Top Resources for LGBTQ Business Owners
LGBTQ-owned businesses are an important part of our local business communities. According to data from the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), 1.4 million LGBTQ business owners have opened up businesses nationwide, contributing over one trillion dollars to the U.S. economy.
In honor of Pride Month as well as all of the thriving LGBTQ businesses that shape our communities, we’ve compiled our 2023 list of top resources for LGBTQ business owners and entrepreneurs.
MAJOR
MAJOR is an online one-stop shop providing underrepresented founders with access to opportunities and resources they may not otherwise have access to so that they can start, grow and be major.
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National LGBT Chamber of Commerce
The NGLCC is the business voice of the LGBT community, the largest advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people, and the exclusive certifying body for LGBT-owned businesses. The LGBTQ business owners NGLCC represents generate over $1.7 trillion in economic impact, create jobs and innovate business solutions nationwide. Additionally, NGLCC is the leading public policy advocate working to include Certified LGBTBE® businesses in procurement opportunities at the federal, state, and local levels.
nglcc.org
info@nglcc.org
(202) 234-9181
Lesbians Who Tech & Allies
Lesbians Who Tech & Aliies is a community of LGBTQ Women, Non-Binary, and Trans-Individuals in and around tech (and the people that support them).
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StartOut
StartOut accelerates the growth of the LGBTQ+ community to drive its economic empowerment, building a world where every LGBTQ+ entrepreneur has equal access to lead, succeed, and shape the workforce of the future. Since 2009, StartOut has built a community of over 25,000 members and has provided support to 1,270+ individual LGBTQ+-led companies. They connect them to expertise, peers, community, and capital.
startout.org
info@startout.org
(415) 275-2446
Reaching Out MBA
Reaching Out MBA’s mission is to increase the influence of the LGBT+ community in business by educating, inspiring, and connecting MBA students and alumni. Over its 20-year history, Reaching Out has grown to include a range of programming that educates, inspires, and connects an increasingly diverse LGBTQ+ MBA community.
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US Small Business Administration
The SBA’s Network for LGBTQ+ Businesses aims to bring focus on economic empowerment in the LGBTQ+ business community by providing access to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s programs and services.
sba.gov
answerdesk@sba.gov
(800) 827-5722
Open for Business
Open For Business is a coalition of leading global companies dedicated to LGBT+ inclusion. Their task is to present the business rationale for global LGBT+ inclusion: successful, enterprising businesses thrive in diverse, inclusive societies and the spread of anti-LGBT+ policies runs counter to the interests of business and economic growth.
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Out Professionals
Out Professionals is the leading nonprofit networking organization for LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning) professionals in the USA. Their organization and events are open to both established and aspiring professionals as well as supportive community allies.
outprofessionals.org
info@outprofessionals.org
Business Equality Magazine
The Business Equality Network (BEQ) is a group of strategic media, consulting, research, and business accelerators committed to reaching and empowering LGBTQ, women, minorities, and other underrepresented, underserved, and underutilized business communities. BEQ leverages its dedicated communication platforms to facilitate an increase in cross-sector (public, private, civil society) engagement of diverse professionals, business owners, and entrepreneurs.
businessequalitymagazine.com
info@businessequalitynetwork.com
