10th annual celebration honours individuals, businesses, and organizations making an impact on the 2SLGBTQIA+ business community
Posted on February 3, 2026
The Manitoba Queer Chamber of Commerce (MQCC) is proud to announce the return of our Annual Business Awards for 2026 after taking a break for several years. The event began in 2013 as a way to recognize 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. They highlight the power of entrepreneurship, allyship, and community building in shaping a more vibrant, equitable Manitoba.
The last time the Awards were given out was in 2021. “The event looked quite different at that time,” shares Kerry Porter, MQCC’s President. “We were in the thick of the pandemic, so we had to hold the event virtually. It was a challenge to pivot, and with our board operating at a reduced size, we needed to take some time to regroup and build our organizational capacity back up again. We are excited to relaunch this celebration of our incredible community!”
Nominations for the Awards are accepted for a limited time each year and recipients are chosen by a committee made up of business leaders from Manitoba’s queer community. Nominations for the five categories of Awards were accepted until January 31. Nominees must reside in Manitoba or operate a portion of their business in Manitoba.
Categories include:
- Emerging Entrepreneur Award: This award celebrates an entrepreneur who has launched a new business within the past five years and is making waves in Manitoba’s queer community and economy.
- Employer of the Year Award: Honouring a business owner or senior employee of a Manitoba business who exemplifies leadership in workplace culture, this award recognizes those who prioritize employee engagement, foster work‑life balance, and champion diversity and inclusion.
- Community Builder Award: This award acknowledges an individual or community organization whose dedication and vision have significantly strengthened Manitoba’s queer community through advocacy, programming, mentorship, or grassroots organizing.
- Corporate Ally Award: Recognizing a large corporation or business entity with annual revenues of at least $10 million, this award honours organizations that leverage their influence and resources to make a substantial positive impact on Manitoba’s queer community.
- Chamber Member of the Year Award: Selected by the MQCC Awards Committee, this award honours an individual, business, or organization whose active membership has significantly contributed to the mandate of the Chamber, as well as Manitoba’s queer community and economy.
Recipients in each category will be notified in February and will receive two complimentary tickets to attend the Business Awards Cocktail Reception on March 19, 2026 at WAG-Qaumajuq in the Main Hall. The event will be hosted by Faith Fundal and will include 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 event is made possible thanks to financial support from the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce and the Government of Canada.
“When planning the event, we wanted to have the right balance of time for connection and time for celebration,” Jenny Steinke-Magnus, MQCC’s Executive Director, says. “Networking opportunities are always the most requested feature of our events: we know how important it is for business community to connect with one another. The Awards Committee is working hard to ensure that there is something for everyone at this event!”
The evening will also feature a celebration of the completion 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.
Tickets for the 10th Annual MQCC Business Awards Cocktail Reception are now available on our website. We are also still looking for event sponsors and raffle prizes. More information can be found at mb-lgbt.biz/events/chamber-awards.