GSBA

Save the Date: 2024 GSBA Economic Development Conference! Join us in Seattle on September 9-10, 2024, at the Amazon Arizona building for the inaugural GSBA Economic Development Conference! This brand-new, one-of-a-kind conference is focused on supplier diversity and equitable opportunities and is FREE for all participants this year. Day 1: In-person learning sessions, networking, and the Pitch Competition for a chance to win a trip to the 2024 National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) Conference, thanks to Wells Fargo. Day 2: Roundtable, one-on-one matchmaking sessions with corporate partners and government agencies, and an all-day vendor pop-up. RSVP now to connect, learn, and grow with the most inclusive business community in the Pacific Northwest: bit.ly/4eZJhYv #EconomicDevelopment #SupplierDiversity #InclusiveBusiness #SeattleEvents #BusinessConference #PNWBusiness #PNW

Celebrating Pride extends beyond June. Follow and support these organizations that empower LGBTQ+ professionals: 🔬 Out in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (oSTEM) supports LGBTQ+ individuals in STEM with mentorship programs, career centers, affinity groups, and annual conferences. 🌈 Pride Foundation raises funds for LGBTQ community initiatives and scholarships, focusing on students facing multiple barriers in the northwest United States. 💼 National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) certifies LGBTQ-owned businesses and hosts the world’s largest LGBTQ+ business event, promoting economic opportunities. 💻 TransTech Social Enterprises empowers transgender and gender non-conforming people through skill-building workshops and a professional mentorship program. 📚 Out for Undergrad connects LGBTQ+ students and professionals in business, engineering, marketing, and tech through annual conferences with networking and career opportunities. 🖥️ Lesbians Who Tech & Allies promotes inclusivity in tech with an annual summit, industry topics, and scholarships covering 50% of coding program tuition for LGBTQ+ women. 🤝 GSBA's Young Professionals with Pride (YPP) group supports LGBTQ+ professionals aged 21-39 with networking, social, and educational events in Washington, partnering with local nonprofits. 🌐 Out in Tech provides mentorship, events, and an eight-week workshop to prepare LGBTQ+ individuals for tech careers, all free of charge. 📰 NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists promotes fair LGBTQ coverage and professional development for journalists, offering scholarships and an annual conference. 🔬 Out to Innovate (formerly NOGLSTP) supports LGBTQ+ youth in science and tech with networking, mentoring, career workshops, and scholarships through their 'Out to Innovate Summit.' #LGBTQ #Pride #Allyship #InclusiveWorkplace

"45% of all books on current ban lists are written by or about LGBTQ+ people. Now more than ever, it is essential to get powerful and positive books about the Queer experience into the world." - Steve Petersen Steve Petersen, founder of Bursting Through and a proud GSBA member, is at the forefront of a social change movement for Allies and the Queer Community, using the power of storytelling and community building. His book, *Allyship Awakenings*, is a crucial addition to this movement and needs your help to find a publisher. In his guest blog, Steve discusses the importance of this book, his ongoing work, and how you can contribute to this vital cause. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3KTZBMp #LGBTQ #BurstingThrough #LGBTQBooks #QueerVoices #AllyshipAwakenings #BookBans #SupportQueerAuthors #Allyship

What a GREAT opportunity for many of you in my network to join the team at the largest chamber of commerce for LGBTQ+ and allied members in North America! GSBA provides a supportive platform for entrepreneurs, small to medium-sized businesses, corporations, and nonprofits dedicated to workplace diversity and equality in Washington State. Check it out below and go make a difference! 👇

GSBA member federal grant opportunities update! Our guest blog from Congresswoman Suzan DelBene’s office provides a comprehensive guide to federal grant resources available for businesses open for funding RIGHT NOW! Here are some highlights: USDA: Funding for essential community facilities in rural areas. Washington Economic Development Association: Various grants for local economic opportunities and technical assistance. U.S. Small Business Administration: Growth Accelerator Fund competition for innovative small businesses. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Community Development Block Grants for economic development. U.S. Department of Justice: Programs to address hate crimes and community violence. Explore these opportunities and see how they can benefit your business. For detailed information, visit our blog now: https://bit.ly/3Y5up4N #FederalGrants #EconomicDevelopment #SmallBusinessSupport #CommunityDevelopment #BusinessResources

Come visit Seattle and join GSBA for our inaugural Economic Development Conference! The two day event is free to attend. RSVP now to connect, learn, and grow with the most inclusive business community in the Pacific Northwest: bit.ly/4eZJhYv #EconomicDevelopment #SupplierDiversity #BusinessOwner #Networking #BusinessConference

Attention Seattle small businesses: We’re sharing on behalf of the Seattle Office of Economic Development that 716 grants have been distributed through the Storefront Repair Fund to help businesses with repairs from damages such as broken windows, doors, and more. Applications are still open until July 26, 2024, at 11:59 PM. For more information and to apply, visit: https://bit.ly/465eftW #SmallBusinessSupport #Seattle #StorefrontRepair #EconomicDevelopment

The Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce and Success Foundation's Leadership Conference is the perfect opportunity for your emerging leaders to gain essential skills and strategic insights for success in today’s dynamic business environment! 📅 Date: Friday, Jul 19, 2024, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM 📍 Location: Highline College, Student Union Building, 2400 S 240th St, Des Moines, WA Agenda Highlights: - Workshops on cultivating a people-first culture, financial planning, breaking barriers in business, and more - Networking opportunities with local experts and peers - Resource Fair to explore programs and opportunities - Roundtable discussions on key business issues Learn more and register: https://ow.ly/LOV350SBLZT #LeadershipConference #ProfessionalDevelopment #SeattleSouthsideChamber #SuccessFoundation #GSBA #CommunityGrowth

Join us for breakfast, coffee, and a chance to learn all about the amazing benefits of your GSBA membership! 🍽️☕️ Breakfast & Benefits kicks off TODAY at 10 AM at our office in Capitol Hill. Don't miss your last chance to RSVP and be part of this fantastic event: https://lnkd.in/gPhzyxhP We can't wait to see you there! #LGBTQBusiness #ChamberOfCommerce #CommunityEvent #CapitolHill #SeattleWA

According to a 2023 Forbes study, 42% of LGBTQ+ individuals feel disconnected from their banks’ values. GSBA members, U.S. Bank, and their merchant services program are working to change that narrative. U.S. Bank’s Merchant Services program provides top-notch payment solutions and contributes to the GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund with every transaction. This collaboration supports and uplifts the LGBTQ+ community every step of the way! Read our latest Member Spotlight to learn more about this awesome collaboration! Full article here: https://bit.ly/4bDHvsZ #MemberSpotlight #USBank #LGBTQScholars #MerchantServices #CommunityImpact