2SLGBTQIA+ Owned Businesses
Resources included here are for educational purposes only and do not indicate affiliation or partnership with the Washington State LGBTQ Commission.
If you see an error on this page, please use our error form here.
Washington state works better with pride.
2SLGBTQIA+ owned businesses are vital to the economic development of our state. When we invest in 2SLGBTQIA+ business ownership, we're not just supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ business owners, we are strengthening local economies and promoting equity in our communities.
Did you know that Washington state just began offering LGBTQ Business Enterprise Certification? Through the Washington State Office of Minority & Women's Business Enterprises small business owners and entrepreneurs in the LGBTQ+ community can get certified with the state, free of charge. We are thrilled that this program has launched after years of grassroots advocacy!
This page is intended to help 2SLGBTQIA+ business owners in Washington, as well as provide access to directories of 2SLGBTQIA+ owned businesses in Washington. Organizations in Washington, like GSBA, have been working for decades to cultivate a vibrate network of 2SLGBTQIA+ owned businesses throughout Washington.
2SLGBTQIA+ chambers of commerce and organizations focused on business or employment.
- GSBA is Washington's LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce and the largest in North America. They have extensive programs and resources to help LGBTQ business owners in Washington. Their Ready for Business Program helps LGBTQ entrepreneurs make the jump to starting or strengthening their own business. Become a GSBA member.
Inland Northwest Business Alliance
- INBA is the Inland Northwest's LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce. Their members consist of businesses in Eastern Washington and North Idaho.
- LGBTQ+ business organization for businesses throughout Oregon and SW Washington.
National LGBT Chamber of Commerce
- NGLCC is the national business voice of the LGBTQ community and advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities for the LGBTQ business community. Get certified with NGLCC.
- Out and Equal is a national organization that strives to create inclusive and welcoming workplace environments by providing leadership development, on demand learning, and more. Their 2025 annual Workplace Summit will be in Seattle, WA from October 13th - 16th.
- Pride at Work has a Seattle and Tacoma chapter that advocates for LGBTQ+ employees.
- Organization creating a culture where transgender and gender diverse people can succeed in the workplace.
Center for LGBTQ Economic Advancement & Research
- CLEAR is a national organization dedicated to research and education around LGBTQ economic issues.
Washington Small Business Development Center
- This is a resource for small business owners, including access to advisors, information on start-ups and established businesses, and advice on how to protect your business. This program is hosted by Washington State University and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
State agency resources for 2SLGBTQIA+ owned businesses.
LGBTQ Business Enterprise Certification
- Collaboration between the LGBTQ Commission and the Office of Minority & Women's Business Enterprises, this is a statewide LGBTQ business certification program. To qualify, a small business must be for profit and licensed to do business in Washington state. LGBTQ+ individuals must own at least 51% of the business, manage and control day-to-day operations, and fall under a personal net worth threshold.
Office of Minority & Women's Business Enterprises
- OMWBE certifies minority and women-owned business enterprises to participate in public contracting and procurement. Apply for certification here.
Upcoming Bids and Contract Opportunities
- Opportunities, notices, RFPs, and RFQs are sent to OMWBE by state and government agencies and prime contractors to help in their outreach efforts to minority and women-owned businesses
Directory of Certified Businesses
- Search the OMWBE directory for certified businesses. This directory helps buyers and contracting officers locate certified firms for upcoming opportunities.
- Training courses designed to help businesses navigate government contracting.
- The SBLT is a partnership of 29 state agencies working to improve access to regulatory information, education and agency resources for small business communities across the State of Washington.
- Small business guidance from the SBLT.
Local LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce members and other directories of 2SLGBTQIA+ owned businesses in Washington state.
- Member directory for the GSBA.
- Member directory for the Inland Northwest Business Alliance.
East King County Queer-Owned Business & Performer Directory
- Pride Across the Bridge’s directory is a search method to find LGBTQ-owned businesses within East King County. You can also register your business for the directory.
LGBTQIA+ Whatcom Business Directory
- Northwest Youth Services and the LGBTQ Council in Bellingham, in partnership with PFLAG Bellingham/Whatcom and the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, shares LGBTQIA+ businesses throughout Whatcom County.
Visit Seattle - LGBTQIA+-Owned Businesses
- List of LGBTQIA+ owned businesses in Seattle from Visit Seattle.
LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses - Great Kitsap Chamber & Visitor Center
- Kitsap County LGBTQ+ owned business directory from the Greater Kitsap Chamber and Visitor Center.
Lesbian Business Community Directory
- Nationwide lesbian and LGBTQ+ friendly business directory.
- See the network of LGBTQ+ owned businesses and LGBTQ+ chambers of commerce across the globe.
Studies and reports around 2SLGBTQIA+ owned businesses.
- Report from the Center for LGBTQ Economic Advancement & Research (CLEAR) and the Movement Advancement Project.
LGBTQI+ Businesses Contribute Nearly $2 Trillion To Economy
- Article in Forbes around the impact of LGBTQI+ businesses on the economy.
LGBTQ+ Founders Prioritize Community Impact in 2023 Startups
- Data around LGBTQ entrepreneurship and the role those businesses play in communities from Gusto.
Digital guides and tools around 2SLGBTQIA+ owned businesses, including directories and lists of businesses.
- Page from GSBA about getting nationally certified through the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Note that this process is separate from state certification.
LGBTQ+ Supplier Diversity Programs
- Resources compiled from the Human Rights Campaign around supplier diversity programs and how they can benefit LGBTQ+ owned businesses.
LGBTQ+ Business Ownership Fact Sheet
- Fact sheet about LGBTQ+ business ownership from the Association for Enterprise Opportunity.
6 Helpful Resources that Provide a Leg Up to LGBTQ-Owned Businesses
- Article outlining tips for LGBTQ business owners
Under RCW 43.114.050, the duties of the LGBTQ Commission include providing a clearinghouse for information regarding both state and federal legislation as it relates to our purpose and providing resource and referral information to agencies and the public. While the LGBTQ Commission does not provide direct services, we work to connect constituents with affirming supports across the state through our collaboration with state agencies and community organizations. If you can't find what you are looking for here, reach out to contact@lgbtq.wa.gov or use our contact form and a Commission staff member will get back to you.