Queer and trans entrepreneurs often have less access to resources, capital, and safe spaces to learn when it comes to building their own businesses. Likewise, transgender people also have an unemployment rate three times higher than the national average. Often, the only safe employment that queer and trans people can find is working for themselves.

Through this new GSBA program, transgender, gender-diverse, and QTBIPOC (queer and trans Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) entrepreneurs though the eight-week Business Basics Course offered by Ventures, while intentionally connecting them to resources to grow and expand their business. The ultimate goal of this program is to empower these entrepreneurs to increase their incomes and achieve long-term financial stability.

In this course, they will work with a community of entrepreneurs to refine a business plan and answer tough questions like "Will this idea actually make money?" and "How will your service make customers' lives better?" Starting a small business is a complex challenge for anyone. These programs offered by our partners at Ventures have proven results - over 80% of entrepreneurs that complete this training are still in business after 2 years, higher than the national average.

Stay Tuned for the Next Round

Applications are currently closed.
 
Qualifications:
- Identify as LGBTQ BIPOC, Transgender, or Gender Diverse
- Over the age of 18
- Have one solid for-profit business idea and some experience in the respective field

Ventures courses are offered quarterly, with the next course kicking off in the beginning of September. Online class attendance is required once per week on Tuesdays (Sept. 15 - Nov. 17). After completing the Business Basics Course, entrepreneurs are encouraged to continue to take classes through Ventures, and will have access to one-on-one industry specialists and free business coaching.

Required programming dates:
- Thursday, Sept. 3: 1:00-2:00pm
- Tuesday, Sept. 8: 3:00-4:00pm
- Tuesday, Oct. 20: 4:30-5:30 pm
- every Tuesday between Sept. 15 and Nov. 17: 6:00-9:00pm

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This work is supported by the Transgender Economic Empowerment Coalition, an effort funded by King County's Communities of Opportunity grant program.

Summer 2020 Cohort (profiles)
Emily Alexandra, RE:BIND
Sam I'Am, Perfect Pronouns
Positively Positive, Positively Positive Education Productions, LLC
Manuel Torres, Manifest Your Will

Spring 2020 Cohort (profiles)
Andrew "Ace" Houston, House Cosmopolitan
Gerard Miller, Altared Roots

Winter 2020 Cohort (profiles)
Gabriel Bello Diaz, AntiSocial
Enjoli Izador, Enjoli Izador Design
ChrisTiana ObeySumner, Epiphanies of Equity
Yes Segura, Smash the Box
KJ Williams, Rise With KJ