Funding Options and Resources for LGBTQ+-Owned Businesses

LGBTQ+-owned businesses play a vital role in the economy, accounting for over $1.7 trillion in national economic impact. However, LGBTQ+ founders often face challenges in starting and growing their businesses, including discrimination and inequitable access to resources.

To help bridge this gap, several organizations have launched LGBTQ+-specific business directories, networking and advocacy groups, and funding opportunities. Here are several resources for LGBTQ+-owned businesses and those who wish to support them.

LGBTQ+-owned business directories

These LGBTQ+-owned business directories allow business owners and customers to connect and support LGBTQ+-friendly small businesses.

GLPages.com

GLPages.com serves as a digital directory for LGBTQ+-owned and LGBTQ+-friendly businesses. Along with its staggering number of listed businesses, GLPages also has comprehensive reviews, sharing how long reviewers have used a business, which particular employee the reviewer recommends, and the quality of the services or offerings. The app version of GLPages is easily accessible in the Apple App Store or in Google Play. Those interested in having their business listed can fill out GLPages’ contact form.

Intentionalist

Intentionalist stresses spending your money with intention and supporting the businesses that matter to you. Amongst other category listings, the site provides a directory of local LGBTQ+-owned small businesses, available to view as a list or an easy-to-navigate map. Each business is also listed with tags like “Black-owned” or “woman-owned” to give users a full picture of the business. Registered users can also use the “Suggest a Business” feature for potential inclusion in the directory.

The Pink Pages Directory

Although based in Canada, the Pink Pages has expanded to include listings in the United States as well. Users can navigate by region, then zero in by the state to find the categories of businesses that are available. For example, you could click into the mid-Atlantic region, then New Jersey, then search for jewelry businesses to find all of your options for that particular type of business in your area. LGBTQ+-owned and LGBTQ+-friendly businesses can also advertise with the Pink Pages to reach their target audience.

The Pride App

The Pride App aims to be an up-to-date guide to LGBTQIA+-owned and LGBTQIA+-friendly businesses, providing a place for small businesses and prospective customers to connect. Businesses can list themselves on Pride App for free, or pay for a premium subscription for premium placement and the ability to list events and promotions.