We often get the question: why do you exist? There are business chambers at the regional and national level, and corporations’ support for LGBT+ initiatives is on the rise.
It’s easy to give a by-the-numbers response. Canada is home to over 28,000 LGBT+-owned businesses. These businesses generate over $22 billion in economic activity and employ over 435,000 Canadians. In other words, LGBT+ business is big business.
However, LGBT+ entrepreneurs still face barriers. Nearly half have hidden who they were in business dealings to avoid losing opportunities, and more than a third have lost opportunities due to being LGBT+.
There is a growing number of organizations looking to change these stats – one connection at a time. A community of LGBT+ businesses, government liaisons and even diverse procurement practices are helping tip the scales. CGLCC is a coalition of all of these positive forces advocating for change to make a more inclusive Canadian economy possible.
We do this by bringing people together, and highlighting the right resources for LGBT+ entrepreneurs to be even more successful.
So, the answer is: we exist because LGBT+ entrepreneurs already have a huge impact on the Canadian economy, with barriers. Let’s see what kind of thriving and inclusive Canada is possible when we remove them.
Our Programs
Each of our programs is designed to elevate LGBT businesses and foster greater diversity and inclusion across Canada’s economy.
Whether we’re connecting LGBT+ businesses to a global network or a corporation with a vested interest in diverse procurement, we’re here to facilitate connections that can build a more inclusive Canada.
We also serve businesses looking to form more inclusive cultures or programming, offering inclusivity training and market-preparedness training for serving LGBT+ clientele. We use our LGBT+ expertise and research to facilitate a stronger, more inclusive Canadian economy for all.
Supplier Diversity
Supplier diversity is more than a mandate – it’s an economic and social revolution. We fill tables with progressive organizations looking to engage in supplier diversity with our certified LGBT+ businesses. This gives Canadian LGBT+ businesses unprecedented access to connections, partnerships and new business opportunities, while corporations benefit from diversifying their suppliers and service providers.
Board of Directors
Staff
He is an alumnus of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program.
Richard has been CGLCC’s Director, Global Program & Government Relations, since 2016.
Originally from the Montreal region, Richard is a graduate of the universities of Sherbrooke (B.A.) and Ottawa (M.A.). He speaks French, English and Spanish.
Prior to Air Canada, Kyle served as a Marketing and Communications manager specializing in delivering for travel, tourism, and not-for-profit brands in the digital space. He holds a BA in Media, Information & Technoculture as well as a Diploma in Advertising and Graphic Design.
Outside of work, Kyle is passionate about LGBT+ social causes and remains active in the community through his work with local LGBT+ owned businesses and nonprofits.
A proud Nova Scotian, Ryan brings nearly five years of experience in communications, stakeholder relations, and campaign management from the political sector. Most recently, he was the Press Secretary and Advisor to the federal Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International trade. Previous to this, he was the campaign manager in the federal riding of Sackville–Preston–Chezzetcook, Nova Scotia and field manager in the provincial riding of Portland–Simonds, New Brunswick.
Ryan holds a Bachelor of Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent University and a Masters of Political Management from Carleton University. Outside of work, Ryan is passionate about community economic development and enjoys baking, running, and planning adventures with loved ones.
Our Corporate Partners
Our Corporate Partners get access to our growing network of certified LGBT+ businesses who are experts in their fields. By attending events with speaking and networking opportunities, Corporate Partners have a direct line to the competitive suppliers who can diversify their procurement practices.
Stay on the leading edge of supplier diversity by gaining market knowledge on working with the LGBT+ community and supplier diversity training and tools. If you’re new to supplier diversity, we can also help you kickstart your program and begin measuring its impact on your organization – and your organization’s impact on the economy. Join the leading number of organizations revolutionizing the way they do business to maximize social and economic change.
USA – National LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Central & Eastern Europe – East Meets West
Colombia – Cámara de Comerciantes LGBT de Colombia (CCLGBTco)
Costa Rica – Cámara de Comercio Diversa Costa Rica (CCDCR)
Dominican Republic – Cámara de Comercio LGBT de la República Dominicana (CCLGBTRD)
Mexico – Federación Mexicana de Empresarios LGBT (FME-LGBT)
Scandinavia – Scandinavian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (SGLCC)
Councils & Working Groups
The voices of our members and partners matter. CGLCC’s work is informed by advisory councils and working groups to ensure we are meeting our network’s needs. This input from various stakeholders helps us shape and improve the programs we offer and the activities we engage in.