Who We Are
Founded in 1997, the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is the largest hub for LGBTQ+ and allied businesses, professionals, and organizations in Central Texas.
Our mission is to foster a thriving regional economy by connecting businesses, advancing economic opportunity, and championing inclusion across our communities. We proudly represent hundreds of small businesses, corporations, nonprofits, and community leaders who are committed to creating workplaces and communities where everyone can succeed.
Through advocacy, education, networking, and strategic partnerships, we work to strengthen LGBTQ+ and allied businesses while promoting equality, visibility, and economic prosperity throughout Central Texas.
Connect • Advocate • Innovate
The Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is Central Texas’ home for LGBTQ+ and allied businesses, nonprofits, and professionals. Our mission is to create and support a vibrant and prosperous regional economy strengthened through the full participation of diverse local communities. Today, we proudly represent hundreds of small business, corporate, nonprofit, and individual members who share a commitment to equality, inclusion, and economic opportunity.
As a founding member of the NGLCC (The National LGBTQ+ & Allied Chamber of Commerce) since 2004, the Chamber has played an active role in advancing LGBTQ+ business advocacy and supplier diversity efforts at both the state and national levels. In 2019, we partnered with the Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio LGBTQ+ Chambers to form the Texas LGBTQ+ Chambers of Commerce, strengthening collaboration and advocacy efforts across Texas.
In 2021, the Chamber joined forces with the Greater Austin Hispanic, Asian, and Black Chambers to establish Diversity Ethnic Chamber Alliance (DECA) — a first-of-its-kind regional partnership focused on advancing economic equity, opportunity, and collaboration among Austin’s diverse business communities.
Through advocacy, education, networking, and economic development initiatives, the Austin LGBT Chamber continues working to ensure LGBTQ+ and allied businesses are connected, empowered, and positioned to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Chamber of Commerce?
A chamber of commerce is a 501(c)(6) non-profit, member-driven association of local businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Its primary goal is to protect and promote the interests of the regional business community through advocacy, networking, and providing resources for economic growth.
What is the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce?
The Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is Central Texas’ largest hub for LGBTQ+ and allied businesses, nonprofits, and professionals. Founded in 1997, the Chamber connects, advocates for, and educates businesses across the region.
Who can join the Austin LGBT Chamber?
Membership is open to LGBTQ+ owned businesses, allied businesses, corporations, nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and individuals who support diversity, equity, inclusion, and economic opportunity.
Must one be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+) to join the ALGBTCC?
Anyone who supports the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s mission and Code of Ethics is eligible to join. Those who support our mission but are not LGBTQ+ are considered allied.
Where can I find out about ALGBTCC’s membership pricing and benefits?
Membership options vary based on organization size and goals. You can find information here, or email membership@austinlgbtchamber.com.
Where can I find LGBTQ+ owned businesses in Austin?
The Austin LGBT Chamber’s online member directory features businesses across industries including professional services, hospitality, healthcare, retail, technology, and nonprofits.
What events does the Austin LGBT Chamber host?
The Chamber hosts monthly luncheons, networking happy hours, educational workshops, Pride Month events, ribbon cuttings, leadership programs, and signature events such as the Business of Pride Gala. Many Chamber events are open to both members and non-members, although members typically receive discounted pricing. Take a look at our events calendar for opportunities to engage.
How do I submit an event to the Member/Community calendar?
Active Chamber members can submit business and community events for consideration through the Member Info Hub. If you’re an active member and don’t know how to log in or use your portal, please attend our next Member Perks & Portal call.
How do I sponsor a Chamber event?
Businesses can sponsor networking events, educational programs, Pride Month activities, and signature events. Sponsorship opportunities are available year-round. Please contact fiona@austinlgbtchamber.com for more information.
What is LGBTQ Business Enterprise (LGBTBE) certification?
LGBTBE certification is a supplier diversity certification provided by the NGLCC that verifies a business is majority LGBTQ+ owned, operated, and controlled. Businesses who are at least 51% LGBTQ-owned can apply through the NGLCC certification process. The Austin LGBT Chamber can help connect you with resources and information about certification.
