CGLCC

The Connection Café: Your monthly blend that brews networks, and big ideas
2025-12-04 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto)
Join us on Thursday, December 4th from 2–3 PM ET for a vibrant hour of intentional networking, authentic visibility, and plenty of “omg, same!” moments with fellow 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs and changemakers. This session will be hosted by the one and only Andrew ACE Edwards of DesignACE.

Whether you’re coming to share a new idea, find your next creative partner, or just want to vibe in community, this space is for you. Expect meaningful intros, playful conversation starters, and room to celebrate your wins and share what you’re working on. Think: the energy of speed networking with the depth of a heart-to-heart.

CGLCC members only - Meet-Up: Calgary
2025-12-16 18:00 - 20:00
We’re thrilled to announce a brand-new initiative designed to bring our community closer than ever before. For the first time, the CGLCC is hosting a series of casual, non-programmed regional meetups across Canada!

This is your opportunity to connect with fellow members, forge new relationships, and grow your network in a relaxed, local setting. Forget the formal presentations and structured agendas—these events are all about building authentic connections and supporting the vibrant local businesses that make our communities shine.

Whether you’re an established business owner, a budding entrepreneur, or a corporate leader, these meetups are the perfect way to expand your network and celebrate the power of our diverse community.

After a successful first session in Montréal in October, we’re happy to come to bring the energy to Calgary on Tuesday, December 16th, 2025, 6:00 – 8:00 PM MT. Location TBD.

Register below.

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First name *Surname *Email *Job title *Organisation *Company websiteIndustry *City *Other *What is your membership status with CGLCC? *Certified SupplierRainbow RegisteredNational Associate MemberOUT For BusinessCorporate PartnerEcosystem Fund RecipientCommunity Partner / Regional AffiliateCGLCC staff / Board memberOtherSelect all that applyIs your SME owned and managed by an equity-deserving group that has been served? *2SLGBTQI+WomenVisible minoritiesIndigenous PersonsYouthPersons with disabilitiesN/ASelect all that applyAre you from a rural, remote, or northern community? *YesNoAre you a 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneur? *YesNoIf you have any accessibility requests, please mention belowWe will try out best to accommodate your needs.Submit

2026 EY/CGLCC Pitch Competition
2026-02-19 13:00 - 14:00
Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with EY, invites CGLCC’s certified suppliers and OUT for Business entrepreneurs to participate in the 2024 Virtual EY Pitch Series. This series comprises three Pitch Sessions throughout the year, offering selected participants the opportunity to present their pitches to a panel of judges within a 10-minute timeframe. Judges will provide constructive feedback and tips to help entrepreneurs enhance their selling techniques to corporate buyers.

The pitch competition is only for CGLCC’s certified suppliers and OUT for Business Entrepreneurs. For a more robust understanding of what the EY Pitch Competition will entail, join us for an Info Session on February 19th, 1:00 – 2:00 PM ET . This is a great opportunity to gain knowledge about the application process and what to expect at this year’s competition. This webinar will go over details of the pitch competition, you will get to meet past participants and will end with a Q&A.

Format of the 2026 EY Virtual Pitch Series:

Each round will feature at least three participants.

The order of presenters will be randomly selected before the presentations.

Presentations are limited to two individuals from each participating company.

Each participant will deliver a ten-minute presentation focusing on their service and value proposition.

A two-minute warning will be given, and presentations must conclude after ten minutes.

Presenters must use visual presentations. (PowerPoint, slides, Canva, Figma, etc.)

Prizes:Winners of each round will be paired with mentors to prepare for the Finale in May.

Best Pitch: Full scholarship to the Supplier Diversity Professional Excellence, Tuck Executive Education at Dartmouth (approximate value: $4,000US).

Runner Up: To be announced.

Third Place: To be announced.

Dates (Subject to change):

MARCH 5 | 1-3 PM ET

APRIL 2 | 1-3 PM ET

MAY 7 | 1-3 PM ET

FINALE in June. Dates to be announced.

You will receive a calendar invite for your slot upon registration if you get in! Participants are selected on first come, first served basis.

Mentorship:After the last pitch session on May 7th, each finalist will be paired with a mentor from EY, who will receive up to four hours of one-to-one mentoring to perfect their pitch.

Judging:EY will secure a minimum of 5 judges for each session and the Finale. Candidates will be assessed on a scale of 1-5 for the following criteria:

Presentation materials

Verbal communications

Non-verbal communications

Use of time

Communication of core service(s)

Value proposition

EY is committed to maintaining a diverse supplier base and building relationships with suppliers that reflect the market, clients and communities they serve. EY seeks to actively identify, develop, and do business with diverse suppliers as an integral component of its procurement activities. Their Inclusive and Sustainable Procurement team drives the supplier diversity initiative at EY to promote supplier inclusion.

Register below.

