LGBT Business Enterprise Certification
The NGLCC is the exclusive, third-party certification body that verifies that eligible businesses are majority-owned by LGBTQ individuals, and subsequently grants Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® (Certified LGBTBE®) designation to such businesses as part of its LGBT Supplier Diversity Initiative.
Certified LGBTBE® companies are routinely sought after by NGLCC Corporate Partners who are looking to increase their spend with the LGBTQ business community through our internal, proprietary database. In turn, Certified LGBTBE® companies have access to over 300 contacts with corporate representatives and supplier diversity professionals to begin building strategic relationships and making preparations to meet face-to-face with them at NGLCC matchmaking and networking events, which are held across the country throughout the year. Certified LGBTBE® companies are also eligible for scholarship programs, mentorship and leadership training, and other business development tools following one year.
Certification fee is waived for Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber members!
- Must be majority (51%) owned, managed, operated and controlled by an LGBTQ individual(s) who are either US citizens or lawful permanent citizens
- Must have its principal place in the United States
- Must be formed as a legal entity in the United States
- Must exercise independence from any non-LGBT business enterprise
National Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. (NMSDC)
The National Minority Supplier Development Council is the global leader in advancing business opportunities for certified Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American business enterprises. They connect these businesses to their corporate members in an effort to increase procurement and enhance supplier diversity. These businesses are certified by NMSDC's affiliate nearest to the company's headquarters.
Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
WBENC's world-class certification is accepted by more than 1,000 corporations representing America's most prestigious brands, in addition to many states, cities and other entities. WBENC certification validates that the business is 51 percent owned, controlled, operated and managed by a woman or women. To achieve WBENC certification, women-owned businesses complete a formal documentation and site visit process, which is administered by one of WBENC's 14 Regional Partner Organizations. WBENC certification gives women-owned businesses the ability to compete for real-time business opportunities provided by WBENC corporate members and government agencies.
National Veteran Owned Business Association
The National Veteran Owned Business Association’s Certified Veteran’s Business Enterprise™ (VBE) and Certified Service-Disabled Veteran’s Business Enterprise™ (SDVBE) programs. This initiative creates a nationally recognized gold standard in certification for veteran-owned businesses of all sizes and enables corporate America to proactively source and confidently utilize businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by U.S. military veterans.
City of Tampa Procurement
To participate in City of Tampa’s contracting process, you must register as a supplier. Since 2019, the City of Tampa has recognized the LGBTBE Certification.