Business Networking

At GSBA, we are all about making connections- It is a key piece of what we do within our community. We connect small businesses, large corporations, nonprofits and government entities, engage your professionals through networking and volunteer opportunities, provide visibility for businesses through print and digital media like you’re reading right now, and market businesses to a loyal LGBTQ+ and allied community. Our members value making connections with new audiences and customers, as well as other businesses in the community.

GSBA is as much a community as it is a business chamber. GSBA members are loyal and steadfast in their commitment to a code of ethics that stands for diversity and inclusiveness, providing quality services and products and a commitment to philanthropy and investing in the future through the GSBA scholarship program. Most of our members say they may have joined first for business reasons but remain connected to GSBA because of the sense of community the organization was founded on and is still known for today.

We offer a mix of virtual and in person networking events for LGBTQ+ and allied business and community leaders to make meaningful business and social connections through our Power Connect networking events, as well as Capitol Hill specific events such as HillTalks.

A mix of virtual and in person networking events for LGBTQ+ and allied business and community leaders to make meaningful business and social connections.

Quarterly in-person networking opportunities where Civic and Community engagement intertwine. The goal of these events is to bring the business owners and operators of the Capitol Hill neighborhood together to strengthen connections and collaboration. Two of our annual HillTalks include: a Civic Engagement reception in which primary election candidates come to meet with and hear from the business community and our Who’s Who on Capitol Hill which brings together the larger organizing entities (like the BIAs and Cal Anderson Park Alliance) to share their major initiatives with attendees.

WEgsba is GSBA’s initiative to bring together all women and gender-expansive business owners together to discuss challenges, share resources, learn from presenters, advocate for and increase visibility of the community, and provide mentorship opportunities for new and aspiring entrepreneurs. This program is for business owners or soon-to-be business owners only.

For more info, email Laureli Shimayo at laureli@thrive-wise.com or check out the Facebook Group and Linkedin Group.