Local 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs will have a new way to connect, starting with a networking event on Feb. 26

THUNDER BAY — A non-profit that works to support 2SLGBTQIA+ businesses is expanding into the Northwest with its third regional hub.

“I think this is a really unique opportunity for Thunder Bay in the region,” said Jason Veltri, regional lead for the Ontario Queer Chamber of Commerce’s new Thunder Bay hub.

The Toronto-based organization stuck to the GTA with its first two regional hubs, launched earlier this year in Hamilton and London. Veltri credits the efforts of the local business community with attracting the OQCC to the city.

“A lot of work has been done in Thunder Bay with the CEDC and Tourism Thunder Bay to get Rainbow Registered. A lot of work has gone into Tourism Thunder Bay’s strategy on 2SLGBT tourism,” he said.

“I think this is their recognition that Thunder Bay is doing really great work in the space of providing a welcoming, inclusive and diverse community that focuses on business owners,” Veltri said.

The OQCC regional hub in Thunder Bay is hosting its first event on Thursday in partnership with Frost Festival and the Rainbow Collective.

Local 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals, artists, and entrepreneurs are invited to Pocket Change Bar from 5 to 7 p.m. for a networking event.

Veltri said the regional OQCC collaborates with local groups like the Rainbow Collective, Thunder Pride, and Pride Central.

“Bringing that all together, that would be for me, (be) the recognition that we’re doing something right,” he said.

According to its website, membership in the OQCC comes with access to networking and professional development opportunities, with discounted rates on events and programming, and a chance for increase visibility within the network.

The OQCC is not part of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Veltri said.

“We’re having our first event on Feb. 26, and we’ll go from there and assess what the next steps would be for continued engagement and networking and opportunities to evolve the relationship with the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce and the business community,” he said.

Connor Remus, owner of Pocket Change Bar, said he was thrilled when asked to host the inaugural event.

“I said sure I’d love to. That’s exactly what we’re made to do,” Remus said.

While living in Toronto, Remus was a part of the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

Remus said that upon returning to the city to open Pocket Change Bar, creating a safe and inclusive space was a priority.

I actually went through the process of becoming Rainbow Registered and got our certification about a month ago,” he said.

“It’s also where… Rainbow Collective is hosting the trivia night following the networking event. So, we kind of brought everything together under one roof,” he said.

Attendees will be able to meet OQCC members and enjoy food, refreshments, and a performance by two local drag artists, Veltri said.

“It’s just an opportunity to mix, mingle, network, talk about how do we continue to grow the opportunities for business and business leaders and professionals in Thunder Bay to get involved,” Veltri said.

“If folks want to stay for trivia afterwards, they can, or they can head home after the networking event,” Veltri said.

The event is free, but registration is encouraged and can be done on the OQCC’s website.