Startup Canada Tour - Calgary, AB
2023-09-28 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver)
Date: September 28, 2023 9:00 am – September 28, 2023 5:00 pm

Location: BMO Centre at Stampede Park – Palomino Ballroom

Join us in Calgary for an opportunity to connect with the Canadian entrepreneurship ecosystem, build out your network, learn from industry experts, and apply that knowledge back into your early stage business.

Don’t miss out on Early Bird prices, available until July 28!

Register Today

What to Expect

Build a networkAt each Startup Canada Tour stop you’ll have the opportunity to connect with business mentors and entrepreneur support organizations from across the country. Meet with experts in our Ask the Expert Lounge and connect with other entrepreneurs to grow your business network!

Learn from industry expertsThroughout the day, you’ll have access to a series of keynotes, panels, and workshops featuring leading industry experts. Attend insightful sessions on making your first hire to protecting your business for the future.

Drive your business forwardWhether you’re at the ideation stage or looking to expand your business, you’ll leave Startup Canada Tour with the tools and resources to take your business to the next level!

Rainbow Registered Open Office Hours (Sept 28th, 2023) - Come Chat!
2023-09-28 15:00 - 17:00
Date: September 28, 2023 3:00 pm – September 28, 2023 5:00 pm EST

Are you interested in pursuing the Rainbow Registered program or are you an accredited Rainbow Registered business that wants to:

discuss how to maximize your accreditation

receive feedback on your current diversity & inclusion efforts

discuss any questions or concerns you are experiencing related to Rainbow Registered and 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion?

The Rainbow Registered program manager is holding open office hours on the last Thursday of each month to have an ongoing, dedicated opportunity for businesses to drop in and chat with our team about whatever is on their mind.

Drop in any time between 3 PM and 5 PM Eastern and let’s chat!

Register Here

Not able to make it to the office hours or have an urgent question? Email us at rainbowregistered@cglcc.ca and our team is always happy to chat.

SDAC's 8th annual Connect. Collaborate. Succeed.
2023-09-29 08:00 - 12:00
Date: September 29, 2023 8:00 am – September 29, 2023 12:00 pm EST

Supplier Diversity Alliance Canada is pleased to present the 8th annual Connect. Collaborate. Succeed. supplier diversity networking event. The event will take place on September 29th at EY Tower (EY Tower, 100 Adelaide Street West, 40th floor) from 8 am to 12pm.

​The focus is on cultivating, building and growing relationships and business opportunities between certified diverse suppliers, corporations, and public organizations.

A key component of the event every year is the roundtable sessions between corporate partners and diverse suppliers. This is an opportunity for businesses to connect directly with procurement representatives from leading corporations.

​Learn about procurement processes and supplier diversity programs from company representatives and have the chance to introduce yourself, your products/services and your unique value proposition.

Register Today

Agenda

8:00am: Registration opens

8:00 – 9:00 am: Breakfast & Networking

9:00 – 9:10 am: Opening Remarks

9:10 – 9:30 am: SDAC Updates

9:30 – 10:15 am: Panel Session: Linking SD to Sustainability

10:15 – 10:30 am: Break & Networking

10:30 – 11:45 am: Sourcing Roundtables

11:45 – 12:00 pm: Wrap-Up

This event is free for Corporate Members and Certified Suppliers. For more information and registration of the event please click here.

Corporate Member Lunch and Learn
2023-10-11 11:00 - 12:00
Date: October 11, 2023 11:00 am – October 11, 2023 12:00 pm EST

Location: Online

Courting the queer community is about more than Pride Season

Utilizing queer media channels & Advertising to the queer community all year round

Registration available for corporate members only – sent via direct invitation.

Be part of a very hot and timely conversation about how allyship by a business of any size needs to be more than around pride season only.

Chat with a 35 years queer media and marketing expert about how to make queer media your friend and why it is important to advertise/speak to the queer community in the medias they love (queer media IS the voice of the community), and also via organizations they support and events they attend.

About your Speaker

Antoine Elhashem, President & Creative Director of INspired Media Inc.

A 35 years’ 2SLGBTQI+ media and marketing expert, Antoine Elhashem has had, and continues to have, one of the most successful careers in the industry. In Toronto (and Canada in general) Mr. Elhashem has worked at all the major 2SLGBTQI+ publications over the years during his media career, including a 12-year stint at The Pink Pages Directory, and was an integral player in opening many doors between mainstream businesses and the 2SLGBTQI+ community, as well as advocating for respect and inclusion.

His wide range of experience gave him the tools and skills to deal with all aspects of promoting, marketing, advertising, and sales needed for any business to thrive. With that, Antoine opened his own advertising, marketing, graphic and web design firm in 2004, and called it INspired Creative.

