Business Cares: June 2024
Recognizing LGBTQ+ Businesses: A Journey of Resilience and Impact
LGBTQ+ businesses are not just a seasonal phenomenon. They are here year-round, navigating the same challenges as any other business owner: cash flow, employee retention, brand awareness, and finding customers. However, what sets them apart is their unwavering tenacity and resilience.
THIS MONTH’S FEATURED NONPROFIT
Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce
444 Sherman Street, Ste DBC
Denver, CO 80203
(720) 900-4522
The Resilience of LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs
Being part of the LGBTQ+ community often means facing discrimination and unconscious bias. These entrepreneurs stand out in a world where everyone seems eager to write scathing reviews, and businesses continue to thrive despite false negative reviews supported by cyber bullies acting out of hate for outed LGBTQ businesses. Their tenacity isn’t just about overcoming obstacles; it’s about thriving despite them. It’s about turning adversity into opportunity.
Building Community Support
AJ Shaikh, President and CEO of the Colorado LGBTQ Chamber (COLGBTQCC), knows this journey intimately. For him, it’s not just about business—it’s about community. The chamber isn’t merely a network of businesses; it’s a lifeline for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. Here’s how they make a difference:
- Navigating Challenges Together: The chamber provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ business owners to share experiences, learn from one another, and find solutions. They’ve got each other’s backs, whether legal advice, marketing strategies, or emotional support.
- Visibility and Inclusion: The chamber promotes LGBTQ+ businesses, ensuring they’re visible in the marketplace. From spotlight features to collaborative events, they champion inclusivity. Last year, the chamber hosted 16 events that drew an impressive 3,469 attendees. Additionally, the chamber reached 36,371 contacts through social media and email campaigns, providing substantial exposure for member businesses.
- Advocacy and Policy Change: AJ and his team tirelessly advocate for LGBTQ+ rights at the local, state, and national levels. They’re not just business leaders; they’re change-makers. They signed onto the Amicus Brief on Masterpiece Cakeshop, which is expected to be reviewed by the Supreme Court.
- Community Impact: Beyond the boardroom, COLGBTQCC collaborates with local nonprofits. They support causes close to their hearts, making a tangible difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Making Change Happen
Small businesses of every color are the backbone of our communities, driving local economies and fostering a sense of connection and belonging. When small businesses thrive, they create jobs, support local causes, and contribute to the unique character of our neighborhoods.
So, next time you walk into an LGBTQ+-owned coffee shop, browse an LGBTQ+ artist’s online store, or hire an LGBTQ+ contractor, remember that you’re not just supporting a business but contributing to a resilient community. AJ Shaikh and the Colorado LGBTQ Chamber remind us that business isn’t just about profits. It’s about people, progress, and pride.
Let’s celebrate the rainbow of entrepreneurship, where every color represents courage, creativity, and community.
Learn more, become a member, find a company at https://colgbtqcc.org/