Certification Benefits
The LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois is an organization completely focused on creating strategic alliances between our buying members and our certified LGBT Business Enterprises (LGBTBEs). Becoming a certified LGBT Business Enterprise is an exclusive way to qualify for inclusion in corporate supply chains.
The LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois maintains and upholds the NGLCC’s national certification processes and standards to guarantee the validity and integrity of each certification granted to an Illinois LGBT Business Enterprise.
As with other types of diverse business certifications in the US, both current and historical facts are considered in determining ownership qualifications and participation in the management and daily operations of your business enterprise.
“The NGLCC certification creates visibility for LGBT businesses. Visibility creates awareness. Awareness leads to acceptance. And widespread acceptance ends discrimination. You can’t change hearts, minds and attitudes, if you are invisible.”
Requirements for Certification
To become a certified LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE) your business must meet all of the following requirements:
- 1
Your business enterprise is a for-profit business.
- 2
Your business enterprise is at least 51% LGBT owned, operated, managed, and controlled by an LGBT person or persons who are either US Citizens or lawful permanent residents.
- 3
Your business enterprise exercises independence from any non-LGBT business enterprise.
- 4
Your business enterprise has been formed as a legal entity in the United States or its trust territories.
The Certification Process
LGBT Business Enterprise Certification (LGBTBE) is easy and involves four simple steps:
- 1
Visit My.NGLCC.org to apply and build your profile.
- 2
Submit all requested supporting documents. A full list of requested documents can be found at the NGLCC website.
- 3
Schedule and complete an official NGLCC site visit. In Illinois, your official NGLCC site visit will be conducted by an NGLCC trained site visitor from the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois.
- 4
The NGLCC’s Certification Committee will finalize the review your application and if you meet the eligibility requirements you will become our newest certified LGBT Business Enterprise®.
FAQ
Scholarship Opportunities
The Transgender & Gender Expansive LGBTBE Certification and Affiliate Chamber Membership Scholarship is for Transgender & Gender Expansive (TGX) owned businesses to apply to have their affiliate chamber dues waived in the first year of membership in order to become NGLCC Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® (LGBTBE) suppliers. LGBTBE Certification fees are waived once your business is an active member of your local NGLCC affiliate LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
This Program is Proudly Sponsored by Wells Fargo.
The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is the only national not-for-profit advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding the economic opportunities and advancements of the LGBT business community. Seeking new opportunities for community advocacy, specifically in the economic arena, the NGLCC was founded as the exclusive organization for certification as an LGBT-owned business enterprise. The NGLCC is the direct link between Corporate America and LGBT businesses and entrepreneurs.
As a member of the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, you are automatically a member of the NGLCC with access to member discounts, programs, advertising discounts, financial support, and business advocacy. support, and business advocacy. Your business is also listed in their online business directory with the content being mirrored from the Chicago Directory. All these benefits are provided free of charge as long as your business remains a dues paying member of the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois.
What the NGLCC Does
- Facilitate cooperation among state and local LGBT chambers and business groups.
- Provide the ability to collect and disseminate news and information central to the success of LGBT businesses and professionals on a national level.
- Partner with the financial services sector to enhance opportunities for members to start or grow their business.
- Work with corporate partners, other organizations and the community at large to ensure increased opportunity and equality for LGBT professionals.
- Provide supplier diversity certification to help LGBT businesses gain more procurement opportunities.
- Stay on the forefront of legislative issues and provide strong lobbying efforts for LGBT business causes and nondiscriminatory affairs.
Supplier Diversity Initiative
The NGLCC Supplier Diversity Initiative (SDI) offers businesses a tool to make connections and open doors with America’s top corporations and each other. The SDI certifies Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and/or Transgender owned Business Enterprises (LGBTBEs) and works to provide opportunities for LGBTBEs to gain exposure within corporate procurement processes.
America’s LGBT Economy Report Release by the NGLCC
“The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is elated to be able to evidence through this report what we’ve observed since our founding fifteen years ago: that America’s LGBT business owners are driving our economy upward and deserve every opportunity to keep creating jobs and innovating our industries.”
The 1.4 million LGBT business owners NGLCC advocates for have truly earned a place at the equality table,” said NGLCC Co-Founder and President Justin Nelson.
“If you are an LGBT business owner and not yet certified, you’re leaving opportunities on the table to help your business and our economy grow. For the LGBT community, this also means we are missing out more role models, job creators, and future success stories that prove ‘If you can buy it, a Certified LGBTBE can supply it.’ ”