In 2007, Antoine brought on board a team of passionate and experienced individuals to form INspired Media Inc., which by this point became a corporation, and he acquired The Pink Pages Directory, the number one directory of its kind in Canada, and one of the oldest publications in the history of the 2SLGBTQI+ community in the world. Over the years Antoine and his team launched three very successful magazines PinkPlayMags and theBUZZ for the 2SLGBTQI+Q market, and The Local Biz Magazine for mainstream families across Durham Region. He also produces and hosts the longest running 2SLGBTQI+ entertainment talk show in local history ON the COUCH on ROGERS tv across Ontario. Recently he launched an online talk show called “the Queer Bunch” with a panel of hosts and guests discussing important and relevant community topics.

Antoine has been called a “force to be reckoned with” and “the man who puts ‘inspire’ in inspiration”. His insistence of diversity and everyone being represented, and his passion and love for the industry, for the power and influence of positive media, for every client he worked with over the years, and for the communities he belongs to, as well as the big world in general, is the key to his success in work and in life.

CGLCC Members-Only Webinar | Growing your business with the Canadian Small Business Financing Loan
2023-10-11 11:00 - 12:00
Date: October 11, 2023 11:00 am – October 11, 2023 12:00 pm

Learn how to start or expand your business with the Canadian Small Business Financing Loan Program (CSBFL). CSBFL is a treat financing option through TD and the Government of Canada to help small business owners that can help fund many aspects of their business needs.

Takeaways: You will learn how the program works, the qualification criteria, and how it can help your business needs.

Register Here

Your speaker

Our Team

Ivan Ding

Account Manager, Small Business

TD Business Banking

Ivan Ding

Account Manager, Small Business

TD Business Banking

I have a tenure of more than 11 years with TD. In the past, I held the position of Customer Services Manager. Presently, I have been serving as an Account Manager Small Business (AMSB) for approximately 4 years. In my current role, my main focus is on nurturing strong personal and professional relationships with our Small Business Banking clients.
My primary objective is to offer optimal solutions to address our clients’ various needs, whether it pertains to launching a business, ensuring financial stability and resilience, fostering business expansion, or facilitating business transitions. I firmly believe that my extensive knowledge of credit products will bring enhanced value to my clients’ businesses.

Supplier Diversity Days (SDAC) - Calgary
2023-10-11 13:00 - 16:00
Date: October 11, 2023 1:00 pm – October 11, 2023 4:00 pm MST

Join the leading council members of Supplier Diversity Alliance Canada as they discuss the benefits of Supplier diversity.

Are you a diverse owned company looking to grow your business?

Supplier Diversity provides diverse owned businesses with greater access to corporate and public procurement opportunities. By connecting diverse suppliers with organizations that are actively looking to diversify their supply chain, supplier diversity is supporting the growth of those businesses that are owned by Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQI+Q, disabled, women, Veteran, and refugee people.

This event will provide you with the opportunity to learn how certification as a diverse owned business can benefit you, hear from corporate and government leaders on what they are doing to engage diverse suppliers, and network with other entrepreneurs. As part of the event, diverse owned businesses will also have the opportunity to pitch their company to corporate buyers through our roundtable connections.

Register Now

Supplier Diversity Days (SDAC) - Edmonton
2023-10-12 13:00 - 16:00
Date: October 12, 2023 1:00 pm – October 12, 2023 4:00 pm MST

Join the leading council members of Supplier Diversity Alliance Canada as they discuss the benefits of Supplier diversity.

Are you a diverse owned company looking to grow your business?

Supplier Diversity provides diverse owned businesses with greater access to corporate and public procurement opportunities. By connecting diverse suppliers with organizations that are actively looking to diversify their supply chain, supplier diversity is supporting the growth of those businesses that are owned by Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQI+Q, disabled, women, Veteran, and refugee people.

This event will provide you with the opportunity to learn how certification as a diverse owned business can benefit you, hear from corporate and government leaders on what they are doing to engage diverse suppliers, and network with other entrepreneurs. As part of the event, diverse owned businesses will also have the opportunity to pitch their company to corporate buyers through our roundtable connections.

Register Today

Supplier Diversity Days (SDAC) - Vancouver
2023-10-13 13:00 - 16:00

QBEN Toronto October Networking
2023-10-17 17:30 - 19:30
Date: October 17, 2023 5:30 pm – October 17, 2023 7:30 pm

Location: TikTok Toronto Office, 78 Mowat Ave, Toronto ON

We are excited to be partnering with the Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce and TikTok on presenting the October networking event.

Bring your vibe and business cards, and come network, get to introduce your business to all other guests in attendance, and grow your connections. Along with our usual networking circle, there will be a presentation by GLCC and OGLCC to talk about programs that can support your business.

Light snacks and an assortment of non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.

