From May 26 to 30, 2025, CGLCC hosted its first-ever Domestic Trade Mission in Vancouver, BC — a landmark moment for Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ business community. This mission brought together 21 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs and SMEs from across the country, connecting them to a vibrant local ecosystem of buyers, innovators, investors, and peers.
With a curated program including seminars, coaching, daily debriefs, and full access to the inaugural Web Summit North America, the week was packed with purpose, connection, and momentum.
Kicking Things Off: CGLCC Connect Vancouver
We launched the week with CGLCC Connect Vancouver, a powerful one-day mixer that set the tone for everything that followed during Web Summit. We’re still buzzing from the energy of the breakout sessions, an inspiring fireside chat with Cicely Blain, and the thoughtful insights captured live by graphic recorder Miranda Maslany. It was a day that reminded us why we do this work — to create meaningful connections, inspire bold ideas, and build an economy where everyone belongs.
📍Next stop? Halifax. On October 9th, we’ll bring CGLCC Connect to the East Coast — where 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs, corporate changemakers, and passionate allies will once again gather to connect, learn, and grow.
More information and registration can be found here.
Domestic Trade Mission By the Numbers
- 21 participating SMEs, including 12 on their first trade mission ever
- 180+ qualified leads generated
- Hundreds of meetings and introductions facilitated
- 3 companies expedited certification to join the mission
- 147 attendees at the Queer Community Meet-up, powered by the Queer Innovation Zone (in collaboration with QueerTech, Misfits Ventures, Coldstart, VirtualGurus)
- The highest number of applications ever received for a CGLCC trade mission
Delegate Voices: Real Impact, Real Inspiration
“This is the most hot leads I’ve gotten from any trade mission with CGLCC. Having Cass [and the CGLCC team] there in person was life-changing—he created a ‘home base’ and made the space welcoming.”
“The support and encouragement from the [delegation] pushed me to explore bigger partnerships than I’d normally pursue.”
“I’m leaving deeply inspired. Innovation knows no borders.”
The mission not only generated business leads — it strengthened strategies, pitches, and confidence. Delegates emphasized how daily debriefs, private chat groups, and structured booth support created a sense of security and focus throughout the summit.
Collaboration in Action: Stories from the Field
Ty McKinney, CEO of 8 Bit Cortex, shared standout stories from the Web Summit:
- Business Matchmaking with Impact: Two Alberta-based companies began work with Indigenous communities on infrastructure projects backed by capital funding.
- Strategic Alliances: Queer-owned SMEs formed partnerships around burnout management, analytics, and grant writing.
- Social Impact at Scale: A drag fundraising initiative for addiction recovery gained momentum.
- QueerTech Visibility: The upcoming QueerTech Conference in Calgary received national interest thanks to promotion by delegates.
What We Learned: Gaps and Opportunities
- Matchmaking remains essential: Delegates are eager for structured B2B matchmaking, even at domestic missions.
- Fund equitable travel: Intersectional entrepreneurs faced barriers due to limited travel funding — a gap that must be addressed as inter-provincial trade grows.
- Target mid-size buyers: Future programming must go beyond procurement teams and engage decision-makers with purchasing power.
Looking Ahead
This mission proved that inter-provincial trade missions work — building pipelines, unlocking markets, and amplifying the potential of 2SLGBTQI+ businesses.
“For my first trade mission, I thought it was great! I’m revved up and better prepared for the next opportunity.”
With renewed energy, stronger networks, and bold ideas, CGLCC is now better positioned to scale these efforts across the country — while advocating for inclusive funding and access so that no entrepreneur is left behind.
Special thanks to our Global Program Sponsors: Export Development Canada (EDC) and the Government of Canada, for their ongoing support in advancing inclusive trade through international collaboration.
