Supplier Diversity and LGBTBE Certification

Supplier Diversity and LGBTBE (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Business Enterprises) Certification is more important than ever and is reshaping the corporate landscape in addition to various city, county and federal agencies. The City of Austin recognizes the LGBTBE certification. The Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce are working to get the State of Texas to include LGBTBEs in their supply chain.

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Certified LGBTBE® companies are routinely sought after by NGLCC Corporate Partners who are looking to increase their spend with the LGBTQ business community through our internal, proprietary database.

 

In turn, Certified LGBTBE® companies have access to hundreds of corporate representative and supplier diversity professional contacts. Through these contacts, companies can begin building strategic relationships and making preparations to meet face-to-face with them at NGLCC matchmaking and networking events, which are held across the country throughout the year. Certified LGBTBE® companies are also eligible for scholarship programs, mentorship and leadership training, and other business development tools following one year.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the minimum criteria for certification?

Be at least fifty-one percent (51%) owned, operated, managed, and controlled by an LGBTQ person or persons who are either U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

  • Exercise independence from any non-LGBTQ business enterprise
  • Have its principle place of business (headquarters) in the United States
  • Have been formed as a legal entity in the United States

Is there a fee for certification?

NGLCC waives the certification fee ($899) and recertification fee ($499) for applicants who submit proof of valid, current membership with their local affiliate Chamber of Commerce. By joining your local affiliate chamber, you can network with local LGBTQ and allied business owners, have access to local programming and events, and can take advantage of local business opportunities. Become a member of your local affiliate Chamber to not only leverage local membership benefits but also take advantage of complimentary national certification. An applicant does not necessarily need to be based locally in order to be a member of an affiliate chamber.

What do I do after I receive my certification?

After you receive your certification letter and certificate in the mail, the next step is to register with the NGLCC’s Corporate Partners through the NGLCC website. Registration with each Corporate Partner is slightly different, and it is critical to get your business into the database of each of our Corporate Supplier Diversity Partners. After you are registered, work with NGLCC staff to learn the best ways to reach out to our Corporate Partners through letters, phone calls, and NGLCC matchmaking events. The Supplier Diversity team offers a variety of tools to newly certified LGBTQ business owners, including orientations and other tools for success. Contact the NGLCC SDI Team to begin taking advantage of these resources!