Aspis is proud to announce that we have been recertified as a National LGBT Business Enterprise by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. This certification is one of our many diversity initiatives and pushes us forward in the pursuit of diversity in the workplace. We have proudly held this certification since 2019 and with the recertification will be certified with it until 2024. After receiving the National LGBT Business Enterprise certification our team wanted to help others achieve it as well. This blog showcased what the certification is, why LGBTQ+-led businesses should get it, and how to apply for this unique certification.
What is the LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE)?
The NGLCC created its business certification program as part of its LGBT Supplier Diversity Initiative. According to the NGLCC’s certification guidelines, any business that meets the following criteria is eligible to become a certified LGBTBE:
- Majority (at least 51%) owner and operator of the business is 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
- Lastly, has been formed as a legal entity in the United States
This program is in collaboration with over 370 corporate partners that are looking for diversity-based companies to partner and work with.
With less than 2,000 businesses across the United States part of this program, it allows the opportunity for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs to actively stand out to billion-dollar firms looking for their product/service. Secondly, this program also connects entrepreneurs with other LGBTQ+ businesses and sparks collaboration. For more information on this program make sure to check out the NGLCC website.
Why is the LGBT Business Enterprise Certification important?
Certification as the LGBTBE gives your business the opportunity to compete for sourcing contracts with the NGLCC’s Corporate Supplier Diversity Partners. This includes Fortune 500 corporations and state and local governments’ supplier diversity initiatives. These corporate partners are committed to creating a diverse supply chain that is inclusive of LGBT businesses. Because of this, these businesses have allocated large amounts for spending with diverse business enterprises ranging anywhere from corporate gifts to office cleaning. Getting your business certified is a way of gaining access to some of the largest companies in the country. To put it simply, having LGBTBE certification makes you eligible for millions in allocated funds that other businesses don’t have access to.
However, the benefits don’t stop there. This certification comes with many additional benefits. For example:
- Access to an internal proprietary database that includes a network of LGBT business owners
- Access to buyers with corporate representatives and supplier diversity professionals
- Eligibility to exhibit at the annual NGLCC Business and Leadership Conference, as well as at regional events.
- Automatic inclusion in the NGLCC’s online searchable database of certified businesses, which is accessible by NGLCC Corporate Partners.
- Eligibility to receive sourcing opportunities e-mails from the NGLCC and its Corporate Partners.
- Eligibility to participate in mentorship programs, leadership training, as well as, scholarship opportunities presented by NGLCC Corporate Partners.
This certification allows your company to get your foot in the door of billion-dollar companies.
How to Get Certified as a National LGBT Business Enterprise
Step 1: Visit My.NGLCC.org to create a business profile.
First and foremost, this is where you can tell the NGLCC about you and your business.
Step 2: Submit supporting documents.
Secondly, after you create your business profile, an NGLCC team member will reach out and guide you through this process.
Step 3: Complete a site visit with the NGLCC.
The third step is that a site visitor from the NGLCC will validate the information listed in your application and learn anything else they need to know about your business.
Step 4: National Certification Committee Review.
Lastly, your application will be reviewed by the NGLCC National Certification Committee, and they will give your business official certification.
What is the NGLCC?
The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce is the only national advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities for the LGBT business community. NGLCC is the exclusive third-party certifying body for Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® (Certified LGBTBE®) companies. Over 1/3 of Fortune 500 recognize this certification and partner with NGLCC to create fully LGBT-inclusive supply chains. Additionally, NGLCC is the leading public policy advocate working to include Certified LGBTBE® businesses in procurement opportunities at the federal, state, and local levels. NGLCC Global is expanding its reach to five continents, bridging economic opportunity and LGBTI human rights worldwide.
(NGLCC) started in November 2002 when co-founders Justin Nelson and Chance Mitchell realized that the impact of LGBT people on the American economy had gone largely unnoticed despite economic equality being an important component of the LGBT equality movement. The two co-founders sought to showcase that as in addition to being LGBT, many LGBT people were also business owners, employers, taxpayers, providers of healthcare, and a vibrant, essential part of the small business engine that makes the U.S. economy run.
An organization literally launched around a coffee table is now the voice for the nation’s 1.4 million LGBT business owners and the $1.7 trillion those enterprises add to the national economy each year. NGLCC enjoys the support and participation of more than 200 corporate partners as well as prominent executive leadership in striving to promote pro-business and LGBT-inclusive policies.
Looking Ahead For Aspis
This is not the first time we have been certified by the NGLCC. In fact, Aspis has been certified as a National LGBT Business Enterprise since 2019. This certification is a fantastic opportunity for all LGBTQ+-owned businesses. We encourage other companies to apply for. In fact, certified LGBTBE companies have created over 33,000 jobs in the United States. This certification will only continue to help your business grow as the years go on. The LGBTQ+ community holds an estimated purchasing power of $917 billion dollars. Additionally, American LGBTQ+-owned businesses contributed an estimated $1.7 trillion to the US economy.
If you would like more information, you can head to www.nglcc.org
Who is Aspis?
Aspis is a cybersecurity and administrative service firm headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Starting in 2019 with a goal of democratizing cybersecurity, Aspis believes that all businesses deserve to feel safe from cyber threats. Because of that we took our government-level services and offer them to small businesses for a price they can afford. With additional branches in Duluth, Minnesota, and Washington DC Aspis has grown to become a national brand and has helped countless businesses with their cybersecurity needs. Our team offers a full suite of services including Darkweb Monitoring Solutions, Cybersecurity Management Consulting, and Cybersecurity Consulting to both our commercial and government clients. Our organization has been featured in countless publications including Forbes, IBM, and the US Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Aspis is proudly HUBZone certified and an national LGBT Business Enterprise.
To learn more on how Aspis can help you with your cybersecurity needs check out our website. Also, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. We post things to stay up to do on cybersecurity news, company updates, and need-to-know tips.
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