Founder Resources for LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs
ORGANIZATIONS
StartOut is a Vibrant Network of Dedicated LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs and Supporters. 60+ Annual Events. LGBT Expert Legal Advice. Champion for LGBTQ Growth.
The Lesbian Community: The LBC is a lesbian-owned business directory and resource for LGBT-owned and operated businesses. The goal is for these businesses to build their visibility and brand—and make it easier for consumers to find them.
Out in Tech is a not-for-profit uniting the LGBTQ+ tech community. With 10 chapters and over 25000 members, we connect our members to new opportunities.
Lesbians Who Tech is a community for lesbians who are interested in starting a small business have to fight discrimination on at least two fronts. Not only are they working against LGBTQ discrimination, but they are also fighting against outdated notions that many people still have about women in business.
LGBTQ Entrepreneurs is a Facebook community of LGBT entrepreneurs—and aspiring entrepreneurs—who want to grow their businesses. It offers insights from Cee Smith, a successful entrepreneur who has built businesses in multiple industries, from entertainment to business development. “The Facebook group came from my experience as a young and out entrepreneur who navigated the business world alone. A majority of us are alone on this journey. We don’t fight just to make our business successful, we also have to fight prejudice and stereotypes that engender inequality,” says Smith.
Out Professionals calls itself “the nation’s leading LGBT networking organization.” Founded in 1983, it has about 1,000 members to connect with.
SBA LGBT resources: Business owners can use SBA local assistance tool to find nearby offices and resources. There, you can get counseling on whether their Business Development Program is right for you.
100+ diversity in tech communities in Europe: An ever-growing list of schemes and networks which support diverse and underrepresented founders in Europe's tech ecosystem.
National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce: This association provides certification that can bring you significant supplier diversity contracts. Certified LGBTBEs are routinely sought after by National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) Corporate Partners who are looking to increase their spend with the LGBTQ business community through an internal, proprietary database.
CAPITAL COMMUNITY + FUNDING RESOURCES:
The LGBTQ+ Entrepreneur Toolkit: 100+ Free Resources & Digital Marketing Tips from Berkeley. Fantastic resrouces listed with free planning tools and tips to help you get started.
DiversityVC: Venture Capital is funding the future. The decisions made by VCs filter through to the whole community and DiversityVC believes that they have a responsibility to ensure the right decisions are being made. We need the industry to be free from bias.
Backstage Capital: "We invest in the very best founders who identify as women, People of Color, or LGBTQ. I personally identify as all three." ARLAN HAMILTON, MANAGING PARTNER
LGBT CAPITAL Is principally focussed on the LGBT Consumer segment as a credible investment sector and to demonstrate the business case for advancements in LGBT equality and inclusion globally.
Unpopular Ventures is a new Venture Capital firm, dedicated to the entrepreneurs who are proud to be unpopular.
Angel List of LGBTQ+ companies and investors
500 Startups – LGBTQ SYNDICATE: 500’s mission is to discover and back the world’s most talented entrepreneurs, help them create successful companies at scale, and build thriving global ecosystems.
Reach Capital: Co-founded by Shauntel Poulson, Reach Capital is a venture capital firm that aims to support minority-led startups striving to help underserved communities in the country, particularly in the field of education.
Republic concentrates on diverse entrepreneurs of all genders and looks specifically for diverse teams to invest in.