The Queer Equity Impact Program will focus on business resources connections and communication, information platforms, and practical technical assistance. Business owners will progress through a 12-week program that will hit all aspects of their business. The participants will have the opportunity for grants, will receive a membership to the chamber (if not already a member), and apply for LGBTQ business certification as incentives to fully complete the program.

This program addresses a core objective of the NEI Inclusive Small Business Support Fund. One goal of our chamber and NEI is to support disconnected businesses from capital, resources, and strategic social networks that equip them to adapt, survive and grow. Our LGBTQ community is not considered a federally-protected class which comes with several disadvantages including but not limited to; discrimination, limited legal recourse, unequal treatment, social exclusion, and lack of representation. These disadvantages are exacerbated when considering intersectional identities, even those identities that are protected classes such as race and gender.