GSBA Membership

Levels & Benefits

Connection is power—both personally and professionally. That's why when you become a member of GSBA, you're not just joining another chamber of commerce; you're tapping into a diverse community where LGBTQ+ and allied businesses thrive together.

Become A Member

How do we do it?

By rolling out the rainbow carpet!  

At GSBA, we believe in empowering our members to expand their social circle and exchange ideas. We do this by offering regular events, roundtables, and workshops where you can learn and network with some of the brightest minds in Washington’s LGBTQ+ and gender-expansive communities. Plus, as a member, you’ll also gain access to exclusive advertising opportunities, a dedicated and customizable page on the GSBA virtual directory, social media spotlights, and much more.

Explore the perks of a GSBA membership with this sneak peek of benefits: 

  • Get noticed on GSBA’s member directory with your dedicated, customizable landing page 
  • Access exclusive workshops, discussions, and events to learn business growth strategies 
  • Meet Washington’s brightest queer entrepreneurs and build lasting connections together 
  • Amplify your voice and shape policies directly impacting your business and lives 
  • Nurture the next generation of leaders with initiatives like the Scholarship & Education Fund 
  • Find your next unicorn employee and post job openings on our Job Board 
  • AND SO MUCH MORE! 
But becoming a member of GSBA is more than sparkly ads and shaking hands.

It’s about supporting the vital cause of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through business and showing your support for the LGBTQ+ community. 

Ready to become a member?  

Choose your membership level and apply! Our membership team is excited to review your application and welcome you into the GSBA community.  

We want to ensure that all Small Businesses have the opportunity to become a member of GSBA, regardless of the size of your budget and we know that often systemic barriers get in the way of people from marginalized backgrounds making their entrepreneurial dreams come true and establishing sustainable income for themselves, their families, and their communities. That is why we created our Access Membership program allowing you to join GSBA at a membership level that is comfortable for you. If you are a Small Business who is not able to pay full price or a Small Business in your first year in business, please contact GSBA Membership Team at membership@thegsba.org for assistance. 

JOIN GSBA TODAY

Already a member?

Renew your commitment and continue enjoying the benefits! Your ongoing support fuels our mission to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in business. 

Member Login

EXPLORE MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

Microbusiness Membership

$180 Annually

Micro Business Membership: $180 Annually 

Who it’s for: Empowering small businesses with fewer than 10 employees, generating $100k or less, independently owned and operated with owner involvement in daily operations. Perfect for startups and home-based businesses striving to make a meaningful impact in the community. 

Why it helps: Very small businesses, called Microbusinesses, often encounter unique obstacles, like minimal resources, tight budgets, and the requirement for personalized support. This membership offers essential networking opportunities, advocacy, and access to resources that can empower small businesses to thrive. 

Benefits: 

Networking and Events: 

Personal invite to GSBA Networking Events (Breakfast & Benefits, Power Connect, Hill Talk) 

Priority for GSBA Pop-Up Market & Vendor Opportunities 

Advocacy and Representation: 

Dedicated lobbyist aligned with GSBA advocating for your business interests at the city, county, and state levels 

Monthly Advocacy newsletter detailing relevant policies and issues 

Access and Listings: 

Business Listing in the searchable GSBA Digital Directory (up to 3 categories) 

Complimentary job postings in the GSBA online Job Center 

Ability to send special offer coupons directly to other GSBA members through InfoHub 

Certifications, Consulting, and Supplier Diversity: 

Waived LGBTBE Certification fee with NGLCC 

Access to Business Consulting (one-on-one consulting and educational courses) 

Access to GSBA Corporate Partners 

Announcements and Spotlights: 

Company announcement upon joining GSBA 

Member Spotlight social media announcement 

Discounts and Exclusive Offers: 

Priority access to exclusive grant opportunities 

Discounted Gender Inclusion Training 

GSBA member-exclusive discounts with Puget Sound Business Journal, Constant Contact, and Archbright 

Advertising and Media: 

Exclusive member-only advertising opportunities to a GSBA audience 

GSBA member media kit, including a Member logo, decal, and website badge 

 

START YOUR MEMBERSHIP

Small Business Member

$500 - Annually

Small Business Membership: $500 Annually (Monthly and Quarterly Payment Options Also Available)

Who it’s for: Independently owned and operated businesses with fewer than 50 employees, generating moderate annual revenue and catering to local or regional markets. Perfect for companies aiming to broaden their customer base and expand their operations. 

