CGLCC’s historic LGBTQ Trade Mission, a first to the UK and EU, expands global export relationships for community-driven Canadian businesses.

Through Trade Missions like these, CGLCC’s Global Program connects businesses across the world and demonstrates exceptional value to all involved.

Through its Global Program, the Canadian 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce led a trade delegation of certified suppliers (14 to London and 10 to Vienna) from March 16 to March 21, 2023, for this unique international trade mission.

“The level of partnership we saw on this mission – both in those who supported it and those who attended – was truly amazing to see,” said Darrell Schuurman, CGLCC Founder and CEO. “We can’t thank our sponsors enough. The connections made on this mission will continue to benefit all those who were a part of it for years to come.”

Partnership driven

The opportunity would not have been possible without the support of the Canadian Government and Trade Commissioner Services. Partners OUTBritain and East Meets West were also crucial to the success of the visits to both London and Vienna during the trip.

“This mission really showcased what CGLCC does well,” said Cass Elliott, CGLCC Global Manager. “Connecting Canadian suppliers with resources that facilitate trade and business connections in new markets, then supporting them to explore their own opportunities abroad are what make these trade missions so invaluable.”

The LGBTQ Trade Mission attracted notable dignitaries from Canada and abroad: MP Rob Oliphant, the UK Minister of Equalities Hon. Stuart Andrew, Canadian Ambassadors from Austria, Serbia, and Canada’s Minister of Trade Minister Ng. (Read the Minister’s full Statement).

Canadian suppliers also met with and presented their business pitches to Chief Trade Commissioner of Canada Sara Wilshaw, head of inclusive trade Nigel Neale, Trade Commissioners from across the regions, corporate representatives from the United Kingdom & across Europe. Additional discussions focused on topics such as leveraging supplier diversity, transatlantic trade, inclusive trade practices, and utilizing digital strategies for SMEs to move into new markets.

“People around the world are seeing the value in mission alignment,” said Cass Elliott. “LGBTQ Trade Missions like these, and CGLCC’s Global Program, offer significant stakeholder value. They open doors, providing tremendous benefits to all of the businesses involved.” CGLCC unlocked more than 60K in matched CanExport funding that directly enabled Canadian diverse SME’s to attend the mission and explore new markets.

The CGLCC would like to thank partners OUTBritain, East Meets West, and the Government of Canada; Delegate Directory Sponsors RBC, and Mellohawk; Flight sponsors Air Canada; and Global Program Sponsors EDC.

Thank you for supporting Canadian LGBTQ Businesses going global!

• 2023 Trade Mission Delegate Directory
• Prior CGLCC Press Release
• The Pink News coverage