NGLCC is the exclusive, third-party certification body that verifies that eligible businesses are majority-owned by LGBTQ+ individuals, and subsequently grants LGBTQ+ Business Enterprise® (LGBTBE®) designation to such businesses as part of its LGBT Supplier Diversity Initiative.

By becoming a certified LGBTBE, businesses are able to build relationships with America's leading corporations, generate prospective business and clients, and collectively team with each other for contracting opportunities. As corporate America becomes more inclusive and further diversifies its supply chain, certification offers the opportunity for LGBT-owned businesses to differentiate themselves from their competitors. 

Certified LGBTBEs are routinely sought after by NGLCC Corporate Partners who are looking to increase their spend with the LGBT business community through our internal, proprietary database. LGBTBEs in turn have access to over 160 contacts with corporate representatives and supplier diversity professionals to begin building strategic relationships and making preparations to meet face-to-face with them at NGLCC matchmaking and networking events, which are held across the country throughout the year. Certified LGBTBEs are also eligible for scholarship programs, mentorship and leadership training, and other business development tools following one year.

Does your business meet the following criteria?

• 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
• Exercises independence from any non-LGBT business enterprise
• Has its principal place of business (headquarters) in the United States
• Has been formed as a legal entity in the United States

In order for applicant businesses to be certified, all applicable documentation must be supplied in full accordance with NGLCC SDI Standards and Procedures or an applicant business may be denied approval for certification. Please consult the document, which describes the criteria for certification and the application process.

Please note: Businesses that are certified by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) or the United States Business Leadership Network: Disability at Work (USBLN) are eligible for expedited certification. 

Maximize your business opportunities by becoming a member of an NGLCC affiliate chamber. As a member, you can network with local LGBT and allied business owners, have access to local programing and events, and can take advantage of local business opportunities.

Become a member of your local affiliate chamber to not only leverage local membership benefits, but also take advantage of complimentary national certification. NGLCC waives the $400 certification fee for businesses that choose to join their local affiliate chamber. Applicants who wish not to join their local affiliate chamber will be prompted to pay a non-refundable certification/ recertification fee when completing the application for certification.