LGBTQ+ Business Inclusion Resolution

Last updated on April 02, 2019

Mayor Buddy Dyer and District 4 City Commissioner Patty Sheehan Introduce LGBTQ+ Business Inclusion Resolution in Partnership with National LGBT Chamber of Commerce 

APRIL 2, 2019 – ORLANDO, FL – Today, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and District 4 City Commissioner Patty Sheehan announced a resolution for the inclusion of LGBTQ+ owned businesses certified by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) in contracting and procurement opportunities with the city.

With the adoption of this resolution the City of Orlando will become the first city in Florida to recognize LGBTQ+ owned businesses through the establishment of an official certification process.

“Small businesses and entrepreneurs are the backbone of our local economy and the reason why we have such a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem and business-friendly environment,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “We must work together to continue to foster an environment that advances opportunities for all. This resolution ensures that LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs in Orlando will have the opportunity to create jobs and develop innovations that benefit all who live in the most inclusive city in America.”

With this resolution, the City of Orlando will recognize the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s robust certification process, track the City of Orlando’s contracts and spending with certified LGBTQ+ owned businesses, and commit to increased outreach with the Metropolitan Business Association (MBA), Orlando’s local chapter of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

“As part of the city’s economic development strategy, we are constantly seeking ways to remove barriers,” said Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan. “One of the misconceptions about including LGBTQ+ owned businesses, or those of any other diverse community, is that someone else’s opportunity decreases as a result. That simply isn’t so.  No one loses when everyone is given a fair shot to win.”

The proposed resolution will:

  • Allow the city to develop a database and registry of LGBTQ+ owned businesses with the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce as the certifying entity.
  • Provide a mechanism for the city to monitor and track usage of LGBTQ+ owned and certified businesses in the procurement of goods and services for the City of Orlando.
  • Ensure inclusion for LGBTQ+ owned businesses by developing training programs and services that will ensure LGBTQ+ business owners are informed about procurement opportunities.

NGLCC MEDIA CONTACT:
Jonathan Lovitz
Senior Vice President, NGLCC
press@nglcc.org
954-695-5896

ABOUT NGLCC:
The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is the business voice of the LGBT community and is the largest global advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. NGLCC is the exclusive certification body for LGBT-owned businesses, known as LGBT Business Enterprises (LGBTBEs). www.nglcc.org @nglcc

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