Unlock New Business Opportunities: Get Certified with CGLCC's Supplier Diversity Program
Are you a 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneur in Banff, Canmore, or Lake Louise looking to grow your business, access new markets, and connect with companies that value inclusion? The Supplier Diversity Program offered by Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) is a powerful opportunity to do just that.
If your business is at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, you may qualify to become a Certified Diverse Supplier, a designation that opens doors to major corporations, government contracts, and a national network of inclusive procurement professionals.
Learn more at: cglcc.ca/programs/supplier-diversity
Why Supplier Diversity Matters
More and more companies across Canada and around the world are seeking to work with businesses that reflect their values of equity, inclusion, and representation. Supplier diversity programs aim to level the playing field by ensuring that certified businesses owned by underrepresented communities (like the 2SLGBTQIA+ community) have equal access to contracting and procurement opportunities.
CGLCC’s program is the only one of its kind in Canada dedicated specifically to 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs.
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Diverse Supplier
When you join the CGLCC’s Supplier Diversity Program, you gain access to:
Procurement opportunities with large companies committed to inclusive sourcing
Corporate matchmaking events that connect you directly with buyers
National and international trade missions designed for diverse suppliers
Networking and mentorship with other queer entrepreneurs and allies
Recognition and credibility that helps set your business apart
You also become part of a growing movement that is changing the face of Canadian business.
A Unique Value for Queer Entrepreneurs
The program goes beyond certification. It creates community, visibility, and trust. As a queer entrepreneur, joining the Supplier Diversity Program means you are part of a supportive network that champions equity in business. It also gives you tools and training to navigate the procurement process, which can often feel intimidating or inaccessible.
In regions like the Bow Valley, where local businesses thrive on tourism, partnerships, and service excellence, this certification can position your business as a leader in inclusive practices.
How to Get Started
The first step is to check your eligibility. Your business must be at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by a 2SLGBTQIA+ individual or individuals. You will need to submit documents like ownership records, resumes, and a company overview.
CGLCC provides clear guidance through every step of the certification process and offers support along the way.
Start here: cglcc.ca/programs/supplier-diversity
Grow With Confidence
Joining the Supplier Diversity Program is not just about accessing contracts, it is about building long-term relationships, increasing visibility, and standing proudly as a queer-owned business in Canada.
For Bow Valley entrepreneurs, this is a chance to connect locally and nationally, grow your business, and be recognized for the value you bring to the Canadian economy.
For more local support, explore the SMARTstart program at pridenetwork.ca/smartstart
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