LGBT Business Enterprise Certification
Benefits of Certification
Certification as an LGBT Business Enterprise® (LGBTBE) gives your business the opportunity to compete for sourcing contracts with the NGLCC’s Corporate Supplier Diversity Partners. These partners are committed to creating a diverse supply chain inclusive of LGBT businesses, and have targeted amounts for spending with diverse suppliers. Certification gives you access to these billions of corporate dollars, and also includes:
- National recognition by America’s top corporations as a Certified LGBTBE® supplier
- Eligibility to exhibit at the annual NGLCC International Business and Leadership Conference, as well as at regional events
- Inclusion in the NGLCC’s online searchable database of certified businesses, accessible by NGLCC Corporate Partners
- Use of the NGLCC Certified Business logo on your marketing materials, which identifies your business as LGBTQ-owned through the NGLCC to an international audience
- Eligibility to receive sourcing opportunities from the NGLCC and its Corporate Partners
- Eligibility to participate in mentorship programs, leadership trainings, and scholarship opportunities presented by NGLCC Corporate Partners
- Eligibility for involvement with the Transgender & Gender Expansive (TGX) Initiative for TGX-owned businesses, and the Communities of Color Initiative (CoCi) for business owners of color
Our network is ready to do business
As a Certified LGBTBE®, you’ll have access to the full network of NGLCC, the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, which features more than 450 corporate and state and local government partners, expressly looking to do business with LGBTQ+ businesses. Plus, Certified LGBTE® suppliers cut across industries, from construction to apparel to technology to professional services, and are seeking B2B opportunities and strategic partnerships with other LGBTQ-owned businesses like yours.Thanks to increased resources and opportunities, Certified LGBTBE® suppliers stay in business for over twice as long as the average American small business. Certification can benefit your business at any size. Certified LGBTBE® suppliers range from sole proprietors to multinational LGBT-owned corporations with revenues in the hundreds of millions.
the lgbtq+ consumer is looking for you
The LGBTQ community spends more than $917 billion every year on goods and services, and they are more than 75% likely to change brands when they know they are LGBTQ-inclusive. Stand out as a go-to supplier in your community by advertising your LGBTBE certification.
Is Your Business Qualified for Certification
It must be a majority (51%) owned, managed, operated and controlled by an LGBT individual(s) who are either US citizens or lawful permanent citizens, as well as:
Have its principal place of operation in the United States
Be formed as a legal business entity in the United States
Be independent from any non-LGBT business enterprise
The Application Process
The process can take between 60-90 days from your initial application through your site visit and being awarded your certification as an LGBTBE®.
- Complete the online application for LGBTBE® Certification
- Submit the printed and signed online application with the required supporting documents in accordance with the NGLCC SDI Standards and Procedures
- The NGLCC’s SDI staff will review your application and contact you for more information. Once deemed complete, the NGLCC will contact the trained site visitor in your area
- Host the NGLCC site visitor
- Site visitor submits recommendations to the NGLCC
- The National Certification Committee reviews and makes the final decision on your application
- Once approved, the NGLCC will contact you and send you the certification
The Cost of Certification
NGLCC waives the certification fee ($899) and recertification fee ($499) for applicants who submit proof of valid, current membership with the Iowa LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce.
By joining the Iowa LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, you can network with local LGBTQ and allied business owners, have access to local programming and events, and take advantage of local business opportunities. Becoming a Chamber member not only lets you leverage these membership benefits but it also lets you take advantage of complimentary national certification.
Meet the NGLCC
The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce is the largest advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBTQ people.