About Connecting GTA: Building Connections, Inspiring Growth
Our Journey: From Vision to Vibrant Community
Connecting GTA began in Toronto as a local initiative driven by our founder and President, Suresh Kumar. As a visionary leader and respected business strategist, Suresh recognized the need for networking based on authentic relationships, not just transactions.
Suresh built CGTA into one of Ontario’s most trusted organizations, guided by a deep commitment to helping entrepreneurs grow and supporting community development. With more than 22 years of entrepreneurial experience, Suresh has built, scaled, and supported businesses across multiple sectors. Today, we are a thriving entrepreneur network in the Greater Toronto Area with over thousands of members, hosting 75+ events annually and serving professionals across the entire Greater Toronto Area .
Our Mission
To empower entrepreneurs, business leaders, professionals, and community organizations by creating meaningful connections, fostering collaboration, and unlocking opportunities that drive sustainable personal and economic growth across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.
Our Vision
To be the most trusted and impactful business networking community in Ontario, recognized for connecting people, inspiring growth, and strengthening local economies—while fostering meaningful relationships built on integrity, collaboration, and long-term value.
Our Values
- Community-First: We believe in giving back and building a supportive ecosystem.
- Collaboration: We know that progress is built on shared ideas and genuine partnerships.
- Integrity: We operate with transparency and are dedicated to fostering authentic relationships.
- Impact: We are committed to delivering measurable results for our members and the broader community.
Why We Exist
Building Meaningful Connections
Networking across a region as large as the Greater Toronto Area can feel disconnected and overly transactional, making it difficult to find a community that truly values genuine interaction. We exist to create a space where people connect beyond exchanging business cards—forming relationships rooted in trust, sincerity, and shared purpose. At Connecting GTA, we believe strong businesses are built on strong relationships.
Fostering Collaborative Communities
People today seek more than quick introductions or surface-level conversations. They want a community that encourages authentic engagement, shared learning, and real collaboration. Our organization brings individuals together who believe in supporting one another, exchanging valuable knowledge, and creating opportunities that flourish when people unite with intention and commitment.
Inspiring Purpose-Driven Growth
Our foundation is built on the belief that progress emerges through collaboration and collective effort. We have become one of Ontario’s most dynamic business networking groups, uniting leaders and innovators committed to building meaningful relationships. By working together, we generate growth, strengthen community impact, and support success that benefits everyone involved.
Who We Serve
Our network is built for leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators from every sector. Our community is for you if you are:
- Startups & Entrepreneurs: Seeking guidance, funding, and startup networking.
- Small Business Owners: Looking to connect with peers, find mentors, and grow their local presence.
- Established Businesses & Corporate Executives: Aiming to build strategic partnerships and connect with industry leaders.
We are the premier business networking company in Toronto, with active members in Pickering, Mississauga, Brampton, and beyond.
Our Core Offerings
Three Pillars of Impact
Our organization is built on three key divisions, allowing us to serve our members and community in a uniquely holistic way.
Connecting GTA — Collaboration in Action
Our Focus:
- Relationship-driven networking
- Business growth and mentorship
- Leadership and community partnerships
CGTA Foundation — Empowering Communities
Our Focus:
- Hospitals and local charities
- Empowering youth programs
- Building community through compassion
CGTA Manufacturers Alliance — Strengthening Industry
Our Focus:
- Industry networking and collaboration
- Funding and skilled workforce programs
- Made-in-Ontario innovation and growth
Our Core Offerings
Three Pillars of Impact
Our organization is built on three key divisions, allowing us to serve our members and community in a uniquely holistic way.
Connecting GTA — Collaboration in Action
This is the foundation of our network. We bring leaders together through purposeful business networking events in the Greater Toronto Area, including monthly VIP events, Coffee Connects, leadership forums, and high-impact galas. We provide one-on-one business coaching, peer masterminds, and networking platforms for entrepreneurs to turn conversations into real results.
