The Case For LGBTQ+ Inclusion
Many companies, government and state agencies as well as local municipalities provide workplace benefits for LGBT employees, consciously market to LGBT customers, and provide support for LGBT non-profits; but it is a completely different level of commitment for these same organizations to not only BE LGBT-friendly, but to also BUY LGBT-friendly and be able to prove it through a LGBTBE database.
One of the primary initiatives of the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois is advocating for the immediate inclusion of LGBTBEs in the supply chains of all corporations as well as local, state, and federal agencies. The playing field is only level when corporations and government agencies, both large and small, determine not to discriminate against businesses based upon the business owner’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Increased inclusion efforts on the part of these corporations and government agencies help to bring more LGBTBEs better opportunities to bid on contracts and to become valued suppliers for their supplier diversity initiatives. The economic impact of these new business opportunities help to build a more successful LGBT business community.
As competent and capable LGBTBEs are awarded new corporate and government contracts, their growth fuels LGBTBEs to hire more staff and to contract with other LGBT and Allied businesses to provide secondary services to them. These efforts, indirectly and directly create a more economically empowered LGBT community that benefits all.
Top Reasons LGBT+ Inclusive Supplier Diversity is a Competitive Advantage
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Corporate Equality Index (CEI) is the national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees.
Membership Benefits
The true value of a corporate membership stems from ongoing conversations to adapt our expertise with your needs to deliver value to your organization. We know that every organization is different and through discussions we can provide meaningful benefits to help you achieve your goals.
Some benefits include:
Recognition as a partner to the LGBT business community through our social media, website and materials.
Resources to help you achieve a supplier base that more closely reflects your customer demographics.
Access to resources to engage LGBT employees, business owners and greater community.
Opportunities for your employees to gain professional development by sharing expertise with small business owners.
Complimentary monthly networking opportunities with LGBT business professionals.
Access to a larger pool of qualified suppliers while maintaining the level of quality you require of all your vendors.
Membership Requirements
Have an existing Supplier Diversity Program or establish a Supplier Diversity Program within six (6) months of joining our Chamber that clearly indicates LGBTBEs are welcomed and encouraged to apply for possible business opportunities.
Annually report aggregate dollar amount of purchases from LGBTBEs.
Designate a representative as a point of contact.
Participate in local activities of the LGBT Chamber of Commerce in Illinois.
Commit to an annual support level.
