Margaret and help her navigate the shifting landscape for suppliers doing business south of the border.
The Supplier Diversity program is a doorway into a community that’s here to support 2SLGBTQI+ businesses and help them succeed, and celebrate that success, too.
In 2023, Margaret won both the CQCC Business of the Year and Exporter of the Year awards. She described the win as “a big celebration” of the journey she’s been on with CQCC.
THE OPPORTUNITY
So what makes the CQCC Supplier Diversity program so special?
It connects certified LGBTQ+ businesses with inclusive organizations that recognize the social and economic benefits of diversifying their supply chains.
Some of these corporations are actively trying to diversify their supply chains with new suppliers. They want to work with you!
By certifying LGBTQ+ businesses and connecting them to inclusive organizations, the CQCC is helping to create a more level playing field in the corporate supply world.
So, what would Margaret say to a queer entrepreneur who’s considering getting involved with the CQCC?
“The Supplier Diversity program helps move your business forward with structured support. It gives you access to a network of distributors, helps you build business contacts, and creates visibility for your brand. And there are lots of other awesome CQCC programs to consider too, like the FAM and Rainbow Registered programs. Check them out!”
THE TAKEAWAY
The CQCC Supplier Diversity program helps elevate LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs by:
- Certifying your business (if it is 51% LGBTQ+ owned)
- Helping you find suppliers who are actively looking to diversify their supply chains
- Connecting you to tools and support to help you achieve your goals
- Welcoming you to a community that is safe and supportive
“Community is SO important for queer entrepreneurs.”
— Margaret Coons, Founder & CEO, Nuts For Cheese