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First name *Surname *Pronouns *Email *City *Job Title/Position *Organization/Company Name *Industry *What CGLCC membership do you have? *Certified SupplierOUT For BusinessWhy are you interested in the 2025 EY Pitch Competition? *What do you hope to gain from this experience? *If successful, kindly indicate which round you have a preference for (we will do our best to allocate your preferred date to you). *March 5th, 1-3 PM ETApril 2nd, 1-3 PM ETMay 7th, 1-3 PM ETYou can select more than one option by clicking the Shift button simultaneously.Submit

CGLCC Connect Halifax
2026-02-23 09:30 - 14:00
Join us in Halifax for CGLCC Connect, a unique event that brings together LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and allies in a vibrant, inclusive environment. This is your chance to discover new business opportunities, establish valuable connections, and participate in thought-provoking discussions that pave the way for long-term success.

What to Expect

This event combines insightful breakout, impactful networking, and personalized opportunities designed to support the growth of LGBTQ+ businesses and promote supplier diversity.

Breakout Sessions – Dive into engaging and thought-provoking breakout sessions tailored to your interests, where you’ll explore key topics, exchange ideas, and connect with like-minded professionals.

Matchmaking Sessions – A tailored opportunity for CGLCC-certified suppliers and corporate partners ONLY to engage in focused, strategic meetings that can unlock new collaborations and business ventures.

Why Attend?

Whether you’re an established business owner, a corporate leader seeking to diversify your supplier base, or an ally eager to support the LGBTQ+ community, CGLCC Connect in Halifax offers a platform to connect, collaborate, and grow.

Be part of an event that will inspire, empower, and strengthen the LGBTQ+ business community in Nova Scotia and beyond.

Register below and secure your spot for this transformative experience!

Location TBD.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. – Step 1 of 3First Name *Last Name *Pronoun(s) *They/ThemShe/HerHe/HimShe/TheyHe/TheyHe/She/TheyOtherEmail *PhoneAre you or your business one of the following? *CGLCC Certified SupplierCGLCC Corporate MemberCGLCC Affiliate MemberRepresentative from an ecosystem or affiliate organization2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneur, but not a CGLCC memberMedia representativeGovernment representativeCGLCC Program Participant (Mentorship, Advisor Access, or Mental Health)I’m not a 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneur, but interested in attendingCGLCC Staff/SpeakerJob Title *Next
remote, Are 2SLGBTQI+

Company/Business Name *Industry *City *Is your SME owned and managed by an equity-deserving group that has been served? *2SLGBTQI+WomenVisible minoritiesIndigenous personsYouthPersons with disabilitiesNot applicableFeel free to select more than one. Simply press ‘Shift’ and the options.Are you from a rural, remote, or northern community? *YesNoAre you a 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneur? *YesNoDietary restrictions, if any *VegetarianGluten-freeDairy-freeLactose intoleranceHalalKosherNoneNextAccessibility needs, if any *Wheelchair AccessibilitySign Language InterpretationNoneOtherBy registering, you consent to the following: *You may be filmed or photographed during the event. They might be used for promotional material, including advertisements on CGLCC social media and website. If you have any concerns, please notify a staff member upon arrival.I agree to receive communications from CGLCC. *I agree to receive promotional communications from CGLCC. In order to provide you the content requested, we need to store and process your personal data.You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information please review our Privacy Policy at https://cglcc.ca/privacy-policy/Submit

Virtual One-on-One Matchmaking (Members Only)
2026-02-24 12:00 - 18:00
CGLCC’s One-on-One Virtual Matchmaking is a semi-annual event that brings together Certified 2SLGBTQI+Q Business Enterprises and CGLCC corporate members. During each session, 2SLGBTQI+BEs have the opportunity to present their business to our Corporate Members, providing a perfect opportunity for them to learn about each unique 2SLGBTQI+BE in a concentrated environment. The matchmaking event is held in a completely virtual setting, allowing attendees to book meeting times throughout the afternoon that fit best with personal scheduling.

We would like to extend a Corporate/Supplier-only invitation for you to join us at our upcoming Virtual Matchmaking event on February 24th from 12 pm to 6 pm ET.

We will begin by hosting a Welcome Webinar from 12 pm to 12:30 pm EDT. This workshop is sponsored by our friends at Realize. Throughout the afternoon, matchmakers can schedule 15 or 30 minutes one-on-one meetings. As an added benefit, Certified Suppliers can schedule meetings with Corporate Members in attendance and fellow diverse suppliers.CGLCC has engaged with mybusinessmatches.com for this event to create a technologically and socially-elevated matchmaking experience for corporate members and certified suppliers.

This event is open to only CGLCC’s certified suppliers and corporate partners.

Webinar Wednesday: Navigating the Maze of Government Procurement: a Vendor's Perspective
2026-02-25 14:00 - 15:00
A practical roadmap to find, qualify, and win public-sector contracts—focused on fast setup, compliant bidding, and navigating the maze that is public procurement. Joe Noss is a proud member of the CGLCC and the CEO of Publicus, a startup that helps vendors find and win contracts without the headache. Publicus is also a vendor to the Federal Government, providing analytics on procurement.

Our Team

Joe Noss (he/him)

CEO and Founder

Publicus
