Latest news with #CGLCC
Calgary Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- Calgary Herald
New LGBTQ+ businesses coming to the Bow Valley thanks to federally funded SMARTstart program
Article content A wave of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs will be making their way to the Bow Valley this fall, thanks to local pride networks bringing the SMARTstart program to the region. Article content SMARTstart is an Albertan entrepreneurship program that has found success in municipalities across the province. Thanks to the The Ecosystem Fund, offered by the CGLCC and supported by the federal government, that same program will be offered to members of the LGBTQ+ community for free. Article content Article content Article content 'The town of Canmore charges $300 per applicant,' said Jeffrey Carpenter, executive director of Banff Pride. Article content Article content The free program launched earlier this year, and is now seeking up to 15 new applicants for the second cohort running this fall. Applicants don't need to live in the area already, as long as they're looking to base their business in the Bow Valley. Article content 'With our programming and thankfully through the funding of the CJLCC, it is completely free for entrepreneurs,' said Carpenter. Article content The program offers workshops, business plan development and one-on-one mentorship from business owners in the community. The 8-month version offered by the pride networks is particularly tailored to the needs of queer entrepreneurs. Article content One of those workshops includes networking training, specifically in group settings, to help break through the 'nervousness or the barriers that they might have walking into a room as a queer person,' Carpenter said. Article content He added that there's enough uncertainty for entrepreneurs of all stripes, dealing with the fear of a business failing, 'let alone the challenges of walking into a business meeting with the bank and being queer presenting.' Article content Of course, the core tenants of the program remain the same, with a focus on tangible, business-based learning from locals who have spent their lives working in the area. Article content 'Some of the workshops are probably gonna be the same whether you're queer or not because, you know, accounting is accounting,' said Carpenter. Article content Article content View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bow Valley Pride Network (@bowvalleypridenetwork) Article content The first wave launched in January, 2025, with three businesses coming out the other side of the six-month pilot program: Beau Valley Circus, Radical Mullet Tea Co., and Chill Audio Visual Solutions, a Banff-based company owned by entrepreneur Allan Buckingham. Article content Buckingham heard about the program through their involvement with Banff Pride. While they'd dipped a toe in the water of audio equipment work previously, the free-entryway gave them the kickstart they needed to build out a business at scale. They rent speakers microphones, projectors and screens, and provide queer-friendly technicians to run operations smoothly. Article content 'It's cool to encourage more folks to be like, yes. Entrepreneurship is a thing you can do as a queer person,' Buckingham said. 'One of the the best parts to me was getting some knowledge from somebody who has done this stuff before.'
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hundreds of Global 2SLGBTQI+ Business Leaders and Allies to Convene in Toronto for International Summit
CGLCC's 2SLGBTQI+ Global Business Summit unites diverse suppliers, corporate leaders, and policymakers to advance equity and inclusive economic growth TORONTO, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) will host the third annual 2SLGBTQI+ Global Business Summit in Toronto on June 12 and 13, bringing together more than 300 attendees from across Canada and the world—including entrepreneurs, business leaders, certified suppliers, and corporate and government partners. The in-person conference is designed to spark connections and create actionable business opportunities for 2SLGBTQI+ and ally-owned businesses across Canada. 'The 2SLGBTQI+ Global Business Summit is more than just a gathering; it's a catalyst for economic growth and global collaboration,' said Darrell Schuurman, Co-Founder and CEO of CGLCC. 