Register Here

What’s the Buzz? The Latest from Rainbow Registered (October 2023)
2023-10-24 12:00 - 13:00
Date: October 24, 2023 12:00 pm – October 24, 2023 1:00 pm ET

PLEASE NOTE: This event is open to businesses that are presently accredited in the Rainbow Registered program or those who have submitted their program application. Join us for the latest updates on all of our activities, opportunities for education, networking and best practice sharing.

During this session we will:

Give updates on the program, including PR and marketing efforts.

Share best practices on maximizing your Rainbow Registered accreditation.

Highlight other programs offered by the CGLCC, including membership benefits, the Certified Supplier Program, and training opportunities.

Provide an opportunity to connect and network with other Rainbow Registered businesses.

We will make time at the end for any questions and comments you may have.

Important: Registration link for this session will be sent to all eligible businesses via e-mail in advance.

Meet the Buyer – Sonami
2023-10-31 14:00 - 15:00
Companies in the manufacturing industry, SONAMI can support you with your R&D Leverage SONAMI support and partner with a post-secondary institution

Canadian companies within the manufacturing industry, did you know you can get access to federal funding, expertise from post-secondary institutions, and state-of-the-art equipment through the Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation (SONAMI)?

Let SONAMI be your in-house research and development (R&D) team.

SONAMI is a Niagara College-led network of eleven post-secondary institutions, who, through their respective Research and Innovation Centres, collaborate with small- and medium-sized companies to tackle their manufacturing-related challenges.

Why should you leverage support from SONAMI?

1:1.2 match for company cash and in-kind contributions

For example: 10K invested into the project by SONAMI, and $12K financed by the company (20% should be in cash the rest can be in-kind or cash)

Companies keep their Intellectual Property (IP)

Streamlined application process (no long application form, just contact SONAMI)

Companies approach with a concept and/or challenge, then researchers develop and test innovative solutions that meet the manufacturer’s requirements

No administrative or compliance hassles

Serves companies in all of Canada

Continual intake process

Capabilities include:

automation

additive manufacturing technologies

product testing & validation

information & communication technology (including cyber security)

process optimization

simulation & modelling

commercialization and intellectual property protection support, and many more

Your company may be a good fit to work with SONAMI, even though your challenge does not neatly fit with the capabilities mentioned above. For example, SONAMI can help companies:

reduce the carbon footprint in their packaging

that do not manufacture products, but serve manufacturing companies

protect critical business data and information

Contact Mitchell Lutz, Business Development Lead at SONAMI mlutz@niagaracollege.ca to discuss how you can leverage assistance from SONAMI for challenges your company is facing.

Learn more on SONAMI’s website.

Watch a quick overview of SONAMI:

Your speaker

Our Team

Mitchell Lutz

Business Development Lead

SONAMI

Mitchell Lutz

Business Development Lead

SONAMI

Mitchell Lutz is the Business Development Lead for the Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation (SONAMI), a Niagara College-led consortium of eleven academic institutions supporting manufacturers’ research and development needs through applied research projects.
In his role, Mitchell is responsible for researching, planning, and implementing new target market initiatives and supporting the recruitment and outreach activities of the network.

Interested in learning more about some of our Corporate Partners? This is the perfect opportunity to meet some of our partners at the CGLCC and see what they are specifically looking for in procurement.

Please note that our Meet The Buyer sessions are for certified diverse suppliers only – for more information on becoming a certified supplier with CGLCC, click here or email us at supplierdiversity@cglcc.ca.

Rainbow Registered Holiday Gift Guide 2023
2023-11-01 00:00 - 2023-12-31 23:59
Dive into a world of unique, inclusive gifts from Rainbow Registered accredited businesses. Support 2S2SLGBTQI+ friendly businesses this festive season.

Insurance benefits for Entrepreneurs
2023-11-08 11:00 - 12:00
By Kate Madden

CGLCC 8th Annual Black & White Gala
2023-11-10 18:00 - 23:00
Date: November 10, 2023 6:00 pm – November 10, 2023 11:00 pm

Location: The Carlu, 444 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON

Come help us make our ‘birthday’ and 8th Annual Black & White Gala a truly spectacular celebration of success!

This year we celebrate our founding, and two decades of shaping the landscape of businesses and communities in Canada.

Every year CGLCC brings together the 2SLGBTQI+ business community for this signature event to highlight excellence amongst the business leaders at the forefront of 2S2SLGBTQI+ inclusion via our Business Leadership Awards. Check out the finalists for this year’s awards! Like all our amazing Galas in years prior, this will be a night of fabulous fun, incredible entertainment, and connecting with friends, both new and known!

Please join us as we celebrate an amazing year filled with exciting news, connections, and growth for Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ business community.

