Supporting LGBTQ+ owned and LGBTQ+ affirming businesses is more than a consumer choice; it is a practical way to encourage economic opportunity, strengthen local communities and reward companies that embrace equality.
LGBTQ+ owned businesses create jobs, provide essential services and contribute to local economies. Research published by the Center for LGBTQ Economic Advancement & Research (CLEAR) and the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) highlights their importance, noting that these businesses generate employment, provide needed goods and services, and offer spaces for LGBTQ+ people to gather and organize.
The National LGBTQ+ & Allied Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) reports that LGBTQ+ businesses contribute more than $1.7 trillion in economic impact nationally, confirming their significance to American commerce.
From CLEAR in a 2021 report: “Healthy LGBTQ owned small businesses are essential for a thriving LGBTQ community.” While the report is five years old, the assessment is as accurate now as it was then.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation also identifies a connection between inclusion and consumer behavior. Its business guidance reports that people, particularly LGBTQ+ workers and younger generations, want to work for equality-minded companies and buy from brands that support inclusion.
Supporting allied businesses matters, too. Companies that demonstrate genuine LGBTQ+ inclusion through fair employment practices, respectful customer service and community engagement can help create safer, more welcoming economic environments.
Consumers can make a difference by shopping at LGBTQ+ owned establishments, hiring LGBTQ+ professionals, using local business directories and asking companies about their inclusion policies. Supporting a business should still involve considering service, quality and value, rather than assuming every company listed as an ally has identical practices.
Ultimately, directing spending toward responsible LGBTQ+ owned and allied businesses helps entrepreneurs thrive, sustains jobs and reinforces the principle that economic participation should be open to everyone.
Let’s take a look at the resources available through LGBTQ+ Chambers of Commerce in the Carolinas.
North Carolina
The Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce is a regional business and professional organization working to advance economic opportunity, inclusion and equity for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, professionals and allied businesses throughout North and South Carolina. Based in Charlotte, the organization brings together businesses, corporate partners, nonprofit organizations and individual professionals to strengthen commercial relationships and expand opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community.
According to its published mission, the chamber works to grow economic success through business development, networking, collaborative partnerships and advocacy for LGBTQ+ visibility and economic equity. Its role extends beyond social networking: the organization seeks to help members build professional relationships, develop their businesses and connect with potential customers and corporate partners.
Business development and community services
The chamber offers professional development opportunities, including workshops, seminars and business training. Its networking and referral opportunities help members promote their services, develop partnerships and increase their visibility within the regional business community.
The organization also supports business growth strategies, access to procurement opportunities and funding resources, while advocating for positive economic, social and political change. Its website features member and corporate-partner spotlights, business guidance, professional development information and advocacy updates.
An online membership directory allows the public to search for businesses across numerous categories, including financial services, legal services, healthcare, real estate, hospitality, marketing, technology, travel and more.
Prominent members and partners
The chamber’s published directory lists a mix of major corporations, established regional businesses and community organizations. Examples include:
Bank of America — financial institution
Novant Health — healthcare services
ViiV Healthcare — HIV related healthcare
Blumenthal Performing Arts — cultural and performing arts center
Charlotte Football Club — professional soccer
NoDa Brewing Company — craft beer and hospitality
What that information provides us
For LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs seeking to grow their customer base, establish corporate relationships or find inclusive professional networks, the chamber offers a regional platform for making those connections.
For consumers, its directory provides a practical starting point for identifying businesses and organizations that participate in the LGBTQ+ business community. The chamber’s mission and services are described on its official website pages, where visitors can explore membership, events, business resources and the searchable member directory.
Harmony: NC LGBT+ Allied Chamber of Commerce is a North Carolina business organization dedicated to helping LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, professionals and supportive businesses build connections, strengthen their skills and expand economic opportunities. With roots in the Raleigh business community, Harmony works to create a welcoming professional network where LGBTQ+ people and allies can collaborate and grow.
The chamber’s mission centers on business growth, education and connectivity. Its membership is open to businesses and professionals regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, reflecting its commitment to engaging allies alongside LGBTQ+ members.
Services and community programs
Harmony offers networking mixers, educational workshops, professional development and business promotion through its online directory, newsletters and member features. Members may also receive discounted event admission, marketing opportunities and access to business education through Ensemble, its LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurial Hub. Ensemble provides workshops and seminars intended to help entrepreneurs develop sustainable businesses, strengthen professional skills and connect with supportive resources.
The chamber also organizes business-focused events, including its PrideLife Business Summit, which brings together businesses, corporate representatives and diverse entrepreneurs. The summit has featured virtual matchmaking intended to connect corporate buyers with certified LGBTQ+-owned enterprises and other small businesses.
Prominent corporate supporters
Harmony’s website identifies several recognizable companies among its sponsors and business partners, including:
Cisco — technology and networking
MyEyeDr. — eye care and optical services
Wyrick Robbins — business law firm
By connecting businesses with customers, professional contacts and educational resources, Harmony seeks to make inclusion part of North Carolina’s business environment. Its online directory also gives consumers a way to discover participating businesses. Readers can find membership information, upcoming events and business resources at https://www.harmonync.org.
South Carolina
The Upstate SC LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce is a Greenville-based nonprofit business organization established in 2020 to empower LGBTQ+ and allied businesses, professionals and entrepreneurs throughout South Carolina’s Upstate region. Organized as a 501(c)(6) business league, its mission combines economic development, professional networking and advocacy for greater social and economic equality.
Unlike a traditional business association focused primarily on commercial growth, the chamber places particular emphasis on challenges facing LGBTQ+ professionals and business owners, including discrimination, limited access to professional networks and barriers to economic opportunity.
Services and community programs
According to its official website, the chamber provides professional development workshops, networking events, business resources, advocacy initiatives and assistance with LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE) certification. Certification can help eligible LGBTQ+-owned businesses establish their credentials when pursuing supplier-diversity opportunities with corporations and other organizations.
Its programming includes the annual Pride in Business Awards Gala, an Upstate LGBTQ+ job fair, monthly Black Pride in Business networking events and Trans Family Lunch gatherings that encourage dialogue between transgender community members and business and civic leaders.
Membership is open to LGBTQ-owned businesses, allied companies, individual professionals and nonprofit organizations. The chamber also maintains an online directory that allows consumers and organizations to find participating businesses by industry and service category.
Businesses and organizations in the membership directory
The chamber’s published directory features members across manufacturing, banking, hospitality, healthcare, real estate, professional services and community organizations.
Examples include:
BASF Metals, LLC — manufacturing
Newrez, LLC — banking and mortgage-related services
Magna Services of America — corporate services
The Community Tap — hospitality and beverage business
Thompson Dove Law Group, LLC — legal services
Boheme Salon — personal care and beauty
Upstate Pride SC — LGBTQ+ community organization
By connecting entrepreneurs, employers, consumers and community advocates, the Upstate SC LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce aims to make inclusion part of the region’s economic development.
All of these organizations offer the LGBTQ+ communities across the Carolinas a unique opportunity through their resources, regardless of a negative cultural or political climate, to support our own and help us all grow in community, strength and power.
This story is brought to you by Rosedale Health and Wellness and Dudley’s Place.
