For more than a decade the Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber has supported LGBTQ+ businesses, entrepreneurs, professionals, and allies. The organization has recently expanded to become the Michigan Pride Chamber of Commerce marking a deeper statewide commitment to expand business resources, advocacy, workforce development, and economic opportunity for LGBTQ+ professionals.
“Our vision has always been bigger than a single region,” said Kevin Heard, President & Executive Director of the Michigan Pride Chamber of Commerce. “Every LGBTQ+ entrepreneur, professional, and business owner deserves to know there is an organization advocating for them, connecting them to opportunity, and helping them grow. We’re not waiting for someone else to solve these challenges. We’re investing in Michigan by building stronger businesses, stronger leaders, and stronger communities. When our businesses succeed, our communities thrive.”
According to the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, LGBTQ+-owned businesses contribute an estimated $1.7 trillion annually to the U.S. economy, with that impact increasing to more than $2.1 trillion when mid-sized LGBTQ+-owned businesses are included.
While specific numbers for Black LGBTQ entrepreneurship are not tracked, it can be presumed that many are vital engines of community wealth, job creation, and cultural innovation. Further, it is commonly understood that Black entrepreneurs face well-documented systemic disadvantages in securing business loans and venture capital.
Black LGBTQ+ founders experience compounded barriers at the intersection of race and queerphobia/sexism.
“Supporting Black LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs has always been an important part of the Chamber’s work because we recognize that many entrepreneurs navigate multiple layers of barriers while building their businesses,” says Vice Chair, Michigan Pride Chamber of Commerce; Founder and Chief Ecosystem Architect, GapBridge Strategies. “Beyond the challenges many small business owners face, Black LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs often encounter additional obstacles related to access to capital, representation, corporate decision-makers, procurement opportunities, and professional networks. Those barriers can make it more difficult to grow and sustain a business, even when the talent and vision are there.
She adds, “Programs like our Queer Equity Impact Program (QEIP) reflect that commitment. QEIP goes beyond teaching business fundamentals by creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to have honest conversations about challenges that can arise as members of historically marginalized communities. Participants learn how to build strategic relationships, navigate corporate environments, position themselves for procurement opportunities, increase their visibility, and advocate for themselves and their businesses. Our goal is not simply to help entrepreneurs start businesses, but to help them build businesses that are competitive, sustainable, and positioned for long-term success.”
The Michigan Pride Chamber of Commerce will launch a statewide listening tour, strengthen relationships with local Pride organizations and community leaders, recruit regional board leadership, expand educational webinars and virtual resources, and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs and professionals to connect throughout every region of Michigan.
The Chamber also plans to collaborate with local chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, municipalities, educational institutions, foundations, and corporate partners to ensure entrepreneurs throughout Michigan have greater access to mentorship, education, certification opportunities, procurement pathways, and capital.
“Strong businesses create stronger communities,” said Anthony Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Corktown Health. “When LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs have access to meaningful relationships, trusted resources, and opportunities to grow, the impact extends well beyond their individual businesses. It creates jobs, strengthens families, and builds healthier, more resilient communities. The Michigan Pride Chamber is helping build that foundation by fostering economic opportunity, empowering LGBTQ+ businesses, and strengthening communities across our state.”
You can reach Biba Adams at Biba.Adams@MIChronicle.com