Tickets On Sale Now

Come and be a part of our celebration as we commemorate the remarkable accomplishments of Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ community! Experience tales of triumph and perseverance shared by courageous 2SLGBTQI+ leaders and indulge in an evening of FABULOUS entertainment at The Carlu in Toronto.

Join us on November 10, 2023, and join us as we pay tribute to the achievements and success of 2SLGBTQI+ businesses.

On Stage

Gavin Crawford, Emcee

Gavin Crawford is an award-winning writer/performer best known for his 8 seasons on This Hour has 22 Minutes. He has appeared on Run The Burbs, Baroness Von Sketch Show, Murdoch Mysteries and in the feature films French Immersion and Two 4One.

On stage Gavin has been seen in various productions including Sky Gilberts The Situationists and A few Brittle Leaves. Currently Gavin is a producer/host of CBC radio’s Hit comedy quiz Because News and the hit podcast, Let’s Not Be Kidding.

RALPH

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what it is about the Toronto-born, JUNO award-nominated artist RALPH (Raffa Weyman) that has captured fans’ devotion across the country. Whether it’s her high-fashion yet effortlessly cool aesthetic, her irresistible blend of vintage pop and lush contemporary beats, or the raw honesty that comes through her ​lyricism, one thing is certain. There is a rarity about an artist such as RALPH.

Starting with little more than talent and a vision, over the past three years RALPH has built an incredible following in the USA, Canada and Europe. She’s joined the likes of Ria Mae, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Scott Helman on three cross-Canada tours, and has drawn crowds south of the border for a North American tour with joan.

Tynomi Banks

Tynomi Banks is an International, world-class Drag Entertainer.

Recognized best for her full production performances, Banks dominates a stage while radiating a powerful, but playful energy. Her hustle lead her to become the first Drag Entertainer to perform in Toronto’s Dundas Square during World Pride 2014. In just one month, during Pride 2018, she became the first Drag Entertainer to work with Hudson’s Bay Company and the only Queen to partner with Spotify for a featured playlist, which also resulted in a billboard over Dundas Square in Toronto during Pride. She has since partnered with Sephora, Shoppers Beauty, Black Lives Matter Canada, Amazon, Absolut, Netflix, Crest, and Ikea to name a few.

Banks became the first Drag Entertainer to be the trophy bearer at the 7th Annual Canadian Screen Awards.

Charmie

Discover one of Toronto’s musical gems through the passionate singer/songwriter Charmie. Born in Haiti, Charmie began exploring her musical talents at the young age of nine. As a self taught musician, she excels at playing guitar, piano, bass, drums and even beatboxing. Her contemporary style of music is a unique fusion of Rhythm & Blues and Pop Soul. Known for fostering a deep connection with her audiences, Charmie’s words go straight from her heart to yours.

Naach* For Fun

Naach* For Fun is a Queer-run, South Asian dance company that is inclusive to people from all walks of life. The company prides itself in highlighting marginalized stories through the medium of dance and also provides a safe space for anyone that wants to learn through specially curated group workshops. They will be bringing their widely acclaimed concept videos, Bollywood Reimagined, to a live stage in the hopes of representing vibrant, Queer-positive, South Asian stories.

DJ Donovan

DJ Donovan’s journey started off at a very young age of 15, not believing that the journey would have taken him to where he is today. He takes pride in himself, by being professional and approachable, while aiming to please. DJ Donovan has played school dances, weddings, birthday parties, wrap parties, social events, community events, corporate parties, and prominent events like Black Diamond Ball TO, TIFF, The Vanguard, Pride Toronto and is currently the resident DJ at Friday Harbour Resort.

The style of music he plays ranges from, but is not limited to: Old school, Dance (EDM), Reggae, Soca, Afro, Latin, Brazilian, Pop, Classic Rock, R&B/Hip Hop, and Funk. DJ Donovan sees himself as a conductor of the dancefloor.

Suggested Attire

Evening Attire is recommended, but only if it’s something that makes you feel comfortable. While the event theme is “Black & White,” we encourage guests to show up in any colour of the rainbow that expresses who they are!

Thank you to this year’s Gala Sponsors!

Platinum Sponsor

Official Airline Sponsor

Award Sponsors

Storytelling Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Friends and Supporters

Supporters

Live Captioning

Audio Visual Sponsor

Sponsorship Opportunities

As we celebrate two decades of progress within Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ business community, we invite you to consider sponsoring this remarkable event. Your support will help make this evening truly spectacular.

Find out more

Health and Safety at the Gala

We are following COVID-19 and vaccination guidance from local health departments for in-person events, and hope that you are too. If you are sick or are feeling unwell, we kindly ask that you take care of yourself at home. Although masking is not required, we will have these available at the registration desk for our guests who would feel more comfortable wearing a mask.

