Event Will Empower LGBTQ-Owned Businesses with Growth Strategies
The City of West Hollywood will co-sponsor the first-ever LGBTQ Certification Summit, organized by the California LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce. The event will empower LGBTQ-owned businesses by offering crucial information on certification, contracting opportunities, and growth strategies.
The summit will take place on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fiesta Hall in Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. Interested attendees must register in advance, with a $25 fee required to cover lunch and programming costs. However, no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. More information and registration details can be found on the summit’s website or through Eventbrite.
The primary focus of the LGBTQ Certification Summit is to equip LGBTQ-owned businesses with the resources needed to obtain Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Business Enterprise (LGBTBE) certification. This certification is valuable, providing access to contracting opportunities, supplier diversity programs, and other resources to support and promote diverse businesses. The event will also offer networking and business matchmaking opportunities for certified businesses. West Hollywood Mayor John Erickson will deliver the opening remarks at the summit.
The summit will feature three key panel discussions:
- State Contracting – Representatives from the California Department of Insurance, Department of General Services, and Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will discuss state contracting opportunities.
- Supplier Diversity – Major corporations will share insights on supplier diversity programs.
- Access to Capital – Experts will address financial resources and strategies for business growth.
In addition to the panels, the summit will include exhibitors from various companies and organizations that support LGBTQ businesses.
The California LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, which serves a network of 5,000 LGBTQ professionals and business owners, is dedicated to empowering California’s LGBTQ business community. The chamber offers connections to corporate partners, public policy advocacy, guidance on LGBTBE certification, and increased visibility for LGBTQ businesses.
For more information about the summit, interested parties can contact Jennifer Del Toro, West Hollywood’s Community and Legislative Affairs Supervisor, at (323) 848-6549 or jdeltoro@weho.org. Assistance is also available for the Deaf or hard of hearing through TTY at (323) 848-6496.
