Blog

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – A first-of-its-kind law in California is aimed at helping certified businesses owned by those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.

The law requires big public utilities in the state to report how much work they do with LGBT business owners. Utilities like Pacific Gas & Electric already have to report how many businesses they contract with who are owned by ethnic minorities, women and disabled veterans. Now, LGBT-certified businesses are on that list as well.

“Having the certification is a great way to get your foot in the door so that you can look at some of those opportunities and bid to win some of those contracts,” said Sam McClure, Vice President of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, which issues the certifications. “Every business owner should have a seat at the economic table. That includes women-owned businesses, minority-owned businesses, disabled veterans and LGBT.”