Virtual One-on-One Matchmaking (Nov 15th, 2023)
2023-11-15 12:00 - 18:00
Date: November 15, 2023 12:00 pm – November 15, 2023 6:00 pm EDT

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 November 10th from 12 pm to 6 pm EDT.

Register Now

We will begin by hosting a Welcome Webinar from 12 pm to 12:30 pm EDT. 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 sponsored by our friends at Realize and is open to only CGLCC members.

Rainbow Registered Open Office Hours (Nov 23rd, 2023) - Come Chat!
2023-11-23 15:00 - 17:00
Date: November 23, 2023 3:00 pm – November 23, 2023 5:00 pm ET

Are you interested in pursuing the Rainbow Registered program or are you an accredited Rainbow Registered business that wants to:

discuss how to maximize your accreditation

receive feedback on your current diversity & inclusion efforts

discuss any questions or concerns you are experiencing related to Rainbow Registered and 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion?

The Rainbow Registered program manager is holding open office hours on the last Thursday of each month to have an ongoing, dedicated opportunity for businesses to drop in and chat with our team about whatever is on their mind.

Drop in any time between 3 PM and 5 PM Eastern and let’s chat!

Register Here

Not able to make it to the office hours or have an urgent question? Email us at rainbowregistered@cglcc.ca and our team is always happy to chat.

What’s the Buzz? The Latest from Rainbow Registered (November 2023)
2023-11-28 12:00 - 13:00
Date: November 28, 2023 12:00 pm – November 28, 2023 1:00 pm ET

PLEASE NOTE: This event is open to businesses that are presently accredited in the Rainbow Registered program or those who have submitted their program application. Join us for the latest updates on all of our activities, opportunities for education, networking and best practice sharing.

During this session we will:

Give updates on the program, including PR and marketing efforts.

Share best practices on maximizing your Rainbow Registered accreditation.

Highlight other programs offered by the CGLCC, including membership benefits, the Certified Supplier Program, and training opportunities.

Provide an opportunity to connect and network with other Rainbow Registered businesses.

We will make time at the end for any questions and comments you may have.

Important: Registration link for this session will be sent to all eligible businesses via e-mail in advance.

Numbers to Navigate: Year-End Tax, Accounting & Payroll Prep
2023-11-29 11:00 - 12:00
Date: November 29, 2023 11:00 am – November 29, 2023 12:00 pm

Join us for an insightful journey into financial preparedness at the exclusive workshop ‘Numbers to Navigate: Year-End Tax, Accounting & Payroll Prep’, presented by the experts at Zenbooks, Canada’s go-to online accounting and bookkeeping firm. As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to equip yourself with essential knowledge to navigate your year-end business financials and proactively strategize for 2024 and beyond.

📣📣 After the event Zenbooks’ is offering complimentary 1-1 consultations exclusively for CGLCC’s certified suppliers and OUT for Business entrepreneurs of the CGLCC. In these personalized 30-minute sessions, connect with tax and accounting pros to address your unique challenges and future goals. Whether it’s tax queries or advice on accounting or payroll strategies, Zenbooks will pair you with a specialist best suited to provide expert recommendations and tailored insights to help you elevate your business. 📣📣

Attend the workshop to know more about the availing the free consultations!

Sign Up Here

Your speakers

Our Team

Ashley Saunders

Payroll Coordinator

Alex Van Dyke

Tax Accountant

Victoria Squire, CPA

Senior Accountant

Madison Burns, PCP

Payroll Manager

Rainbow Networking Event with BNI Maritimes and Workspace Bayers Lake
2023-12-12 15:00 - 17:00
Date: December 12, 2023 3:00 pm – December 12, 2023 5:00 pm AST

Exciting news for the 2SLGBTQI+ professional community! We’re hosting a networking event at Workspace Bayer’s Lake in collaboration with BNI Maritimes Inc.

This is a fantastic chance for professionals and entrepreneurs to connect, share ideas, and explore new opportunities. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, find collaborators, or just meet peers from the community, this event is for you.

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out on this unique networking opportunity. We’re excited to see you there!

Register Here

What’s the Buzz? The Latest from Rainbow Registered (December 2023)
2023-12-19 12:00 - 13:00
Date: December 19, 2023 12:00 pm – December 19, 2023 1:00 pm ET

PLEASE NOTE: This event is open to businesses that are presently accredited in the Rainbow Registered program or those who have submitted their program application. Join us for the latest updates on all of our activities, opportunities for education, networking and best practice sharing.

During this session we will:

Give updates on the program, including PR and marketing efforts.

Share best practices on maximizing your Rainbow Registered accreditation.

Highlight other programs offered by the CGLCC, including membership benefits, the Certified Supplier Program, and training opportunities.

Provide an opportunity to connect and network with other Rainbow Registered businesses.

We will make time at the end for any questions and comments you may have.

