Funding Options and Resources for LGBTQ+-Owned Businesses

LGBTQ+-owned businesses play a vital role in the economy, accounting for over $1.7 trillion in national economic impact. However, LGBTQ+ founders often face challenges in starting and growing their businesses, including discrimination and inequitable access to resources.

To help bridge this gap, several organizations have launched LGBTQ+-specific business directories, networking and advocacy groups, and funding opportunities. Here are several resources for LGBTQ+-owned businesses and those who wish to support them.

LGBTQ+-owned business directories

These LGBTQ+-owned business directories allow business owners and customers to connect and support LGBTQ+-friendly small businesses.

GLPages.com

GLPages.com serves as a digital directory for LGBTQ+-owned and LGBTQ+-friendly businesses. Along with its staggering number of listed businesses, GLPages also has comprehensive reviews, sharing how long reviewers have used a business, which particular employee the reviewer recommends, and the quality of the services or offerings. The app version of GLPages is easily accessible in the Apple App Store or in Google Play. Those interested in having their business listed can fill out GLPages’ contact form.

Intentionalist

Intentionalist stresses spending your money with intention and supporting the businesses that matter to you. Amongst other category listings, the site provides a directory of local LGBTQ+-owned small businesses, available to view as a list or an easy-to-navigate map. Each business is also listed with tags like “Black-owned” or “woman-owned” to give users a full picture of the business. Registered users can also use the “Suggest a Business” feature for potential inclusion in the directory.

The Pink Pages Directory

Although based in Canada, the Pink Pages has expanded to include listings in the United States as well. Users can navigate by region, then zero in by the state to find the categories of businesses that are available. For example, you could click into the mid-Atlantic region, then New Jersey, then search for jewelry businesses to find all of your options for that particular type of business in your area. LGBTQ+-owned and LGBTQ+-friendly businesses can also advertise with the Pink Pages to reach their target audience.

The Pride App

The Pride App aims to be an up-to-date guide to LGBTQIA+-owned and LGBTQIA+-friendly businesses, providing a place for small businesses and prospective customers to connect. Businesses can list themselves on Pride App for free, or pay for a premium subscription for premium placement and the ability to list events and promotions.

LGBTQ+ networking and advocacy groups

These groups work to support the LGBTQ+ business community, connecting LGBTQ+ business owners and advocating for their interests and rights.

myGwork

myGwork offers a networking hub and job board for LBGTQ+ professionals, students, and allies. Members can search for jobs within LGBTQ+-inclusive organizations across the globe, stay up-to-date with LGBTQ+ business news and events, and connect with the platform’s 500,000+ members. myGwork also has a robust mentorship program, with thousands of participating mentors and mentees.

Registering for myGwork is free; you can sign up on the website or via your existing LinkedIn profile.

National LGBT Chamber of Commerce

The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) — formerly known as the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce — offers mentoring programs, networking events, scholarships, and business development tools for LGBTQ+ professionals. The organization aims to connect small business owners with both a strong, local community and a wide-reaching global network.

Eligible members of the NGLCC can also apply for certification as a LGBT Business Enterprise® (LGBTBE®). Becoming a LGBTBE®-certified business allows you to access all of the NGLCC offerings, includes you in their directory, and fortifies your brand with a new level of verification.

[Read more: How to Become a Certified LGBT Business Enterprise]

OutProfessionals

OutProfessionals is the country’s leading LGBTQ+ networking organization. There are monthly virtual and in-person networking opportunities and community service activities. In addition to the virtual national chapter, city chapters are available in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Metro D.C., Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, South Florida, and Connecticut.

You can become a limited member for free, gaining access to OutProfessionals’ email newsletter and a free networking event once per quarter. Supporting members gain access to year-round networking events for as low as $65 per year.

Reaching Out

Reaching Out offers a place for LGBTQ+ students, alumni, and professionals to search for and post jobs, network, share company events, and find mentors. The organization has over a 20-year history of supporting the LGBTQ+ business community with Master of Business Administration (MBA) education access, mentoring, and networking, working with over 70 business schools and corporate partners.

Additionally, Reaching Out hosts several events throughout the year with the aim of connecting, educating, and empowering the LGBTQ+ MBA community.