Why it helps: Small businesses often seek to expand their market reach, improve operational efficiency, and navigate the complexities of growth. This membership provides enhanced networking, advocacy, and support services to address these needs. 

Small businesses in their first year of operation receive 50% off membership dues. Contact the GSBA Membership Team at membership@thegsba.org to qualify. 

Benefits: 

Networking and Events: 

Personal invite to GSBA Networking Events (Breakfast & Benefits, Power Connect, Hill Talk) 

Access to GSBA affinity groups 

Opportunity to host GSBA sponsored & promoted community events 

Advocacy and Representation: 

Dedicated lobbyist aligned with GSBA advocating for your business interests at the city, county, and state levels 

Monthly Advocacy Newsletter detailing relevant policies and issues 

Access and Listings: 

Concierge assistance onboarding your listing to the GSBA Directory 

Business Listing in the searchable GSBA Digital Directory (up to 3 categories) 

Complimentary job postings on the GSBA Job Center 

Ability to send special offer coupons directly to other GSBA members through InfoHub 

Certifications, Consulting, and Supplier Diversity: 

Waived LGBTBE Certification fee with NGLCC 

Access to Business Consulting (one-on-one consulting and educational courses) 

Access to GSBA Corporate Partners 

Announcements and Spotlights: 

Company announcement upon joining GSBA 

Member Spotlight social media announcement 

Discounts and Exclusive Offers: 

Exclusive access to lucrative grant opportunities 

Discounted Gender Inclusion Training 

GSBA member-exclusive discounts with Puget Sound Business Journal, Constant Contact, and Archbright 

Co-working and Space Access: 

Access to GSBA office reservation-based co-working space 

Advertising and Media: 

Exclusive member-only advertising opportunities to a GSBA audience (magazine, online, social media) 

GSBA member media kit, including a Member logo, decal, and website badge 

 

GSBA Small Business Access Guarantee: We want to ensure that all Small Businesses have the opportunity to become a member of GSBA, regardless of the size of your budget and we know that often systemic barriers get in the way of people from marginalized backgrounds making their entrepreneurial dreams come true and establishing sustainable income for themselves, their families, and their communities. That is why we created our Access Membership program allowing you to join GSBA at a membership level that is comfortable for you. If you are a Small Business who is not able to pay full price, please contact GSBA Membership Team at membership@thegsba.org for assistance. 

START YOUR MEMBERSHIP

Non-Profit Membership

$375 - Annually

Nonprofit Membership: $375 Annually 

Who it’s for: Small-to-mid-sized nonprofits with 1-50 employees dedicated to advancing a social cause or advocating for a common goal, aiming to broaden their reach and impact. 

Why it helps: Nonprofits need to maximize their limited resources and enhance their outreach to attract potential supporters and broaden their impact. This membership provides networking, visibility, and support services to help nonprofits achieve their missions. 

All the benefits of the Small Business Level plus: 

Access to promote your events on the GSBA Events Calendar 

Member-only discounts extended to your board members and staff 

START YOUR MEMBERSHIP

Non-Profit Plus Membership

$1,000 - Annually

Nonprofit Plus Membership: $1000 Annually 

Who it’s for: Nonprofits with 51+ employees dedicated to furthering a social cause or advocating for a shared goal, seeking advanced support and enhanced visibility. 

Why it helps: Larger nonprofits require advanced resources and visibility to maximize their impact, and this membership provides enhanced networking, support, and tailored opportunities for larger organizations. 