Important: Registration link for this session will be sent to all eligible businesses via e-mail in advance.

Rainbow Registered Open Office Hours (Dec 21st, 2023) - Come Chat!
2023-12-21 15:00 - 17:00
Date: December 21, 2023 3:00 pm – December 21, 2023 5:00 pm ET

Are you interested in pursuing the Rainbow Registered program or are you an accredited Rainbow Registered business that wants to:

discuss how to maximize your accreditation

receive feedback on your current diversity & inclusion efforts

discuss any questions or concerns you are experiencing related to Rainbow Registered and 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion?

The Rainbow Registered program manager is holding open office hours on the last Thursday of each month to have an ongoing, dedicated opportunity for businesses to drop in and chat with our team about whatever is on their mind.

Drop in any time between 3 PM and 5 PM Eastern and let’s chat!

Register Here

Not able to make it to the office hours or have an urgent question? Email us at rainbowregistered@cglcc.ca and our team is always happy to chat.

Understanding SEO Marketing
2024-01-10 11:00 - 12:00
Date: January 10, 2024 11:00 am – January 10, 2024 12:00 pm EDT

Location: Online

How It Can Either Make or Break Your Business

Do you want more website traffic?

Would a few extra thousand website visitors per month completely change your business? If yes, then you need to come join SEO Specialist and Organic Marketing Expert Calan Breckon for this upcoming webinar series that will completely change the way you think about your website and organic marketing strategy.

Register Now

In this session, you will learn:

What SEO is and why it’s so important for your business and organic marketing.

How SEO can save your business thousands in ad spend each year and best practices for organic marketing to help grow your business online.

Your speaker

Our Team

Calan Breckon

SEO Specialist and Organic Marketing Expert

Calan Breckon LinkedIn

Do you want more website traffic? Visit CalanBreckon Now!

What’s the Buzz? Connect and learn with Rainbow Registered (January 2024)
2024-01-30 12:00 - 13:00
Date: January 30, 2024 12:00 pm – January 30, 2024 1:00 pm ET

PLEASE NOTE: This event is open to businesses that are presently accredited in the Rainbow Registered program or those who have submitted their program application. Join us for the latest updates on all of our activities, opportunities for education, networking and best practice sharing.

Important: Registration link for this session will be sent to all eligible businesses via e-mail in advance.

Meet the Buyer – Manulife
2024-01-30 14:00 - 15:00
Date: January 30, 2024 2:00 pm – January 30, 2024 3:00 pm

Manulife Financial / John Hancock Financial is a publicly traded leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better.

We serve over 34 million customers (individuals, businesses, and institutions) worldwide with support from our more than 40,000 employees, over 116,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners.

With our wide array of products and services, we help our customers protect their loved ones, grow their wealth, improve their health – and build their futures.

We believe our greatest contribution to society is the products we provide, which help make people’s decisions easier and lives better.

We also make meaningful impacts by adhering to the strongest standards of conduct, through environmental responsibility, philanthropy, employee volunteerism, promoting health and wellness, and much more.

Manulife makes decisions easier and lives better: Our core values include doing the right thing and sharing our humanity. That’s why we partner with like-minded organizations to support the needs of our customers and drive meaningful change.

Sign Up Now

Your speakers

Our Team

Sandra M. Riano (She/Her)

Supplier Diversity Manager

Nick Balkaran (He/Him)

Director, Supplier Diversity Lead

Interested in learning more about some of our Corporate Partners? This is the perfect opportunity to meet some of our partners at the CGLCC and see what they are specifically looking for in procurement.

Please note that our Meet The Buyer sessions are for certified diverse suppliers only – for more information on becoming a certified supplier with CGLCC, click here or email us at supplierdiversity@cglcc.ca.

The Entrepreneur’s Manifesto
2024-02-14 11:00 - 12:00
Dates: February 14, 2024 11:00 am – February 14, 2024 12:00 pm

Experiences and insights from over 20 years of working with entrepreneurs

In this session, we will share insights, lessons learned (mine and yours!), tips and techniques on everything from Relationship Management to Client Management and Marketing!

This is an interactive, facilitated, shared learning experience, and not a 1-hour presentation, so bring your own learnings and lessons learned and be prepared to share them.

Come prepared to meet other entrepreneurs, learn and engage with this great community.

