Momentum is surging across Calgary’s queer business community, supercharged last week by a high-profile pro-queer speech from Calgary’s mayor alongside the Prime Minister at the Forever Canadian Rally. Local queer leaders note the city has rapidly evolved into one of Canada’s premier destinations for queer entrepreneurs and investment.
Capitalizing on this economic momentum, the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC) is hosting its inaugural and just-announced Night of Distinction in Calgary on October 29th at the TELUS Spark Science Centre.
"The openly queer mayor’s vocal support fuels Calgary’s reputation as a top-tier place for queer entrepreneurs to build a business," says Jarom Moriyama-Bondar, Alberta Board Member for the CQCC, Area Vice President at Gallagher Insurance, and co-founder of local organization Pride In Business. "The mayor has always been about ensuring that people feel welcome and safe in Calgary, regardless of one’s sexuality. I think this would speak well to Calgary making efforts to attract talent, entrepreneurs, and investment. Part of our economic competitiveness is ensuring queer professionals of all backgrounds see a future here. The broader business community plays a massive role in creating that opportunity."
Moriyama-Bondar, who grew up in Calgary, knows the landscape firsthand. Fifteen years ago, he co-founded Pride In Business in Calgary to combat isolation and help closeted professionals network openly. "Growing up in Calgary and coming out here was not easy as there was nowhere to see "successful" queer professionals, business owners, entrepreneurs, as most were closeted," says Moriyama-Bondar. Last year, he brought that grassroots dedication to the national CQCC board. "Calgary is a relationship-driven business city," Moriyama-Bondar notes. "Bringing local, national, and global leaders together creates vital avenues for mentorship, corporate procurement, and partnerships. In today's economic climate, diversifying market access at home and abroad is critical for queer-owned enterprises."
The CQCC is Canada’s sole national not-for-profit certifying 2SLGBTQI+ owned businesses, uniting an advocacy network of over 120,000 operators. Statistically, 1 in 40 Canadian businesses is LGBTQ2S+-owned, yet many still navigate unique market barriers. "Events like our Calgary Night of Distinction bridge the gap, connecting resilient entrepreneurs directly with inclusive corporate leaders and supply chains," says CQCC CEO and co-founder Darrell Schuurman, who has spearheaded international trade missions to scale Canadian queer businesses globally.
The October 29th gala will feature elite cross-sector networking, a local vendor showcase, and distinct community awards recognizing Western Canada's top diverse suppliers and changemakers.
Event Details At-A-Glance:
What: CQCC Night of Distinction:Calgary
When: Wednesday, October 29, | 6:00PM – 11:00 PM
Where: TELUS Spark Science Centre (220 St. George's Drive NE, Calgary)
Tickets & Info: Ticketsstart at $25. More info on event and tickets at https://queerchamber.ca/event/cqcc-night-of-distinction-calgary/
