About Us
Canada's most trusted business directory — connecting communities, empowering entrepreneurs, and celebrating culture.
Building a stronger Canadian community
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.
ADVISORY BOARD
Leaders Helping Leaders Succeed.
The Connecting GTA Advisory Board brings together experienced professionals and community leaders who are committed to fostering collaboration, supporting entrepreneurs, and creating opportunities that strengthen businesses and communities across the Greater Toronto Area.
Murali Murthy - President
Murali is a Creative & Brand Strategist, I combine human insight with AI-enabled campaigns to build brands that resonate, engage, and deliver measurable business impact.
Sharmila Perera
Sharmila comes with over 23 years of experience helping employers with workforce challenges & connecting businesses with reliable talent and workforce solutions.
Kris Poopalasingam
Kris is a advisor at BDC. By providing tailored financing solutions with flexible terms, along with strategic advisory services, he supports organizations in driving sustainable growth and success.
Daisy Kaur
Daisy Kaur is the Owner and President of Express Employment Professionals in Pickering, Ontario, where she is dedicated to helping businesses find top talent and supporting job seekers in achieving their career goals.
Kevin Yung
Kevin is a dedicated insurance broker with a passion for helping individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most. He specializes in property, auto, commercial, and business insurance to their unique needs.
Thessa Dougan-Smith
Thessa is a financial professional with extensive experience in accounting, auditing, and business operations. She brings a strong background in budgeting, cash flow management, reporting & financial statements.
Dinesh Mohangupta
Dinesh pecializes in helping businesses identify hidden savings opportunities within their indirect spending. He uncovers billing errors, contract inefficiencies, and unnecessary costs—often recovering significant savings.
George Yang
George is a digital innovator and marketing professional with 10+ years of experience of consistently driven transformative results through strategic implementation of cutting-edge technologies.
Angelo Pucci
Angelo Pucci is the owner of Team Pucci, a trusted real estate team dedicated to helping clients successfully navigate the buying, selling, and investing process. Known for providing personalized, first-class service, Angelo is committed to delivering exc.
Prem Nadarajah
Prem Nadarajah is the owner of Perkins Restaurant & Bakery and a respected community leader who believes in the power of relationships, collaboration, and giving back. He is known for his generosity and unwavering support of local initiatives across the region.
Leslie Enright - President 2025
Leslie Enright is committed to empowering entrepreneurs, fostering meaningful collaboration, and creating opportunities that strengthen Ontario’s business community. She believes that strong communities are built through strong relationships.
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:
- Relationship-driven networking
- 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:
- Hospitals and local charities
- Empowering youth 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
- Funding and skilled workforce programs
- Made-in-Ontario innovation and growth
Business, Community & Political Leaders
WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED & SPOKEN AT OUR EVENTS
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.
We built Connecting GTA because every entrepreneur deserves to be seen, trusted, and celebrated — not just by the community, but by all of Canada.
What We Stand For
Our core values
The principles that guide everything we build and every decision we make.
Why Choose Us
Built for the community, by the community
Find locally owned businesses by name, category, city, or keyword — fast, accurate, and always up to date.
Real feedback from real community members. Every review is moderated to ensure quality and authenticity.
Every feature is designed to strengthen the Canadian community — from blogs to events to business profiles.
Owners get a full dashboard to manage their profile, publish blogs, track analytics, and respond to inquiries.
All listings are reviewed and maintained to high standards. Your data and your business reputation are safe with us.
Affordable plans starting at CAD $12/year. Reach thousands of customers actively searching for your services.
Join Us
Ready to be part of the community?
Whether you're looking for locally owned businesses or you're a business owner ready to grow — we're here for you.