Our Focus:
– Business growth and mentorship
– Leadership and community partnerships
CGTA Foundation — Empowering Communities
The heart of CGTA lies in giving back. Through the CGTA Foundation, we raise funds and awareness for causes that strengthen our communities, including healthcare, youth empowerment, accessibility, and education. From our annual Legacy Gala supporting the Scarborough Health Network Foundation to youth mentorship programs, we believe business success and social responsibility go hand-in-hand.
Our Focus:
– Supporting hospitals and local charities
– Empowering youth and accessibility programs
– Building community through compassion
CGTA Manufacturers Alliance — Strengthening Industry
This specialized division connects and empowers Ontario’s manufacturing community. We bring together manufacturers, suppliers, educational institutions, and government leaders to foster collaboration, workforce development, and innovation, ensuring a strong and sustainable “Made-in-Ontario” future.
Our Focus:
– Industry networking and collaboration
– Access to funding and skilled workforce programs
– Promoting Made-in-Ontario innovation and growth
Real Results.
- CGTA is more than an organization; it’s a living network of people helping people succeed. But don't just take our word for it. See what our members have to say:
CGTA is more than an organization — it’s a living network of people helping people succeed.
Business, Community & Political Leaders
WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED & SPOKEN AT OUR EVENTS
The Hon. Rechie Valdez
Minister of Small Business
The Hon. Tony Clement
Former Federal & Provincial Minister
The Hobn. Mary Ng
Former Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade
Marcel Dionne
Former Canadian Professional Ice Hockey Centre
Patrice Barnes
Former MPP, PA to both Minister of Education and the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
Jamil Jivani
MP, Bowmanville—Oshawa North, Ontario
The Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy
Finance Minister, Ontario
Jennier Stewart
President & CEO of Humber River Health Foundation
Hon. Stephen Lecce
Minister of Energy and Mines
Nina Bifolchi
Former Mayor of Wasaga Beach
Muraly Srinarayanathas
CEO & Executive Chairman - Computek College
John Tory
Founder Mayor of Toronto
Shaun Collier
Mayor of Ajax
Irismar Lawrence
Chopra Certified Life Coach & Wellness Advocate
Neil Sinclair
Partner - AssurancePartner - Assurance Doane Grant Thornton LLP
Nina Bifolchi
Former Mayor of Wasaga Beach
Dolf DeJong
CEO of Toronto Zoo
Elizabeth Roy
Mayor, Town of Whitby
Frank Stronach
Founder of Magna International
Jennifer McKelvie
MP & Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
Patrick Brown
Mayor, City of Brampton
Kevin Ashe
Mayor of Pickering
Marilyn Crawford
Regional Councillor | Ward One Ajax
Dan Carter
Mayor, City of Oshawa
Janany Jayanthikumar
Mental Health Educator
Anthony Furey
Columnist & Broadcaster
Hon. Nina Tangri
Associate Minister of Small Business
The Hon. George Smitherman
Former Member of Provincial Parliament of Ontario
Tito-Dante Marimpietri
Regional Councillor, City of Oshawa
Randall Arsenault
Ontario Human Rights Commission / Former Toronto Police Officer
Serving the Entire Greater Toronto Area
Our community is your community. We have active members and host events across the Greater Toronto Area, including:
Ready to Be Part of Something Bigger?
Join a network that's more than just meetings, it's a community built on collaboration, impact, and real growth. Find your partners, mentors, and friends at Connecting GTA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Connecting GTA different from other networking groups in Burlington or Toronto?
We are built on three unique pillars: our core business networking (CGTA), our charitable arm (CGTA Foundation), and our industry-specific division (CGTA Manufacturers Alliance). We focus on real relationships and community impact, not just transactions.
Can I attend an event before becoming a member?
We are built on three unique pillars: our core business networking (CGTA), our charitable arm (CGTA Foundation), and our industry-specific division (CGTA Manufacturers Alliance). We focus on real relationships and community impact, not just transactions.
What industries are represented in the network?
Our network is incredibly diverse. We have members from tech, finance, manufacturing, legal, creative services, healthcare, trades, and dozens of other sectors, which is what makes our collaboration so powerful.
