Resources for LGBTQ+ Business Owners

Entrepreneurship

StartOut

StartOut supports LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs through programs that connect them directly with mentors, experts, and investors so they can effectively grow their businesses. It is a non-industry specific organization that works to accelerate the growth of LGBTQ+ owned startups at various company stages through providing networking resources, skill development workshops, and access to capital through online investor portals. 

Queer Business Alliance

The Queer Business Alliance recognizes that queer business owners, particularly transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming entrepreneurs, are greatly underrepresented in business. This nonprofit hosts quarterly educational workshops, peer mentorship programs, and access to micro-grants for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.

Networking & Business Development

National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)

The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is an advocacy group that supplies wide-ranging economic opportunities and resources for LGBTQ+ business owners. The NGLCC is the only certifying body for LGBTQ-owned businesses (called LGBT Business Enterprises or LGBTBEs) and facilitates access to different initiatives to expand business growth. The organization also offers networking events and educational resources for queer business owners.

Out in Tech

Out in Tech focuses on LGBTQ+ professionals in the tech sector. It organizes networking events, career development programs, and volunteer opportunities that help to grow the digital footprints of queer-owned businesses and nonprofits. Its signature event, the Out in Tech Leadership Institute, is a professional learning conference that provides access for LGBTQ+ tech professionals to learn directly from leaders in the industry and hone their leadership skills.

Lesbians Who Tech & Allies

Lesbians Who Tech & Allies encourages the participation of LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary professionals in the tech sector. It hosts a wide range of networking and educational events, including mentorship programs, virtual summits, and coding scholarships. The organization’s flagship event is their annual Pride Summit, which is a week-long, virtual event that brings together thousands of tech professionals and business leaders to speak about topics that intersect technology, BIPOC inclusion, and the LGBTQ+ community.

Out Professionals

Out Professionals is a networking resource for LGBTQ+ professionals across the U.S. that supplies opportunities for queer folks to connect and learn from each other. They offer career-building resources and online job boards with 10 local chapters, including Los Angeles and Chicago.

SBA’s Network for LGBTQ+ Businesses

The Small Business Association’s Network for LGBTQ+ Businesses works to empower queer-owned businesses through providing guidance for applying for the 8(a) Business Development program. This program is reserved for those who are identified as socially or economically disadvantaged small business owners, and provides equitable access to government contracts to those who are approved.

Reaching Out

Reaching Out connects LGBTQ+ MBA students and alumni with an array of initiatives and events. It seeks to strengthen bonds between the queer community and business industries by hosting in-person events each year, such as the Out Women in Business Conference and ROMBA Conference.

Business Grants

Astraea Foundation for Justice

The Astraea Foundation for Justice is an international philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ groups that promote racial, economic, and gender justice. Its grantmaking program places special emphasis on lesbian, transgender, and intersex grassroots organizations that promote social justice and human rights ideals around the world. Created in 1977, it is one of the first to fund initiatives that specifically strengthen LGBTQ+ rights around the world.

TRANSFORM Business Grant

The TRANSFORM Business Grant gives $1,000 in grant money to entrepreneurs in systematically marginalized groups. Applicants whose business values are explicitly anti-capitalist and anti-racist are encouraged to apply.

LGBTQIA+ National Pride Grant

The LGBTQIA+ National Pride Grant offers grants to LGBTQ+ business owners in the U.S. whose annual revenues do not exceed $5M. The program supplies 25 grant packages totalling $25,000 each year.

NGLCC Community Impact Grant Program

The NGLCC Community Impact Grant Program provides funding for LGBTQ-owned and -allied restaurants through grants that range from $10,000 to $25,000. Applicants do not need to be affiliated with the NGLCC to apply.

Venture Capital Investment

Gaingels

Gaingels is a LGBTQ+/Allies private investment group that seeks to foster social change through providing capital to diverse and underrepresented business leaders. Gaingels invests in venture-backed companies of any sector or stage of growth, and has invested more than $800 million since 2019.

Backstage Capital

Backstage Capital invests in companies led by underrepresented founders, including LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, women, and people of color. As a venture capital fund, they seek highly scalable companies that are run by founders who “are destined to be doing what they’re doing.”

Pipeline Angels

Pipeline Angels provides angel investing with a focus on trans and cis women, non-binary, and gender non-conforming founders. The organization’s angel investment program also includes educational workshops and mentorships with experienced angel investors.