The MQCC Business Awards

Since 2013, the Manitoba Queer Chamber of Commerce (MQCC) has proudly recognized individuals, organizations, and businesses whose leadership, innovation, and dedication are creating a positive impact on Manitoba’s 2SLGBTQIA+ and broader business communities. The MQCC Annual Business Awards celebrate the visionaries who champion diversity, foster inclusion, and strengthen our economy while uplifting queer voices. Together, they highlight the power of entrepreneurship, allyship, and community building in shaping a more vibrant, equitable Manitoba.

After a several-year pause, the MQCC is thrilled to bring back this celebration of our incredible community! The Business Awards Cocktail Reception will take place March 19, 2026 at WAG-Qaumajuq.

The event will be hosted by Faith Fundal and will feature a drag performance by Kymera, music by The Kaptain, a raffle in support of MQCC’s newly established Equity & Access Fund, and plenty of time for networking.

The evening will also feature a celebration of the first cohort of MQCC’s EMERGE: Queer Entrepreneur Development Program, a program for Manitoba entrepreneurs in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to gain essential business skills and strategies and build a supportive network of mentors and colleagues. The 2025-26 cohort was comprised of 15 mentees and 10 mentors, all of whom will be publicly recognized for their involvement in this pilot program.

Dress code: Formal dress not required. Please wear whatever makes you feel good!

Tickets for the 2026 MQCC Annual Business Awards Cocktail Reception are now on sale. Get your tickets today!

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Award Nominations

We are thrilled to announce the nominees for the 2026 MQCC Business Awards! Meet the individuals, businesses and organizations doing incredible work in our community! 

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Thank You to our 2026 Business Awards Sponsors!

Calling all Sponsors!

Interested in sponsoring the 2026 MQCC Annual Business Awards? We are looking for sponsors to make our March awards event a success. There are many ways your business can support this event and other Chamber activities. Download our 2025-26 Sponsorship Package or contact us at info@mbqueerchamber.ca to learn more!

Sponsorship Categories

Presenting Sponsors – Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce, Government of Canada

Food & Beverage Sponsor – Still available

Award Sponsors – Assiniboine Credit Union, Duboff Edwards Schachter Law Corporation, Summit Search Group, TD Bank Group

EMERGE Finale Sponsor – RBC

Equity & Access Sponsors – Brandidly, CN Indigenous Relations, Payworks, Prestige XP

Past Award Recipients

 

Community Builder

    • Robynne Kazina (2020)
    • Allan Gray (2019)
    • Scott Carman (2018)
    • Our Own Health (2017)

Entrepreneur of the Year

    • Gloria Sawatzky (2020)
    • Alex Varricchio – UpHouse (2019)
    • Ro Mills – Get Your Joey (2018)
    • Kevin Selch – Little Brown Jug (2017)

Employer of the Year 

    • Little Brown Jug (2020)
    • Eadha Bread (2019)

Chamber Member of the Year

    • Capital Grill (2020)

Corporate Ally

    • Duboff, Edwards & Schachter Law (2020)
    • RBC (2019)
    • Home Depot (2018)
    • APTN (2017)
    • TD Bank Group (2016)
    • MTS (2015)
    • Delta Winnipeg (2014)
    • RBC (2013)

Tourism & Hospitality

    • Festival du Voyageur (2018)
    • Fairmont Hotel (2017)
    • Alt Hotel (2016)

Student

    • Tyler Andrade (2018)
    • Shayne Reitmeier (2017)
    • Hayato Nakabayashi (2016)
    • Evan Maydaniuk (2015)
    • Evan Wiens (2014)
    • Jared Star (2013)

Trailblazer

    • Shandi Strong (2016)
    • Linda Burndorfer (2015)
    • Kenny Boyce (2014)
    • Dick Smith (2013)

Community Leader (Individual)

    • Michelle McHale (2016)
    • Jonathan Niemczak (2015)
    • Chad Smith (2013)

Community Leader (Organization)

    • Rainbow Pride Mosaic (2016)
    • Pride Winnipeg (2015)
    • REEL Pride (2014)

New Business

    • Oh Doughnuts! (2016)
    • The Planit Restaurant & Lounge (2015)
    • Wookey Films (2014)
    • White Lotus Pet Spa (2013)