Register Now

Your speaker

Our Team

Gregg Brown

Entrepreneur Thought Leader Author

Gregg Brown LinkedIn

Gregg Brown

Entrepreneur Thought Leader Author

Over 30 years ago, Gregg was part of the ground-breaking team that opened the first wave of Starbucks stores in Canada. Since then, as a speaker and consultant, he has worked with leaders all over the planet ranging from Fortune 500 companies such as Johnson & Johnson, and TD Bank through to international humanitarian organizations including the UN, Habitat for Humanity and the CDC.
Gregg has mentored and coached entrepreneurs for many years. He currently mentors veterans and ex-military with the Prince’s Trust Canada and entrepreneurs with the CGLCC – Canada’s National 2SLGBTQI+ chamber of commerce.
He’s shared his ideas on Change and the Future of Work in Forbes, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, and Entrepreneur amongst others.
Gregg holds a Master’s of Social Science Degree from the University of Leicester in the UK, with a focus on organizational psychology, leadership and performance and is an Associate Member of the American Psychological Association.
He is the author of Ready, Set, Change AGAIN! and and his latest book, released in October, is the #1 Amazon Bestseller, Spark Action: How to Lead Change That Matters.

Gregg Brown LinkedIn

In-Person: Fireside Chat with Swish Goswami + Networking
2024-02-20 16:00 - 18:00
Dates: February 20, 2024, 4:00 pm – February 2024 6:00 pm

Join us for a FREE absolute banger event with Swish Goswami, followed by Networking on the 40th Floor at EY, Toronto.

At the age of 20, Swish Goswami’s business was valued in the millions. Through trial and error, he learned how to build a product and market it to millions of consumers and how to effectively hire/manage a team, fundraise, and bring on customers/partners.

In this presentation, Goswami will share his entrepreneurial playbook and the A-Zs on starting a business from scratch, including conceptualizing an idea, collecting early customer feedback, scale, etc. He draws lessons and experiences from his new book, The Young Entrepreneur, and speaks candidly on the importance of entrepreneurs prioritizing their mental health.

AGENDA

3:30 pm – 4 pm: Registration & Networking

4 pm – 4:15 pm: Opening Remarks and Introductions

4:15 pm – 5 pm: Fireside Chat

5 pm – 5:30 pm: Interactive session

5:30 pm – 6 pm: Networking

Food and Beverages will be served during the event.

Your speaker

Swish Goswami built a multi-hyphenate career by the age of 26. He has started six high-impact ventures across four industries and is currently the CEO and co-founder of Surf, a tech company providing brands with a better way to engage and understand consumers while compensating them for their data. His company has worked with some of the biggest brands, including Netflix, Sony Music, L’Oreal, Electronic Arts, Hewlett Packard, Amazon Prime Gaming, and more.

Our Team

Swish Goswami

CEO, Surf Startup Canada’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Swish Goswami

CEO, Surf Startup Canada’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year

A disruptor, curator, and builder, Goswami explores entrepreneurship, mental health, personal branding, and trends influencing technology and business today.
Goswami co-founded Surf with the vision to build an equitable data economy. This revolutionary browser extension passively rewards over 300,000 people for their everyday browsing and helps them save when shopping with their favourite brands. Since its launch in 2021, the company has made two acquisitions and raised over $8M from several NBA players, unicorn founders, and venture firms.
A four-time TEDx speaker, Goswami is the bestselling author of The Young Entrepreneur and the host of Track Limits, a motorsport podcast that shares inspiring stories from Formula 1 drivers, mechanics/engineers, and team bosses. He is also an investor and advisor to popular social companies, such as FaZe Clan, Wombo AI, Othership, and the League of Innovators, through his angel fund, AGEX.
In recognition of his entrepreneurial and philanthropic achievements, Goswami was inducted into Plan Canada’s “Top 20 under 20” and Bay Street Bull’s “30 under 30”, recognized as LinkedIn’s Top Voice and Startup Canada’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and awarded the
United Nation’s Outstanding Youth Leadership award. Most recently, Goswami was named to The Peak’s 2023 list of emerging leaders, as a young leader helping to shape Canada’s economy, culture, and society.

Register Now!

CGLCC Trade Mission to New York City
2024-02-20 17:00 - 2024-02-23 12:00
Dates: February 20, 2024 5:00 pm – February 23, 2024 12:00 pm

CGLCC is leading a Trade Mission to New York City in February 2024!

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED

WHY PARTICIPATE?

Promote your business across Trade Commissioner Service Canada and with our Global Affiliates in new markets with top 2SLGBTQI+Q businesses, corporates, and allied business leaders.

Enjoy a rich networking environment amongst like-minded business people and organizations who are ready to meet and help 2SLGBTQI+ businesses gain a foothold in the market.

Learn about supplier diversity and explore opportunities with Canada’s new Free Trade Agreement CUSMAs and the opportunities that exist for certified 2SLGBTQI+Q-owned businesses.

Take part in programming organized specifically for the Canadian delegation to match your business with corporate partners keen to work with you.

Making time to make connections works! Each year the delegates who attend our Trade Missions report that the introductions and networking made possible by participating helped their company forge valuable business connections and/or make inroads into a valued market.

Participating could qualify you to certify your 2SLGBTQI+ business at no cost to you via TCS’s new certification grant opportunity.