'By connecting hundreds of queer and trans entrepreneurs, corporations, and allies, we're opening doors to new markets, new investments, fresh ideas, and a more inclusive economy. When everyone has a seat at the table, Canada's economy thrives.' Canada is home to over 100,000 2SLGBTQI+ owned businesses that generate over $22 billion in economic activity and employ more than 435,000 people. Despite their economic impact, many businesses still face significant barriers. The 2SLGBTQI+ Global Business Summit is one of CGLCC's many programs to support queer and trans owned businesses and is Canada's only 2SLGBTQI+ international business conference. "The 2SLGBTQI+ Global Business Summit is an important space to share ideas, spark new partnerships, and celebrate the incredible impact of 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs. We cannot build the strongest economy in the G7 without your full participation, which is why our government remains committed to breaking down systemic barriers and supporting the 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program. Together, we are building a more inclusive, more resilient economy where no one is left on the sidelines," said The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism. This year, the sold-out event will showcase more than 20 speakers from across Canada on a range of topics including how businesses can drive economic inclusion by increasing diversity in their supply chains, strategies for scaling businesses and navigating international markets, exploring bold ideas and the latest trends in business innovation, and how leading with authenticity, purpose, and resilience can impact business. Keynote speakers include Indigenous activist and storyteller Sarain Fox, Canada's Drag Race host Brooke Lynn Hytes, and executive producer Trevor Boris. The 2SLGBTQI+ Global Business Summit will connect CGLCC members, certified suppliers, corporate and government partners for two days of presentations, panel discussions, and networking sessions to bolster inclusivity and innovation in the Canadian business sector, and is held at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Toronto, Ontario. For more information about the event schedule, speakers, or CGLCC's upcoming events, visit CGLCC's website. This event has been made possible by the Government of Canada. About CGLCCCanada's 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) links 2SLGBTQI+ businesses in Canada to the wider business and corporate community. It fosters economic growth by supporting and nurturing 2SLGBTQI+ businesses, entrepreneurs, students and allies, and by helping Canada's corporate world connect with the 2SLGBTQI+ business community. For more information, visit CGLCC's website. ContactJulie-Léonora KeschPronouns: she/herManager, Marketing & CommunicationsCanada's 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Hamilton Spectator
02-06-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Conservation Halton launches Pride in Nature series, earns national Rainbow Registered accreditation
Conservation Halton launches Pride in Nature series, earns national Rainbow Registered accreditation Conservation Halton has launched its annual Pride in Nature event series in celebration of Pride Month, while also announcing it has been accredited as a Rainbow Registered organization by the 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce of Canada (CGLCC). The Pride in Nature series began Sunday, June 1, and includes a month-long roster of inclusive, nature-based events at Mountsberg, Kelso and Area 8 Conservation Areas. Events are open to all members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, along with their allies, friends and chosen family, and are presented in partnership with PRISM Halton, Pride Toronto, and Queer@ROCK . 'At Conservation Halton, we believe nature is for everyone,' said Craig Machan, Director of Parks & Operations. 'As a recently accredited Rainbow Registered organization, Pride in Nature represents a key part of our ongoing commitment to making nature accessible to the 2SLGBTQI+ community and helping community members feel safe, welcome and celebrated in our parks.' The Rainbow Registered designation is a national accreditation for businesses and organizations that meet rigorous standards for inclusivity, including training, policies and operational practices. Fewer than 500 organizations in Canada hold the designation. Conservation Halton's recognition was made possible by the work of its Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Advisory Group—a staff-led initiative dedicated to aligning the agency's practices with Rainbow Registered criteria. 'Diversity is a strength for our organization,' said Chandra Sharma, President and CEO of Conservation Halton. 'Beyond our training, policies and procedures that foster safe environments for staff, our community partnerships and events help make Conservation Halton a welcoming and accepting space for all—because nature is for everyone.' The Pride in Nature event series began with Birds of ALL Feathers at the Mountsberg Raptor Centre on June 1 and will continue with a Pride in Nature Weekend at Kelso Conservation Area on June 7 and 8. Activities include watercraft rentals, a challenge course and a guided hike up the Kelso Escarpment Trail. The series concludes on Friday, June 20, with I'm Coming Out to a BBQ & Bonfire at Area 8 Conservation Area. The evening will feature music, lawn games, bonfires and barbecue fare from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Conservation Halton's Pride in Nature began in 2021 and has since become a key part of its broader commitment to equity and belonging in the outdoors. For more information or to register for events, visit . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
