If you are an LGBT+ entrepreneur who is either interested in starting or currently owns a business in Pennsylvania, there are many organizations that offer services specifically geared toward supporting you and your business. The resources in this section range from local to national and offer specific opportunities and funding to LGBT+-owned businesses.
State Resources
The experts from the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) provide services to all the small business populations and make special efforts to reach members of historically underrepresented and underserved populations. Visit the SBDC website to find your local SBDC and learn more about the resources and services they offer.
Regional Resources
The Keystone Business Alliance (KBA) is an award-winning LGBT Chamber of Commerce, connecting businesses to regional and national opportunities and certification. Serving 8 South Central PA counties, KBA is a leading driver of economic development through inclusion in their service region as well as through their network statewide and nationally. KBA is committed to expanding the economic interests of LGBT and allied businesses through education, advocacy, and partnership with the local business community.
The Three Rivers Business Alliance (3RBA) is an affiliate of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). The mission of Three Rivers Business Alliance is to cultivate increased opportunities for LGBTQIA+ businesses and their allies across 13 counties in the Pittsburgh/Greater Allegheny region by fostering diversity, inclusion, and equity for all. As a chamber of commerce, 3RBA promotes, expands, and improves the economic interests of businesses owned by LGBTQIA+ persons by engaging in economic development, strategic partnerships, education, and advocacy.
The Montgomery County LGBT Business Council provides support to the Montgomery County business community through education, training, professional development, policy advocacy and adaptation.
The Independence Business Alliance, an official affiliate of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), provides opportunities, access, and resources to LGBTQ+ professionals and allies by promoting economic development, growth, diversity, and leadership in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties by enhancing financial opportunities, fostering diversity, developing leadership and collaboration, and advocating for positive change.
National Resources
The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is the only national advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities for the LGBTQ+ business community. The NGLCC has 62 affiliate chambers across the country and 1,702 certified LGBTQ+ business enterprises. You can either certify your business or become a corporate partner. When you certify your business with the NGLCC, you’ll open yourself up to new business opportunities and customers. And partnering with the NGLCC is a great way to expand the diversity of your supplier program.
StartOut accelerates the growth of the LGBTQ+ community to drive its economic empowerment, building a world where every LGBTQ+ entrepreneur has equal access to lead, succeed, and shape the workforce of the future. By empowering LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, untapped business and economic value can be unlocked.
Federal Resources
The federal government, through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), helps diverse entrepreneurs launch new businesses and compete in the marketplace. The SBA connects individuals with available training and funding opportunities. By partnering with federal agencies, they assist in providing equitable access to programs like the 8(a) Business Development Program, a tool for disadvantaged small business owners which assists the federal government with meeting its yearly goal of 5% of all federal contracting dollars to these types of businesses.
