Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC)

[FLASH WARNING] Big news! Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) is now Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC). Why the change? Because language matters—and “Queer” reflects the full diversity of entrepreneurs we serve. This rebrand expands the tent, welcoming everyone from side-hustlers to seasoned business leaders. We’ve also just launched our newest membership program, The FAM. This new, low-barrier, high-impact entry point program has been designed to welcome more 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs into our ecosystem, especially those who have not always felt seen or represented in traditional chamber memerships or programs. In a time of rising anti-queer sentiment, visibility and leadership matter more than ever. CQCC is here to ensure every queer entrepreneur sees a place for themselves in Canada’s economic future. New name. Same mission. Bigger impact. Learn more & join The FAM: queerchamber.ca (link in bio)

May 17 is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia. At CQCC, we know that inclusion fuels innovation—and that more equitable access to support, community, capital, and training helps 2SLGBTQI+ businesses and entrepreneurs thrive. Yet too many queer entrepreneurs continue to face systemic barriers that limit opportunity and growth, simply because of their identities. That’s why we’re committed to advancing inclusion in business through advocacy, partnerships, and programs that open doors, amplify voices, and strengthen representation across Canada’s economy. When 2SLGBTQI+ businesses thrive, our communities become stronger, more resilient, and more innovative. Join us in building a future where inclusion and access in business are not the exception—but the standard. #IDAHOBIT FR : Le 17 mai est la Journée internationale contre l’homophobie, la biphobie, l'interphobie, et la transphobie. À la CCQC, nous savons que l’inclusion stimule l’innovation — et qu’un accès plus équitable au soutien, à la communauté, aux capitaux et à la formation permet aux entreprises et aux personnes entrepreneures 2ELGBTQI+ de s’épanouir. Pourtant, trop d’entrepreneur.e.s queers continuent de faire face à des obstacles systémiques qui freinent les possibilités et la croissance, simplement à cause de leur identité.    C’est pourquoi nous nous engageons à faire progresser l’inclusion dans le monde des affaires grâce à la défense des droits, aux partenariats et à des programmes qui ouvrent des portes, amplifient les voix et renforcent la représentation à travers l’économie canadienne. Lorsque les entreprises 2ELGBTQI+ prospèrent, nos communautés deviennent plus fortes, plus résilientes et plus innovantes.   Continuons à bâtir avons nous un avenir où l’inclusion et l’accès dans le monde des affaires ne sont pas l’exception — mais la norme. #IDAHOBIT

Join the second workshop in the Built To Be Seen series, led by creative-industry expert, Charles McFarland! Get into the nitty gritty with brand positioning to help you nail your "differentiated promise" using the actual language your client community uses. Building on takeaways from the first session, learn how to turn messaging into reusable content assets that stop the back-and-forth and make saying "yes" easier for your clients. Come curious, leave empowered! Register now: link in bio. This workshop series is presented in partnership with Inside Out Festival and Fondation Massimadi. Workshop attendees will be entered for a chance to win free tickets to their programming in May and October 2026! FR : Participez au 2ᵉ atelier de la série Crée pour rayonner, animée par l’expert de l’industrie créative Charles McFarland! Entrez dans le concret du positionnement de marque afin de définir clairement votre « promesse distinctive », en utilisant le langage réel de votre communauté de client.e.s. En vous appuyant sur les apprentissages de la première séance, découvrez comment transformer votre message en contenu réutilisable, pour réduire les allers-retours et faciliter le « oui » de votre clientèle. Inscrivez-vous dès maintenant : lien en bio. Cette série est présentée en partenariat avec Inside Out Festival et Fondation Massimadi. Les participant.e.s courent la chance de gagner des billets gratuits pour leur programmation en mai et en octobre 2026!

Share Your Expertise. Shape A Business: Become an OUT For Business Mentor! We’re inviting 2SLGBTQI+ mentors and business leaders to share their expertise and help shape the future of queer-led businesses in our nationally recognized mentorship program’s 2026-2027 cohort! As an OUT For Business mentor, you’ll support emerging 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs, strengthen your leadership and coaching skills, and connect with a dynamic network of innovators across the country. Mentor applications are open until August 17, 2026. Ready to make an impact? Join us and help shape the future of inclusive entrepreneurship in Canada: link in bio. FR : Partagez votre expertise. Façonnez une entreprise : devenez un.e mentor.e ! Nous invitons les leaders du monde des affaires 2ELGBTQI+ à partager leur expertise et à contribuer à façonner l’avenir des entreprises dirigées par des personnes queer pour notre programme de mentorat reconnu à l’échelle nationale. Soutenez les gestionnaires 2ELGBTQI+ émergentes, renforcez vos compétences en leadership et en coaching, et connectez-vous à un réseau dynamique de personnes innovantes à travers le pays. Les candidatures sont ouvertes jusqu’au 17 août 2026. Prêt.e à faire une différence ? Rejoignez-nous dés maintenant : lien en bio.