All the benefits of the Non-Profit Level Plus: 

Additional Benefits for Nonprofits Plus: 

  • (1) Business Listings in digital Guide & Directory in categories of choice 
  • (1) Business Listing for your Employee Resource Group Leader or DE&I Officer 
  • GSBA Career Center postings (Employment & Internship) 
  • Discounted access to annual GSBA Supplier Diversity Conference 
  • Member-only discounts extended to your board members and staff 
  • (2) Tickets to GSBA Impact Awards Celebration 
  • (2) Tickets to GSBA Pride Luncheon & Pop-Up Market 
  • (2) Tickets to GSBA Holiday Pop-Up & Luncheon  
  • (2) Tickets to In-Person Power Connect events 

 

 

START YOUR MEMBERSHIP

Friend of GSBA Membership

$150 - Annually

Friend of GSBA Membership: $150 Annually 

Who it’s for: Individuals looking to support LGBTQ+ and allied businesses and promote equality in business. Ideal for community members who want to show their support without representing a business. 

Why it helps: This membership allows individuals to support the LGBTQ+ business community and gain access to networking opportunities and events. 

Benefits: 

Networking and Events: 

Access to Breakfast & Benefits and Introduction to GSBA 

Connection to the LGBTQ+ Nonprofit Community 

Member rate to all events 

Note: Friend of GSBA Membership is not eligible for GSBA promotional programs such as advertising. 

 

START YOUR MEMBERSHIP

Elected Officials

$150 - Annually

Elected Officials Membership: $150 Annually 

Who it’s for: Community members seeking or holding elected local, state, or federal office, such as politicians, seeking to engage with the LGBTQ+ and allied business community. 

Why it helps: Elected officials can benefit from direct connections to the business community, gaining insights into the challenges and needs of LGBTQ+ and allied businesses. This membership provides a platform for dialogue, advocacy, and collaboration. 

Benefits: 

Networking and Events: 

Access to Breakfast & Benefits and Introduction to GSBA 

Connection to the LGBTQ+ Nonprofit Community 

Member rate to all events 

Note: Elected Officials Level is not eligible for GSBA promotional programs such as advertising. 

START YOUR MEMBERSHIP

Corporate Membership

$2,750 - Annually

  • Corporate Membership: $2750 Annually 

      

    Who it’s for: Best suited for large organizations with complex structures, a large employee count, and significant annual revenue, operating nationally or globally, that need to enhance diversity and inclusion efforts and establish strategic community partnerships. 

    Why it helps: Big businesses need top-tier strategic planning, unparalleled networking, and community upliftment support. This exclusive membership goes above and beyond to provide a wealth of resources, heightened visibility, and exciting engagement opportunities to meet these needs. 

    Benefits: 

    Listings: 

    Business Listings in the digital Guide & Directory in categories of choice 

    Business Listing for Employee Resource Group Leader or DE&I Officer 

    Conferences & Event Tickets: 

    Personal invite to the annual GSBA Economic Development Conference 

    (2) Tickets to GSBA Impact Awards Celebration 

    (2) Tickets to GSBA Pride Luncheon & Pop-Up Market 

    (2) Tickets to GSBA Holiday Pop-Up & Luncheon 

    (2) Tickets to In-Person Power Connect events 

    Corporate Engagement and Networking: 

    Corporate Crossover for meaningful interactions between corporate and small business members 

    NW Rainbow Leadership Network for networking with ERG/BRG and creating strategic partnerships 

    GSBA Corporate Advisory Board for high-level corporate strategies and connections 

    Corporate Collective Inclusion Training to enhance business practices and foster an inclusive work environment is available at a reduced cost for members.

