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LGBT Business Enterprise Certification

Scroll to learn about the certification process.

What is LGBTBE Certification?

LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE) is a diversity certification verifying that a business is majority-owned by an LGBT individual. Identifying your business as at least 51% LGBTQ+ owned and operated through national diversity supplier certification adds value to your business by providing another channel through which to market your products and services.

Why get certified?

Having an LGBTBE Certification for your business can unlock several opportunities and perks, including:

  • Receive national recognition by America’s top corporations as an NGLCC Certified LGBTBE
  • Gain access to a directory of corporate partners, as well as fellow Certified LGBTBE companies
  • Get access to all corporate, government, and organizational partners looking to do business with certified LGBTBE businesses
  • Use NGLCC Certified LGBTBE logo on website & marketing materials
  • Attend International Business & Leadership Conferences and regional events with special access to LGBTBE certified business opportunities
  • Get access to scholarships, leadership and business development training through NGLCC, matchmaker meetings with supplier diversity professionals, and NGLCC affiliates

How do I get certified?

Step One
1
Step One
Visit National LGBT Chamber of Commerce - Supplier Inclusion Database to start your business profile. Make sure to include you’re a member of the Tennessee Pride Chamber and your processing fees ($899) will be waived!
Step Two
2
Step Two
Submit your supporting documents:
  • Proof of US Citizenship or Permanent residency Status
  • Brief History of the Business/Business Plan
  • Resume / Bio
  • LGBTQ Status Qualifier (list of options, or email the Pride Chamber Executive Director kcarpenter@tnpridechamber.org for a letter)
  • NGLCC or Tennessee Pride Chamber membership
Step Three
3
Step Three
Complete a site visit with an NGLCC trained site visitor. This brief visit is meant to ensure the information in your application is accurate and to learn more about your business.
Step Four
4
Step Four
Complete the National Certification Committee Review. This committee meets monthly and will review your application to certify your business as LGBTBE.
Step One
1
Step One
Visit National LGBT Chamber of Commerce - Supplier Inclusion Database to start your business profile. Make sure to include you’re a member of the Tennessee Pride Chamber and your processing fees ($899) will be waived!
Step Two
2
Step Two
Submit your supporting
documents:
  • Proof of US Citizenship or
    Permanent residency
    Status
  • Brief History of the Business/Business Plan
  • Resume / Bio
  • LGBTQ Status Qualifier
    (list of options, or email
    the Pride Chamber
    Executive Director kcarpenter@tnpridecham
    ber.org     for a letter)
  • NGLCC or Tennessee Pride Chamber membership
Step Three
3
Step Three
Complete a site visit with an NGLCC trained site visitor. This brief visit is meant to ensure the information in your application is accurate and to learn more about your business.
Step Four
4
Step Four
Complete the National Certification Committee Review. This committee meets monthly and will review your application to certify your business as LGBTBE.

Further Resources

Should you need any help or have questions, contact the TN Pride Chamber at kcarpenter@tnpridechamber.org

You may also apply for scholarships to waive your certification processing fee and membership to the Pride Chamber!

TGX scholarship – for transgender and gender expansive business owners

CoCi scholarship – for BIPOC business owners

JP Morgan Chase scholarship – for general LGBT+ business owners

FAQs

3 years.

Yes! The recertification fee is $499.

NGLCC’s supplier diversity directory, the TN Pride Chamber’s directory (if a member), and if applicable to your city, a diverse business directory such as nashville.diversitycompliance.com.

Share your membership invoice receipt or reach out to info@tnpridechamber.com for a copy of your invoice.