Elevate the Rainbow is back on June 18! 🌈⁠ ⁠ This Pride Toronto Major Cultural Event celebrates queer and allied small businesses. Presented by INspired Media, OQCC, and CQCC, the event features a Pride Pop-Up Marketplace bringing vendors, entrepreneurs, and community members together in the Distillery Historic District. ⁠ If you’re a queer or allied small business looking to table, this is a great opportunity to showcase your work, meet new people, and be part of a vibrant Pride event!⁠ ⁠ 📅 June 18, 2026⁠ 🕒 Pride Pop-Up: 3:00–7:30 PM⁠ 📍 Archeo, Distillery Historic District⁠ 🎟️ Free to attend⁠ ⁠ Interested in tabling? Email [email protected] and mention OQCC referred you.⁠ ⁠ Learn more by clicking the link in our bio!⁠ ⁠ #OQCC #ElevateTheRainbow #PrideToronto #QueerBusiness #LGBTQBusiness #QueerEntrepreneurs #TorontoEvents #SmallBusinessOntario

WHEN the rainbow is it?!? ! Hey Toronto! ELEVATE the RAINBOW is back! THURSDAY JUNE 18th, 3-7:39PM! FREE TO ATTEND! The 2nd Annual ELEVATE the RAINBOW, a 2026 Pride Toronto Major Cultural Event, is presented by The Pink Pages Directory®, Ontario Queer Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce, Pride Toronto, and The Distillery Restaurants Corp. This Toronto event celebrates queer‑owned and allied small businesses in a vibrant environment which includes a Pride Pop‑Up marketplace, workshops, speakers, facilitated networking sessions—and an evening Pride Business Cocktail Reception in the Distillery District. 🗓️ June 18, 2026 📍 Archeo, 31 Trinity Square—Distillery District, Toronto, ON ⏰️ Pride Pop‑Up: 3:00–7:30 PM (FREE & open to all) | Business Cocktail Reception: 7:30 PM 💼 Businesses interested in participating as vendors, workshop facilitators, or speakers can get in touch at [email protected]. Learn more: thepinkpagesdirectory.com/elevate/ @oqcc.ca @queerchamberca 🎥 background visuals snagged from @theinsidertoronto (follow them!) #queer #2slgbtqia #gay #event

Join us on June 18, 2026, for a celebration of the queer and allied business community! CQCC is proud to be an event partner for the 2nd Annual ELEVATE the RAINBOW, presented by The Pink Pages Directory, alongside the Ontario Queer Chamber of Commerce (OQCC). Interested in participating as a vendor, having a reception table, or sponsorship? Check out the form in our bio, or email [email protected]. FR : Joignez‑vous à nous le 18 juin 2026 pour célébrer la vitalité des entreprises queer et alliées! La CQCC est fière d’être partenaire événementiel de la 2e édition annuelle d’ELEVATE the RAINBOW, présentée par The Pink Pages Directory, en collaboration avec la Chambre de commerce queer de l’Ontario (OQCC). Intéressé.e à participer comme marchand.e, tenir une table de réception ou devenir commanditaire? Cliquez le lien en bio, ou écrivez [email protected].

NOMINATIONS END APRIL 30TH for our 2026 INSPIRE Awards 💜 Ceremony! Honouring inspiring work by the leaders, dreamers, artists, and innovators making a difference in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We are especially seeking nominations in the following categories: •Youth of the Year •Lifetime Achievement •Charles Roy Award for Activism in HIV/AIDS Nominate who inspires you in the following additional categories: Person of the Year, Inspiring Community Organization, Positive Business, LUX Award for the Arts,l, Innovator of the Year, and Canada’s Person on the Year! www.inspireawards.ca/nominate INSPIRE Awards is sponsored by TikTok and presented by Community Partners: The Pink Pages Directory®, Pride Toronto, Rainbow Railroad, Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce, Fife House, Ontario Queer Chamber of Commerce, Black CAP, Aliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention, and Toronto Trans Alliance

