Get LGBTBE Certified!

Supplier Diversity and LGBTBE (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Business Enterprises) Certification is more important than ever and is reshaping the corporate landscape in addition to various city, county and federal agencies. In Washington State, we are challenging elected officials to include LGBTBEs in their supply chain.

Identifying your business as at least 51% LGBTQ+ owned and operated through national diversity supplier certification adds value to your business by providing another channel through which to market your products or services.

Becoming a Certified LGBTBE® gives your business the opportunity to compete for sourcing contracts with our partners. These corporate and government partners are committed to creating a diverse supply chain that is inclusive of LGBTQ+-owned businesses, and have targeted amounts for spending with Certified LGBTBE® companies.

GSBA is an affiliate of the NGLCC (National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce), our partner in certification, and we continue to support LGBTQ+ owned businesses to become LGBTBE certified and connect them to supplier diversity officers and procurement departments who understand that equality is good business. 

Getting your business certified is a necessary element of gaining access to these billions of dollars in life-changing business opportunities. Certified LGBTBE® companies are routinely sought after by corporate partners who are looking to increase their spend with the LGBTQ+ business community through both GSBA and the larger NGLCC database. In turn, Certified LGBTBE® companies have access to hundreds of corporate representative and supplier diversity professional contacts. Through these contacts, companies can begin building strategic relationships and making preparations to meet face-to-face with them at matchmaking and networking events which are held across the country throughout the year.

NGLCC waives the certification fee ($899) and recertification fee ($499 every 3 years) for applicants who submit proof of valid, current GSBA membership. By joining GSBA you also get the opportunity to network with local LGBTQ+ and allied business owners, have access to local programming and events, and can take advantage of local supplier diversity opportunities. GSBA has also put together a pathway to certification for LGBTQ+ owned businesses including workshops and classes on certification, pitch clinics and a two- day Supplier Diversity Forum held every fall. Learn more and join GSBA HERE.

Certification Scholarships available For TGX and business owners of color

NGLCC & Wells Fargo have partnered to offer scholarships for transgender & gender expansive (TGX) business owners and business owners of color to have their first year of LGBTBE® certification and membership with their local affiliate LGBT chamber of commerce sponsored – meaning you can become LGBTBE® certified for free! 

TXG BUSINESS OWNERS CLICK HERE

BUSINESS OWNERS OF COLOR CLICK HERE.

While GSBA’s work focused on LGBTQ+ business certification, there are numerous other business enterprise certifications that could also be relevant. Businesses can have as many certifications as they are qualified for. Our staff is happy to answer questions about certification and what would be right for your businesses, and to connect you to any of our partner organizations.

Disability:IN
NMSDC – National Minority Supplier Development Council
Washington State Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprises
Washington Department of Veterans Affairs
WBENC – Women’s Business Enterprise National Council

To participate in King County’s contracting process, you must register as a supplier.

Visit their supplier website for more information