Guide: How to support local LGBTQ-owned and -friendly businesses
Here are some resources to help you find and support small businesses in the tri-state area that are LGBTQ-owned and -allied.
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Supporting small businesses that are owned by or welcoming to LGBTQ people is one way to show meaningful support to the community.
LGBTQ business owners contribute over $1.7 trillion to the U.S. economy every year, according to the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, which represents around 1.4 million LGBTQ business owners.
The nonprofit GLAAD released a survey in December 2022 that found that 53% of Americans expect CEOs of businesses to speak up for LGBTQ rights.
Part of that survey also revealed that 59% of Americans believe that if businesses devoted significant resources to protecting LGBTQ rights, they could have a positive impact.
Here are some resources to help you find and support small businesses in the tri-state area that are LGBTQ-owned and -allied.
NATIONAL:
The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce offers a list on its website of its network of affiliated chambers across the country. If you are an LGBTQ business owner, you can certify your business with the NGLCC here.
CONNECTICUT
You can search on the Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Chamber's website for businesses in the state that are LGBTQ-owned or -allied.
Yale University has a database where you can search for businesses and service providers in Connecticut.
Connecticut Pride, a division of the agency Advancing CT Together, has a list of LGBTQ-friendly health organizations, services and community centers.
HUDSON VALLEY
The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce New York has a directory of business that it certified to be owned by or allied with the LGBTQ community.
The Loft LGBTQ+ Community Center in White Plains has a business partner directory where you can find a list of local businesses that are LGBTQ-friendly and that support the center's efforts.
LONG ISLAND
The LGBT Network has a business directory to search for LGBTQ-welcoming organizations and businesses on Long Island.
The National LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce New York has a Long Island branch that certifies local LGBTQ-owned and -friendly business owners.
NEW JERSEY
The New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce has an online directory of certified businesses.
The Independence Business Alliance, which is part of the LGBT Chamber of Commerce for the Greater Philadelphia Region, represents LGBTQ-owned businesses in some New Jersey counties. It has resources for job seekers and business owners who are part of the LGBTQ community.
NEW YORK CITY
The NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project has an online map that highlights businesses run by LGBTQ people in New York City.
The Bronx Chamber of Commerce has a directory of small businesses in New York City that are owned by LGBTQ people and entrepreneurs of other minority groups.
The Queer Money Project has created and continues to update a community mapping project of LGBTQ-owned businesses in New York City.
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