We’re so excited to share that our Engagement Manager, Hanna Haddad, will be taking part in @startupcanada Ask the Expert | Startup Growth Strategies session in Halifax! Ready to take your business to the next level? Join this session to learn from Hanna, and other industry experts, taking place at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 on April 29 at 1:15pm. Entrepreneurs will have the chance to sit at dedicated tables for focused discussions on scaling their businesses, building high-performing teams, leveraging cutting-edge technology, and crafting impactful marketing strategies. Connect with professionals who can provide actionable insights to help you overcome challenges and seize new growth opportunities! Get 30% off of your Startup Pass or General Admission Pass with the code: HANNA30. Learn more: link in bio.

This morning, in partnership with @queerchamberca , we hosted leaders in Ottawa to explore how inclusive AI and entrepreneurship can strengthen Canada’s innovation economy. As AI reshapes how Canada builds and competes, who gets to shape these systems is becoming an economic question, not just a social one. Thank you to The Honourable Evan Solomon (@evanljsolomon ), Maria Collins, David Beauchemin, Lisa Gibson, and Natasha Hope Morano for joining this important conversation. During the event, ​​we also shared an early look at new research on responsible AI and 2SLGBTQI+ outcomes as part of our QT Inclusive AI initiative. Read more via the link in our bio 🔗 Photographer: @emilieaguacate 📸 #QueeringTech #QueerTech #QTInclusiveAI #AINews ____ Ce matin, en partenariat avec @queerchamberca , nous avons accueilli des leaders à Ottawa afin d’examiner comment une IA inclusive et l’entrepreneuriat peuvent renforcer l’économie de l’innovation au Canada. Alors que l’IA redéfinit la manière dont le Canada se développe et se positionne face à la concurrence, la question de savoir qui façonne ces systèmes devient un enjeu économique, et non plus seulement social. Merci à l’honorable Evan Solomon (@evanljsolomon ), à Maria Collins, à David Beauchemin, à Lisa Gibson et à Natasha Hope Morano d’avoir pris part à cette importante discussion. Au cours de l’événement, nous avons également présenté en avant-première les résultats d’une nouvelle étude sur l’IA responsable et ses répercussions sur la communauté 2SLGBTQI+, dans le cadre de notre initiative QT IA Inclusive. En savoir plus via le lien dans notre bio 🔗 Photographe : @emilieaguacate 📸 #QueeringTech QueerTech QTIAInclusive IANouvelles

Have you been DIY-ing your growth, maxing out personal credit cards, or skipping your own paycheque because you think grants are “just for non-profits”? This 60-minute session with Vanessa Burns, GPC, is your wake-up call. Learn what types of grants are available to for-profit businesses, how to assess your eligibility, where to find relevant opportunities, and how to prepare a strong application. Leave with clearer direction, practical next steps, and greater confidence to pursue funding that supports your growth rather than hinders it. 📅 Wednesday, May 6, 2026 🕗 2–3pm ET 🔗 Link in bio. FR : Vous financez votre croissance à coups de bricolage, de cartes de crédit personnelles ou en reportant votre propre paie, simplement parce que vous croyez que les subventions sont réservées aux organismes sans but lucratif ? Cette séance avec Vanessa Burns, GPC, pourrait transformer votre approche du financement. Vous y découvrirez quelles subventions sont accessibles aux entreprises à but lucratif, comment vérifier votre admissibilité, où trouver les bonnes occasions et comment bâtir une demande solide. Vous repartirez avec une vision plus claire, des pistes concrètes et la confiance nécessaire pour obtenir un financement qui soutient réellement votre croissance. 📅 mercredi le 6 mai 2026 🕗 14h–15h HE 🔗 Lien en bio.

Calling all Halifax Entrepreneurs! The #StartupCanadaTour is making its way to the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 on April 29, 2026 ✈️🇨🇦 As entrepreneurs navigate rising costs, emerging technologies, and an increasingly complex business landscape, now is the time to get ahead, adapt, and thrive. This full-day event with @startupcanada is packed with expert talks, hands-on workshops, and high-impact networking—all designed to help you navigate challenges and scale your business. CQCC is proud to be an event partner on this tour: don't miss this incredible opportunity to take your business to the next level! Register now: link in bio.