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, and professionals by fostering meaningful connections, collaboration, and opportunities that drive 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.
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
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
Who We Serve
- 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:
– Supporting hospitals and local charities
– Empowering youth and accessibility programs
– Building community through compassion
CGTA Manufacturers Alliance — Strengthening Industry
Our Focus:
– Industry networking and collaboration
– Access to funding and skilled workforce programs
– Promoting 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.
Meet the Team Behind the Network
Our team is dedicated to supporting your growth and fostering the connections that matter.
Suresh Kumar
Founder & President
info@connectinggta.com
Suresh is the visionary leader who built CGTA from a local initiative into one of Ontario’s most trusted networking organizations. He is known for his deep commitment to fostering authentic relationships and supporting community development.
Leslie Enright
President
info@connectinggta.com
Leslie, President of Connecting GTA and owner of Canuck Industrial Group, is a seasoned leader with 25+ years of experience. She founded The Manufacturers Alliance, driving innovation, collaboration, and strategic growth across industries through her entrepreneurial vision and expertise in operational excellence.
Daisy Kaur
Vice President
info@connectinggta.com
Daisy Kaur, owner and president of Express Employment Professionals in Pickering, leads a company dedicated to helping businesses find qualified staff. With deep insight into workforce trends, she highlights the growing challenge companies face in recruiting skilled talent amid increasing competition and evolving employment demands across various industries.
Ramana Siva
Finance & Funding Oasis LLP
Annie Tharani
Events Management Elevate Talent & Marketing
Angelo Pucci
Community Advocacy Sutton Group-Heritage Realty Inc.
Nandan Kalyanpur
Community Advocacy
Urban Vacations
Sharmaine Singh
Education & Workforce Development Surge Arrest Canada Inc.
Ian McCutcheon
Membership
Walton Restoration
Thessa Dougan-Smith
Education & Workforce Development
T & W Smith Consulting Group
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.