    Corporate quarterly newsletter sent directly to your inbox 

    Support and Services: 

    Concierge assistance onboarding your listing to the GSBA Directory 

    Connections to nonprofits, educational opportunities, and communities 

    Visibility and Media: 

    Exclusive member-only advertising opportunities to a GSBA audience 

    GSBA member media kit, including a Member logo, decal, and website badge 

    Member Spotlight social media announcement and blog feature 

    Honors & Impacts: 

    Increased HRC Equality Index Score 

    End-of-year Impact Statement 

    Job Postings: 

    GSBA Career Center postings (Employment & Internship)

START YOUR MEMBERSHIP

Corporate Executive Membership

$6,000 - Annually

  • Corporate Executive Membership: $6000 Annually 

    Who it’s for: The major players in the Western Washington business world, organizations with a massive team worldwide, a footprint that spans multiple markets, and the need for extensive networking and making an impact visibly in the community.  

    Why it helps: Corporate executives require advanced strategic planning, networking, and community impact support. This membership offers extensive resources, visibility, and engagement opportunities to meet these needs. 

    Benefits: 

    Listings: 

    (4) Business Listings in the digital Guide & Directory in categories of choice 

    Business Listing for Employee Resource Group Leader or DE&I Officer 

    Conferences & Event Tickets: 

    Invite to the annual GSBA Economic Development Conference 

    (6) Tickets to GSBA Impact Awards Celebration 

    (6) Tickets to GSBA Pride Luncheon & Pop-Up Market ($65 value) 

    (6) Tickets to GSBA Holiday Pop-Up & Luncheon 

    (6) Tickets to In-Person Power Connect events ($25 value) 

    Corporate Engagement and Networking: 

    Corporate Crossover for meaningful interactions between corporate and small business members 

    NW Rainbow Leadership Network for networking with ERG/BRG and creating strategic partnerships 

    GSBA Corporate Advisory Board for high-level corporate strategies and connections 

    Corporate Collective Inclusion Training to enhance business practices and foster an inclusive work environment is available at a reduced cost for members.

    Corporate quarterly newsletter sent directly to your inbox 

    Support and Services: 

    Concierge assistance onboarding your listing to the GSBA Directory 

    Connections to nonprofits, educational opportunities, and communities 

    Visibility and Media: 

    Exclusive member-only advertising opportunities to a GSBA audience 

    GSBA member media kit, including a Member logo, decal, and website badge 

    Member Spotlight social media announcement and blog feature 

    Honors & Impacts: 

    Increased HRC Equality Index Score 

    End-of-year Impact Statement 

    Job Postings: 

    GSBA Career Center postings (Employment & Internship) 

Email to Join

Lobbying Activities

GSBA began engaging in lobbying activities in 2017, and as such, we are reporting to all GSBA members the percentage of those lobbying activities (expenses) as they relate to total membership dues. Your dues payment as a business expense for the year 2023/2024 will be limited by the percentage of dues that went towards supporting lobbying activities, and only the remaining portion of your dues can be claimed as an expense on your federal tax return.

For 2024, the percentage of non-deductible dues pertaining to your tax return is 3%.

Lobbying funds are primarily related to educating elected state officials and their staff on the issues on our legislative agenda. If you have any questions about the implications of this information, we recommend you discuss with your accountant(s). If you need further information from GSBA regarding this topic, please contact us via email or by phone 206.363.9188.

Dues and Renewals

GSBA membership follows an anniversary date model, meaning your membership is valid for one full year from the date you join GSBA. Membership levels, benefits, and rates are updated as of June 26, 2024.

Standards of Ethics and Conduct

Please read in full. By joining GSBA, you agree to abide by our standards of ethics and conduct.

Code of Conduct

Directory Listing Enhancements

Our new website allows you to flesh out your digital directory listings even more! Your membership listing now features the ability to include up to 3 display categories, searchable keywords, more descriptive text, ability to include social media links, photos and video!

"I strive to promote Issaquah as an inclusive destination for the visitor, business traveler, and meeting and event planner. GSBA provides incredibly valuable educational tools and leadership relationships to ensure my DEIA work is authentic and appropriate."

Christy Garrard (she/her) Executive Director, Visit Issaquah