Carolinas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce

The Carolinas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce seeks to foster equity, inclusion, and economic prosperity for LGBTQ communities throughout the Carolinas by driving strategic policy, professional enrichment, ally partnerships, and economic development. Based in Charlotte, NC, the Carolinas LGBTQ Chamber nonetheless strives to enrich the economic climate of the Carolinas as a whole. By investing in LGBTQ and ally businesses and workforces, they strengthen both communities and local economies.

The Carolinas LGBTQ Chamber holds events for LGBTQ+ business owners and their allies to network with peers, learn from business leaders of all industries, receive government contracting opportunities, and more. As an affiliate of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the Chamber also helps local businesses become certified LGBT Business Enterprises® (LGBTBE®).

Becoming a member of the Carolinas LGBTQ Chamber provides rich benefits for business owners across the Carolinas. As members of the Chamber, business owners enjoy a rich community of like-minded individuals who strive to build a diverse, inclusive, and prosperous business environment in their respective areas. The Chamber seeks to help member businesses succeed and grow through professional development workshops, networking opportunities, and business partnerships.

Those who identify as LGBTQ+ plus and allies are welcome to join the Carolinas LGBTQ Chamber. The Chamber encourages allies who support LGBTQ+ rights and equality to become members as a way to express that support. Joining the Chamber also provides more ways for businesses to learn how to reach audiences or customer bases that might otherwise be unavailable to them, and helps consumers find local businesses that outwardly support equality in their communities.

Upstate SC LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce

Upstate SC LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce is the first (and currently singular) chamber of commerce focused on economic and social equality for LGBT+ business owners in South Carolina.

The Upstate SC LGBT+ Chamber is committed to promoting and investing in businesses, social networks, and organizations that affirm and protect members of the LGBT+ community. The Chamber strives to rewrite the narrative of LGBT+ identifying individuals in the Upstate of South Carolina by providing LGBT+ businesses and allies with education, advocacy, and resources. Their aim is to create a stronger, healthier community based on appreciation for the diversity that enriches and defines lives.

Advocacy is a large part of what the Upstate LGBT+ Chamber does. The Chamber stands in the gap between personal and professional to help create better work environments for LGBT+ individuals to live and work authentically in the Upstate. The Chamber also invests heavily in the community through professional development and educational workshops for all its members. They also host and participate in local events, such as community pride fairs and networking nights at local businesses in the Upstate.

Members of the Upstate LGBT+ Chamber enjoy free tickets to networking events, workshops, and training sessions, as well as discounted tickets to the annual LGBT+ Chamber Gala. Members are also added to the membership directory and have access to the job board. At higher levels, member businesses can become Certified LGBT Business Enterprises (LGBTBEs) for free, typically a $400 value.

Allies and non-business owners are welcome to join the Upstate LGBT+ Chamber in addition to LGBT+ business owners. The Chamber contributes its success to the cooperation and community between LGBT+ businesses and their allies who are passionate about promoting equality in the Upstate.