CGLCC - Supplier Diversity
Highlights
This program is designed for businesses like yours, offering a unique opportunity to become a certified LGBTQ supplier. By getting certified, you gain access to exclusive purchasing opportunities and contracts with large organizations that prioritize diverse suppliers. This can significantly expand your business network and open doors to new markets.
What You Get:
- Direct connections with procurement staff from major corporations
- Increased visibility in a national database of certified suppliers
- Networking opportunities at events and trade missions
The certification process is straightforward and ensures your business meets the highest standards. Once approved, you will receive a certificate and logos to showcase your status as a certified supplier. This certification is recognized internationally, enhancing your credibility and helping you stand out in a competitive market.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Grant
Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:
- No repayment required.
- No interest rates apply.
Eligible Expenses:
- Business development and expansion.
- Marketing and promotional activities.
- Training and development for staff.
- Equipment purchases.
- Technology upgrades.
Ineligible Expenses:
- Personal expenses.
- Debt repayment.
- Real estate purchases.
- Any expenses not directly related to business operations.
Fees:
- No application fees.
- No processing fees.
- No hidden charges.
Qualifications
- Must operate in Canada.
- Must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.
- Must be able to operate as a supplier of products or services to other businesses.
- Must be a for-profit enterprise.
- Must be at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by self-identified LGBTQ individuals.
- In the case of publicly-owned businesses, at least 51% of the company’s shares must be owned by one or more LGBTQ individuals.
The management and daily operations must be controlled by LGBTQ individuals.
Disqualifications:
- Non-profit enterprises.
- Businesses not substantially owned, operated, and controlled by LGBTQ individuals.
Description
This program is designed to help your business thrive by connecting you with supportive business leaders and large organizations. If your business is at least 51% LGBTQ-owned, you can get certified and gain access to unique purchasing opportunities and contracts.
Here's what you get:
- Exposure to new business opportunities: Certification opens doors to contracts and networking with procurement staff from major corporations.
- Support for growth: You'll be part of a network that values diversity and inclusion, helping you sustain and grow your business.
- Level playing field: Certification ensures that your business is recognized as a legitimate, diverse supplier, making it easier to compete in the corporate supply world.
By getting certified, you can leverage your position as a diverse supplier and tap into a network of organizations committed to an inclusive economy. This program is a great opportunity to expand your business and connect with like-minded professionals.
Program Steps
Register an Account:
- Visit the program's website.
- Create an account by providing your email, setting a password, and filling in the required personal information.
Complete the Online Application:
- Log in to your account.
- Navigate to the certification section and start the application process.
- Fill out the necessary forms, including a declaration of LGBTQ status.
Prepare the Required Documentation:
- Gather the following documents:
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.
- Business registration documents.
- Financial statements.
- A declaration of LGBTQ status.
- Ownership documents showing at least 51% LGBTQ ownership.
- Any additional documents specified in the application checklist.
- Gather the following documents:
Submit the Application:
- Upload all required documents to a read-only Google Drive or Dropbox folder.
- Share the folder with the program’s supplier diversity manager for review.
Review and Verification:
- Wait for the program to review your application and documents.
- If additional information is needed, you will be contacted to provide it.
Assessment:
- An assessor will review your documents and verify the information provided.
- Be available for any follow-up questions or requests from the assessor.
Certification Decision:
- Once the assessment is complete, the assessor will send a report to the program.
- If approved, you will receive a certification and be added to the national database.
- If not approved, you will be notified with reasons and can reapply if desired.
Renewal:
- Certification is valid for one year.
- Prepare to renew your certification annually by updating your information and paying the applicable fees.