CGLCC has secured additional funding that may cover up to 50% of your travel and accommodation per diems as a CGLCC certified business (with support from CanExport).

More details to come!

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?

Canadian 2SLGBTQI+ SMEs* looking to learn more about supplier-diversity programs and/or seeking businesses or supplier-diversity opportunities in the North American region.

Qualified Corporate companies from abroad and Canada seeking networking opportunities with 2SLGBTQI+Q suppliers and Global Affiliate business networks can be involved as partners, sponsors, and more.

*SMEs will benefit most if they are currently certified 2SLGBTQI+ business enterprises through the CGLCC, or be eligible for certification as an 2SLGBTQI+ business enterprise. For more information on eligibility, and certification contact Cass@cglcc.ca.

TESTIMONIAL

2SLGBTQI+ owned businesses that participated in our previous Trade Missions called the experience “invaluable” and felt confident that concrete economic benefits would result, both in terms of building and expanding business connections and partnerships, as well as securing real contract opportunities.

Contact Us

Interested? Contact Cass@cglcc.ca for more information.

Looking to certify your company as an 2SLGBTQI+ owned business? Contact Cass Elliott for more information.

LENGTH OF TIME & TRAVEL DATES:

February 20-23, 2024.

Dates are tentative: final dates and suggested travel times will shared upon successful acceptance of your application to join as a delegate on the Trade Mission. Reach out if you have any questions!

REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

2SLGBTQI+ Travel Market-Ready Webinar (ACOA) – Feb 27th, 2024
2024-02-27 10:00 - 12:00
Dates: February 27, 2024 10:00 am – February 27, 2024 12:00 pm AST

This webinar is funded by the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

This two-hour webinar will share exclusive 2SLGBTQI+ travel market info and case study best practices from around the world, as well as expose you to a number of custom 2SLGBTQI+ products to help inspire your own successful 2SLGBTQI+ tourism-welcoming strategy.

Register Here

What’s the Buzz? Connect and learn with Rainbow Registered (February 2024)
2024-02-27 12:00 - 13:00
Dates: February 27, 2024 12:00 pm – February 27, 2024 1:00 pm ET

PLEASE NOTE: This event is open to businesses that are presently accredited in the Rainbow Registered program or those who have submitted their program application. Join us for the latest updates on all of our activities, opportunities for education, networking and best practice sharing.

Important: Registration link for this session will be sent to all eligible businesses via e-mail in advance.

Meet the Buyer – Procurement Assistance Canada
2024-02-27 14:00 - 15:00
Dates: February 27, 2024 2:00 pm – February 27, 2024 3:00 pm

Location: Online

Procurement Assistance Canada, as part of Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), is here to make it easier for smaller businesses to bid on federal contracting opportunities.

Register Now

Your speakers

Our Team

Stephanie Waters

Supply Officer

Public Services and Procurement Canada

Stephanie Waters

Supply Officer

Public Services and Procurement Canada

Stephanie joined Procurement Assistance Canada in January of 2021. Since then, she has strived to connect with a wide demographic of suppliers and organizations in order to assist them in becoming a supplier of the Federal Government. To best achieve this, Stephanie delivers educational seminars and conducts one-on-one meetings with small business owners. She is local to the Interior of BC and graduated from Thompson Rivers University with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration, majoring in Supply Chain Management. Stephanie hopes that through this meaningful work at PAC, we will be able to reduce barriers in federal procurement and see increased participation by currently underrepresented communities.
Stephanie is also a Certified Agile Leader with the Scrum Alliance and Social Procurement Certification from Buy Social Canada.

Aaron Wong-Sing

Supply Team Leader

Public Services and Procurement Canada

Aaron Wong-Sing

Supply Team Leader

Public Services and Procurement Canada

Aaron is a Supply Team Leader with Public Services and Procurement Canada. He has 16 years of experience in the procurement of large complex programs in the health services field. In particular, Aaron was part of the procurement team for the Public Service Health Care Plan, and then managed the contract for the Health Information and Claim Processing Services (HICPS) for the non-insured health benefits for First Nations & Inuit populations, and its subsequent reprocurement and implementation.
Aaron also has almost 30 years of experience in the non-profit and volunteer sector, in the areas of international development and amateur sport for people with disabilities. Aaron is currently working with the Vancouver Commercial Acquisition group, focusing on increasing equity and diversity through increasing the amount of social procurement done by the Government of Canada.

Interested in learning more about some of our Corporate Partners? This is the perfect opportunity to meet some of our partners at the CGLCC and see what they are specifically looking for in procurement.

Please note that our Meet The Buyer sessions are for certified diverse suppliers only – for more information on becoming a certified supplier with CGLCC, click here or email us at supplierdiversity@cglcc.ca.
