If you own a business and identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, you can get certified by the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). Your status as an LGBT-certified business may provide you with new opportunities to compete for large contracts in corporate supply chains.
Many large companies set internal goals for sourcing products and services from diverse suppliers. The NGLCC’s certification program connects LGBT-owned businesses with around 140 large corporations that are committed to working with diverse suppliers, including Motorola, General Mills, Johnson & Johnson, Nordstrom and Target. However, being certified doesn’t guarantee that you will win contracts. (See how certification opened doors for one small business, and learn about the benefits of joining an LGBT chamber of commerce.)
The certification process is designed to confirm that your business is at least 51% owned, run and controlled by an LGBT person; it’s not meant to determine whether your business is strong, viable or financially sound. There are similar certification programs for businesses owned by women, minorities and disabled veterans.
