Whether you’re an LGBTQ business owner or just want to ensure your Pittsburgh or Western PA business is both inclusive and an ally to the community, the following 12 resources provide invaluable information for Pride month and beyond. You’ll find everything from certification opportunities for LGBTQ+ businesses to directories, fundings, training, and more. Get ready to bookmark! 

1. Three Rivers Business Alliance. With a mission to “educate, inspire, and empower members of the LGBTQIA+ business community and their allies in the Pittsburgh/Greater Allegheny region and build a stronger overall economy and community,” Three Rivers Business Alliance provides resources, events, news, and support for businesses and business professionals throughout the region.
2. Pennsylvania Small Diverse Business Certification Program. Pennsylvania's Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion & Small Business Opportunities (BDISBO) verifies small businesses so they can participate as DBEs when bidding on government contracts. You can learn more about the benefits of certifying as a DBE in Pennsylvania here.
3. National LGBT Chamber of Commerce's (NGLCC). Bookmark this site! Beyond info, data, an annual conference, and links to local chapters and partners, this is also where you can learn about getting your LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE) Certification. 
4. Human Rights Campaign LGBTQ+ Corporate Citizen Report and Framework. Guide and other information to help businesses ensure best practices in their LGBTQ+ allyship. Includes resources  Whether you’re looking for businesses Guide helping businesses ensure best practices in LGBTQ+ allyship. Included are resources for improving diversity and inclusion in the workplace, tools for advocating equality, and how-tos for educating key stakeholders on priority issues.
5. Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE).  In addition to services and resources for members of the LGBTQ+ community, GEAE also provides competency and sensitivity training programs, events, and symposiums for area businesses.
6. Welcoming Westmoreland. Dedicated to creating awareness for diversity, inclusion, and respect to foster acceptance in the community, Welcoming Westmoreland also offers workplace training and a business certification program.
7. MALGBTCC Business Guide to Pride. While not local to Pennsylvania, this freely downloadable resource created by the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce is an invaluable resource for any business, regardless of location. Included is information, advice, and guidance to support the LGBTQ+ community in Pride month (June) and beyond.
8. Small Business Association (SBA.gov).  SBA publishes its list of regional resources for LGTBQ+ businesses as well as other resources on its site. Plus, its 8a business development program qualifies socially disadvantaged businesses, which opens up the opportunity to bid on specific government contracts.
9. Berkeley Boot Camp. Comprehensive list of links to resources for LGBTQ+ businesses, including how-to info, directories, marketing, business associations, funding resources, allyship info, and a list of state associations.
10. StartOut. National organization providing support and resources through a community of LGBTQ+ business founders,including events and symposiums, mentorship, online discussions, funding resources, a podcast, insights, and more.
11. Keystone Business Alliance (KBA) Know a business owner who’s a little more Central PA than Western PA? Let them know about the Keystone Business Alliance, an award-winning LGBT Chamber of Commerce serving eight South Central Pennsylvania counties through through education, advocacy, and partnership
12. The Pink Pages Directory. Global list of resources and news, and a location-based, searchable directory of businesses.

Plus, remember that as a member of Entrepreneurs Forever, you have a community of local and national small business owners to turn to, whether you’re looking for resources or help solving any business problem. Not a member? Let’s change that! Qualified small business owners can apply at any time for our no-cost program. Learn more about our program and apply for membership here.