LGBT-owned business

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LGBT-, or queer-owned businesses are businesses owned and often operated by members of the LGBTQIA+ community. They may also be described as being owned by specific subgroups, such as gay-, lesbian-, or trans-owned businesses.

Contents

Visibility of queer-owned businesses is an important part for the community and many businesses cater specifically to marginalized people by offering products that are not otherwise widely available. [1] They are commonly more likely to have difficulty acquiring financial backing. [2]

Some government institutions and municipalities have special programs to support minority-owned businesses and have started to include LGBT-owned businesses in such programs. [3]

In 2022, Charlie Sprinkman created the website Everywhere Is Queer to help promote queer-owned businesses around the world. [4] [5]

Canada

Cape & Cowl is among notable LGBT-owned businesses in Canada.

Mexico

Paco Ruiz opened Club Paco Paco (later known as Paco's Ranch) in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, in December 1989. According to Ed Walsh of SFGate , "At the time, Jalisco didn't have formal laws against homosexuality. But police and regulators often targeted gay-owned businesses for shakedowns because, without political connections or meaningful support in the broader local community, they were vulnerable." [6]

United States

Sante Bar, Portland, Oregon Sante Bar, PDX.jpg
Santé Bar, Portland, Oregon

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, there are approximately 1.4 million LGBT-owned businesses as of 2024. [7] The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), a nonprofit organization that serves as a certifying body for Certified LGBT Business Enterprises (LGBTBEs), [8] says LGBTQ+ owned businesses are at least 51 percent "owned, operated, managed and controlled by a person or persons who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community (including non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals)". [9] New Jersey is the first state to have an official certification process. [10] [11] In addition to the certification, the US government Small Business Administration has a program to promote LGBT-owned businesses. [12] [13]

The Greater Seattle Business Association, described as "a business chamber for LGBTQ and allied businesses", was established by nine gay business owners in 1981. [14] In 2021, New York City recognized LGBT-owned businesses as part of their program to support and promote minority-owned businesses to provide mentorship, consulting and access to government contracts that promote minority owned businesses. [3]

In an interview with Axios, the Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce executive director, Grace Moreno highlighted that there is a high demand for inclusion in the community and that "young people in particular are more willing to go out of their way to support LGBTQ-owned stores, bars, restaurants and other businesses." [15]

In 2023, a community group celebrated the first annual LGBTQ+ business week to "support queer-owned businesses while simultaneously raising awareness around economic issues for the community." [16] In 2024, it will be celebrated the week of December 2. [17]

List of notable LGBT-owned businesses in the United States

See also

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References

  1. ↑ "Queer-owned Small Businesses: How To Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month And People All Year Round". 16 February 2022. Archived from the original on 1 December 2023. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  2. ↑ Fox, Michelle (2023-06-30). "LGBTQ small business owners struggle to find financing". CNBC. Archived from the original on 2024-01-19. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  3. 1 2 "New York just became the biggest city to make LGBT-owned businesses eligible for billions in government contracts for minority entrepreneurs". Business Insiders . 19 January 2021. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  4. ↑ "'Everywhere Is Queer': New worldwide map highlights LGBTQ-owned businesses". NBC . 17 April 2022. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  5. ↑ "Everywhere is Queer app cements a digital hub for LGBTQ businesses". Mashable . 20 February 2024. Archived from the original on 11 May 2024. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  6. ↑ Walsh, Ed. "How Puerto Vallarta became the Bay Area's favorite LGBTQ getaway". SFGate . Archived from the original on 2021-06-25. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  7. ↑ Blossom, Priscilla (2022-06-02). "29 LGBTQ-Owned Businesses to Support During Pride Month and All Year Long". Reader's Digest. Archived from the original on 2024-03-29. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  8. ↑ Roth, Madison (2023-11-02). "What You Need To Know About How To Get Your Business LGBT Business Enterprise Certified | Lavender Magazine". Archived from the original on 2023-12-06. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  9. ↑ "LGBTQ+ business owners share successes and challenges they face". NBC News. 2023-06-30. Archived from the original on 2024-04-12. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  10. ↑ Munoz, Daniel. "NJ law provides certification to LGBTQ+ businesses, unlocking contracting opportunities". North Jersey Media Group. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
  11. ↑ Reitmeyer, John (May 13, 2024). "NJ state certification for LGBTQ+ businesses a first". NJ Spotlight News.
  12. ↑ "LGBTQ-owned businesses". Small Business Administration . Archived from the original on 15 May 2024. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  13. ↑ "The Definitive Guide for LGBTQ-Owned Business Enterprises". 4 June 2019. Archived from the original on 31 October 2023. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  14. ↑ "This non-profit supports LGBTQ businesses throughout Washington". king5.com. 2020-10-21. Retrieved 2024-05-28.
  15. ↑ "Massachusetts' love for LGBTQ-owned businesses". Axios . 9 June 2023. Archived from the original on 28 September 2023. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  16. ↑ "A First-Of-Its Kind Business Week Just Launched To Support And Uplift The LGBTQ+ Community". MSN . 11 November 2023. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  17. ↑ "LGBTQ+ Business Week". Archived from the original on 11 December 2023. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  18. 1 2 3 4 "LGBTQ-Owned Businesses in Seattle | 2023". Seattle Met. Archived from the original on 2024-01-15. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  19. ↑ Kirouac, Matt (2023-05-26). "30 Great LGBTQ+-Owned Restaurants To Visit In The US". Tasting Table. Archived from the original on 2023-08-04. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  20. ↑ Tirone, Stella (June 6, 2022). "From Boutiques To Tasty Eats, These Are The Top LGBTQ-Owned Businesses In San Francisco". San Francisco Magazine.

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