Announcing the 2025 Business Leadership Awards’ Finalists

Press Release

October 30, 2025

The Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC) is proud to announce the Finalists for the 2025 Business Leadership Awards. These awards celebrate and honour individuals and companies who have helped champion diversity, inclusion, and economic growth in the Canadian 2SLGBTQI+ community.

On Friday November 14, 2025, CQCC members, entrepreneurs, corporations, and esteemed business leaders from across the country will gather at The Carlu in Toronto to recognize the achievements of Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ business community during an evening of stellar entertainment, networking, and celebration.

The Business Leadership Awards celebrate outstanding individuals and companies that have played a significant role in driving economic growth within Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ community. They honour those who have created positive change and fostered a thriving business environment.

This year, we’re marking a decade of our Annual Black & White Gala. Join us for a milestone night of fabulous fun, celebration, and meaningful connections.

The evening’s entertainment will include a star-studded lineup of performers including JUNO-nominated Pop singer-songwriter, producer, & performer, Tafari Anthony; community-building through the power of dance, Naach For Fun; internationally performing drag king serving Latine wine and non-binary bread, Gay Jesus; providing in-person tarot readings, Queer Toronto Tarot; and DJ Donovan who’ll keep the energy high and the crowd dancing all night long!

Find out more about the Gala at www.queerchamber.ca/gala.

Winners of the 2025 Business Leadership Awards will be announced throughout the evening of the Black & White Gala. We would like to extend our congratulations to the following finalists.

Business Leader of the year 2025

Presented by Scotiabank

• Ashifa Jumani
• Jena Nasser
• Jeremy Williams
• Mandy Farmer
• Matt Erhard

Corporation of the Year 2025

Presented by Luceo Legal

• Canada Post
• Export Development Canada
• Manga Hotel Group
• Telus
• TJX Canada

2SLGBTQI+ Business of the Year 2025

Presented by EY

• Awl Together Leather
• Expressive Wellness
• Misfit Ventures
• Point Blank
• Dignii Technologies

Young 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneur of the Year 2025

Presented by RBC

• Dorienne Proulx
• Elsie Morden
• Hadis Saffari
• Makaylah Rogers
• Rae Hill

2SLGBTQI+ Community Impact of the Year 2025

Presented by Bird Construction

• Egale Canada
• Find Your Voice Music Therapy
• Sea Change CoLab
• Qmunity
• UPlift Black

Rainbow Registered Prism Award 2025 [NEW!]

Presented by Manulife

• Lighthouse Festival Theatre Corporation
• Meeting Place Organic Farm
• Museum of Natural History – Nova Scotia
• Spindle Films
• Qmooniti Travel & Lifestyle

A brief outline of each Award’s criteria may be found on our Awards page.

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