Resources For LGBTQ-Owned Businesses
According to the The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) owned businesses are a thriving force in this country, forming more than 1.4 million businesses operating today. In the past ten years or so, everything from nonprofits to digital hubs have developed to serve this community from almost every possible business and networking angle. All you have to do is start your search today to find the right resources for LGBT businesses resource for you.
Resources For Funding
If you want to own a lasting business, you’ll need capital to make it grow. This section provides links to LGBT friendly funding opportunities. For more funding leads, please visit our “ALL WOMEN” section.
Pipeline Angels Funding
If you have a socially responsible business model, Pipeline is a great start. Business owners can pitch to a network of women investors through pitch summits which happen several times throughout the year in various locations. To be eligible, businesses must be for-profit, headed by a cis or transgender woman, have an environmental or social mission, and must be within the U.S. http://pipelineangels.com/
Reaching Out MBA
This organization provides national scholarship opportunities and a leadership development resource for LGBT MBA students. http://www.reachingoutmba.org/
Resources for Training
Learn the skills you need to launch and grow a successful business. The organizations below offer entrepreneurial training and development for LGBT business owners.
National Chamber of Commerce for Gay and Lesbians
With outposts all around the country, this organization is known as a great first stop for resources, training, and meetups for the LGBT community throughout the United States. https://nglcc.org/
Echelon Magazine
A comprehensive resource on LGBT finance, economic development, and workplace advocacy. It has especially strong information on corporate diversity, education, and employment. http://echelonmagazine.blogspot.com/
Gay Market News
The site serves as a great portal for market updates and networking opportunities. http://www.gaymarketnews.com/
Start Out
A nonprofit organization that supports business leaders of every stripe, this organization provides an excellent menu of options and programs. They have chapters in at least six cities and feature business success stories on their site, along with national and local awards ceremonies and rare one-on-one mentorship and support for lesbian entrepreneurs. http://startout.org/
The San Francisco LGBT Resource Center
Located right in the heart of Market Street commerce, the center offers one-on-one counseling, access to micro-loans, and several levels of workshops that address hard-to-find access to capital. https://www.sfcenter.org/
Resources For Networking
Networking is an amazing avenue for growth, connecting vendors with like-minded business owners and new opportunities. So go ahead and start connecting!
The Golden Gate Business Association
Members gather to learn everything from web design and tech support to financial planning, and events boosting local businesses are held in the San Francisco area at least once every two weeks. http://www.ggba.com/
Out Professionals
A directory of out gay and lesbian entrepreneurs and corporate professionals that meet regularly to network and share resources. http://www.outprofessionals.org/
Lesbians Who Tech
A national organization that creates community, support, and visibility for lesbians with startups or startup aspirations, they host events and a yearly summit. http://lesbianswhotech.org/
Small Business Administration
The small business Administration aims to empower the LGBTQ community, with the resources they provide. https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/lgbt-owned-businesses