SBA's Network for LGBTQ+ Businesses

LGBTQ+-owned businesses can access local resources and opportunities with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA’s networking tool connects small businesses to local offices, where counselors can determine whether the business qualifies for resources like the 8(a) Business Development Program or SBA guaranteed loans. The SBA can also help certify LGBTQ+ businesses through the National LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce.

Funding opportunities for LGBTQ+ businesses

These grants and investment opportunities are designed specifically to bridge the funding gap for LGBTQ+ founders.

[Read more: A Practical Guide to Funding Your Small Business with Business Loans and Beyond]

Backstage Capital

Committed to supporting underrepresented communities, Backstage Capital funds companies led by underrepresented founders, including women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. The organization has invested in 200 companies they deem scalable, even as early as the pre-seed stage, and one that can return a 10x investment. Services for eligible businesses include mentorship, fundraising support, and a network of like-minded companies.

The David Bohnett Foundation

The David Bohnett Foundation awards grants to a variety of socially active businesses, including organizations aiming to serve the LGBTQ+ community. Recipients in 2024 include Gay For Good, Services and Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Elders (SAGE), and the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute. Active funding opportunities for businesses supporting the LGBTQ+ community are available on the foundation’s grants page.

Lesbians Who Tech: Edie Windsor Coding Scholarship

Lesbians Who Tech focuses on education and opportunities for queer, nonbinary, and trans women who are looking to break into the tech industry. In support of this, the company launched the Edie Windsor Coding Scholarship, designed for queer women and nonbinary individuals in the tech industry.

Those who use the scholarship can select a partner school, and the scholarship will cover 50% of the cost of the coding program. There are scheduled check-ins, job search assistance, mentors, and various networking opportunities and industry-specific support resources.

Pipeline Angels

Pipeline Angels, an angel investor firm, funds entrepreneurs who identify as trans women, cis women, nonbinary, two-spirit, agender, and gender non-conforming. Each year, the firm hosts its Pitch Summit for founders of for-profit organizations with a social and/or environmental mission. Applications for the 2024 Summit are due by October 30, 2024, with location-specific virtual events being held through December.

For those interested in the world of investing, Pipeline Angels also hosts an Angel Investing Bootcamp; applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

StartOut

A leader in nonprofit support for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, StartOut is determined to drive economic empowerment and provide equal access to any and all in the community. The organization has raised over $1.27 billion in funding and supported over 1,270 companies.

LGBTQ+ startup founders at any stage are invited to join StartOut’s Founders Program for ongoing resources and support. The program includes access to an investor portal, as well as the opportunity to apply for a six-month accelerator program, the StartOut Growth Lab.

[Read more: 4 Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Small Business Loan]

Additional resources supporting the LGBTQ+ business community

These informational platforms also provide the broader business community with valuable insights on developing an equitable, inclusive workplace.

Affinity Inc.

Affinity Inc. is a print and digital magazine that focuses on the LGBTQ+ business community, with the goal of supporting and promoting LGBTQ+ equality in the workforce. This quarterly magazine shares news about corporations that are committed to diversity and inclusion. It also provides a forum to discuss the value that the LGBTQ+ community adds to the corporate bottom line. Those interested can subscribe to the Affinity Inc. Digital Magazine for free.

LGBTQ Inclusion Hub for Small Businesses

The LGBTQ Inclusion Hub for Small Businesses is an online platform helping business owners create inclusive workplaces. The U.S. Chamber Foundation created this hub as part of its Incorporating Inclusion research and education initiative.

The platform provides information on diversity and why it’s essential to focus on inclusion in the workplace. There are also guides for creating inclusive workplace practices and leadership tips for LGTBQ+ professionals.

Open for Business

Open for Business is a coalition of businesses that are vocal supporters of LGBTQ+ inclusion. It provides reports that highlight academic studies, data, and business reports showing that LGBTQ+ inclusion helps business and economic growth. The organization also focuses on local and global programs to create change.

The Local Influencer Programs build support for inclusion around the world, conducting country-specific research about inclusion and building support for LGBTQ+ rights. Open for Business’s Global Influencer Program focuses on creating a collective global voice for LGBTQ+ inclusion in business.

[Read more: How to Improve Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Your Workplace]

Jamie Johnson, Kirsten Capunay, Rachel Barton, and Sammi Caramela also contributed to this article.

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