Certification can help businesses access supplier diversity programs, corporate procurement opportunities, and networking connections with major companies.
ALGBTCC Milestones
- 1994: Stonewall Chamber of Commerce was established in Austin, Texas, later becoming the AGLCC.
- 1997: The Austin Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (AGLCC) was founded.
- 1999: Held the first business expo, which was held at Scholz Garten, one of the oldest operating businesses in Texas.
- 2001: Marked the first Annual Austin LGBT Chamber Pride Parade.
- 2007: The Chamber had its first State of the Chamber and published its first magazine, Forward Austin, replacing the printed membership directory.
- 2009: The Austin LGBT Chamber produced the city’s first combined Pride Parade and Festival with over 50,000 combined participants and attendees before handing off the Pride events to a separate non-profit organization for 2010.
- 2010: ALGBTCC hands off Pride events to a separate non-profit organization – Austin Pride (originally Austin Gay and Lesbian Pride Foundation)
- 2012: The Chamber published its first issue of; The Agenda, a new quarterly magazine, in collaboration with the Austin Chronicle, released during Austin PRIDE.
- 2013: the Austin LGBT Chamber organized the first #BigGay Kickoff Party on the first day of the SXSW Interactive Festival. It attracted over 1500 attendees, making it the largest non-pride LGBTQ+ event in Austin at the time.
- 2013: The Austin LGBT Chamber received the Rising Star Chamber of the Year award from the NGLCC.
- 2013: The Austin Chronicle’s Best of Austin named the Austin LGBT Chamber as “Best Shop-Local Portals.”
- 2014: The Austin LGBT Chamber’s Facebook page reached 10,000 likes, making it the most “liked” LGBT chamber of commerce on Facebook, and the most liked of any local chamber of commerce in the world.
- 2015: The Chamber received the Excellence in Community Impact Award from the NGLCC.
- 2016: The Chamber held its first “PROUD!” (now known as the Business of Pride Gala) – an event in which the Chamber celebrates its members, Pride month, Annual Business Awards and gives out scholarships to LGBTQ students through its Foundation.
- 2017: Austin LGBT Chamber receives CTI Certified designation issued by the University of Notre Dame and co-signed by the USHCC, USBC, USPAACC. The CTI Certification highlights the achievements made by the chamber as a whole.
- 2019: Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio Chamber collaborate and create the Texas LGBTQ+ Chambers of Commerce.
- 2020: The Austin LGBT Chamber launches the inaugural Pride in Local Music Festival as a virtual event in partnership with the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce, bringing together two iconic music cities to celebrate LGBTQ+ artists and support musicians and live music venues impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2021: Certified 58 LGBT Owned Businesses
- 2021: City of Austin accepts LGBTBE Certification in the procurement process
- 2021: Established a partnership with Visit Austin to increase LGBTQ+ tourism and attract visitors to support LGBTQ-owned businesses.
- 2021: The Austin LGBT Chamber, Greater Austin Asian Chamber, Greater Austin Black Chamber, and the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce established a coalition – The Diversity and Ethnic Chamber Alliance (DECA), now a 501(c)3.
- 2022: The Chamber hosted a full day of Official SXSW LGBTQ+ Business Panels for the first time.
- 2022: DECA introduces a shared vision to create a Regional Economic Equity Development Plan (REED Plan) to reduce barriers and create equity for the small businesses and the Greater Austin workforce.
- 2022: Pride in Local Music returns as the Chamber’s first full-scale, in-person music festival, bringing the celebration home to Austin and continuing its mission of uplifting LGBTQ+ artists and supporting the city’s vibrant live music community.
- 2022: The Chamber served on the Austin Economic Development Board, the Business Arts Council at the Long Center and the Business Advisory Council for Delta Airlines.
Connect
Want a better view of this chamber in action? We have you covered! Check out our events calendar and join us for our next event.
Join the Austin LGBT Chamber
Our membership represents two very targeted and highly sought after markets – the LGBTQ+ community and business professionals. We invite you to tap into the buying power of this desirable market by becoming a member of the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce.