In conjunction with the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), Hampton Roads Business Outreach (HRBOR) is sponsoring an orientation for member and non-member LGBTQ-owned businesses interested in LGBT Business Enterprises (LGBTBE) certification.
Scheduled for March 23 in Norfolk, the orientation session will guide members through the certification process and its benefits.
Certified LGBTBEs are routinely sought after by NGLCC Corporate Partners who are looking to increase their spend with the LGBTQ business community through an internal, proprietary database.
“This certification opens up all new avenues between HRBOR’s business members and fellow LBTQ business owners across the country and the world,” said Jack Pierson, HRBOR Board member. “It’s a unique opportunity for our members to get a big return on their membership buck by creating new business opportunities within the community.”
The certification offers LGBTQ-owned businesses access to 150 corporate partners and their supplier diversity programs and business-to-business connections with more than 900 LGBTBE worldwide businesses and governmental procurement opportunities.
Certification also includes national recognition by America’s top corporations as certified LGBTBE with access to corporate partners, matchmaker meetings with supplier and diversity professionals at NGLCC signature events, and NGLCC networking and continuing education events throughout the year.
Businesses eligible for certification must meet these criteria:
• Be a majority (at least 51%) owned, operated, managed, and controlled by an LGBT person or persons who are either U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
• Exercise independence from any non-LGBT business enterprise.
• Have its principal place of business (headquarters) in the United States.
• Has been formed as a legal entity in the United States.
For its members that decide to pursue certification beyond he orientation, HRBOR will waive the $400 certification fee. Non-member business owners may attend the orientation session free of charge. If they join HRBOR prior to the certification classes scheduled for later this year, the fee will be waived.
The NGLCC is the exclusive, third-party certification body that verifies that eligible businesses are majority-owned by LGBT individuals, and subsequently grants LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE) designation to such businesses as part of its LGBT Supplier Diversity Initiative.
WANT TO GO?
LGBTBE Certification Orientation
Thursday, March 23, 2016 from 3–5 p.m.
Wells Fargo Norfolk Center, 440 Monticello Ave, 11th Floor, Norfolk, VA 23510
Free of charge to eligible business owners
Registration is required in advance to info@HRBOR.org or Tracy.HRBOR@gmail.com.
