As a transgender woman and proud small business owner, being certified by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) as an LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE) holds profound meaning for me—both personally and professionally. This certification is more than a label; it’s a powerful acknowledgment of authenticity, resilience, and leadership within the LGBTQ+ business community.

To earn this designation, my business underwent a rigorous third-party verification process to confirm it is majority-owned, operated, and controlled by an LGBTQ+ individual. The NGLCC is the exclusive national certifying body for LGBTBEs, ensuring a trusted and standardized process that validates not only our ownership but also our place in a growing, inclusive economy.

This certification opens doors to meaningful partnerships with corporate and government entities committed to supplier diversity—but for me, it’s also a celebration of visibility. It affirms that our voices, our work, and our contributions as LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs matter. As a transgender woman, it’s especially empowering to see this recognition woven into the fabric of how we do business.