BeNeLux LGBTIQ+ Business Chamber
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The Benelux LGBTIQ+ Business Chamber (BGLBC) is a not-for-profit advocacy group that aims to expand the economic opportunities and advancement of the LGBTIQ+ business community. It serves LGBTIQ+ entrepreneurs by certifying them as LGBTIQ+-owned and operated businesses known as LGBT Business Enterprises (LGBTBEs), and advocates for LGBTIQ+ business inclusion in corporate and governmental supplier diversity[1] programs.
Overview[edit]
The BGLBC was created on August 1, 2022 as an Association in the Amsterdam Chamber of Commerce.[2][3][4] The official name is BeNeLux LGBTIQ+ Business Chamber and the registration number is 87536102. [5]
Founding members of the BGLBC are Stefaan De Vreese (Ghent, Belgium), Rocio Sanchez, and Alfred Verhoeven (both Amsterdam, the Netherlands).
The founders have chosen the abbreviation LGBTIQ+ to be in line with other Chambers in Europe. The “+” represents other groups and identities usually associated with this community.
They elected "Business Chamber", so as not to be confused with the semi-governmental Chamber of Commerce. Similar organizations abroad have been registered as either Business Chamber or Chamber of Commerce.
There are no statistics available as to the exact number of LGBIQ+ community members in general or entrepreneurs in particular, but based on projections from the USA[6], Canada [7], and Germany [8] it is estimated that there are 76,000 LGBTIQ+ entrepreneurs in the Benelux, contributing €16,000,000,000 to the Benelux economy, and employing 500,000 people.
The BGLBC is a member of the umbrella organization European LGBTIQ Chamber of Commerce (EGLCC).
The Chamber and its activities are largely funded through corporate partnerships, subsidies, and donations, as well as participation fees for some of its events.
Key Targets[edit]
Among the key targets are:
- Verification of companies as LGBTIQ+ owned and operated, via the EGLCC
- Promotion of a non-discriminatory environment in the work environment, in association with corporate partners and Workplace Pride
- Policy Advocacy, also towards governments and NGOs
- Stimulating Supplier Diversity on the side of corporate partners, governmental and semi-governmental organizations, i.a. by giving access to the database of certified members
- Promoting awareness and educational work in the field of LGBTIQ+ diversity in the business world
- Training, coaching and educating members
- Networking of LGBTIQ+ entrepreneurs with LGBTIQ+ inclusive companies and organizations
Programs[edit]
The BGLBC offers verification to businesses owned by LGBTIQ+ persons. This verification is processed by the EGLCC and is intended to help corporate and government procurement teams source from LGBT-owned products and services, also known as Supplier Diversity.
Workshops for members, associated partners and allies.
Regional and local events for networking and education.
Participation and involvement in the organisation of international events and conferences, such as those offered by the associated organisations.
Partnerships[edit]
The BGLBC offers corporate partnerships to companies who want to show their support for the Chamber and its members, and the community at large. These partnerships are relevant to educate the partners, promote their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy, legitimize the partners as LGBTIQ+-friendly, and offer them access to the Chamber’s verified members within their Supplier Diversity programs.
These partnerships are also extended to governmental organisations, like ministries and embassies, and NGO's.
Associations[edit]
The BGLBC is associated with:
- EGLCC (Europe)
- SGLCC (Scandinavia and Finland)
- GGLBC (Germany)
- East meets West (Central and Eastern Europe)
- IGLBC (Italy)
- OutBritain and OutScotland (UK)
- NGLCC (USA)
- CGLCC (Canada)
- CCGLAR (Argentina)
References[edit]
- ↑ "Services | Marketing the Rainbow".
- ↑ "Netwerkbijeenkomst LHBTQ+ ondernemers, 4 augustus". 28 July 2022.
- ↑ "BeNeLux LGBTIQ+ Business Chamber – Bright Marketing Solutions".
- ↑ "BeNeLux LGBTIQ+ Business Chamber – ILoveGay.NET". 29 August 2022.
- ↑ "Oprichting van de BeNeLux LGBTIQ+ Business Chamber (BGLBC)".
- ↑ "This Pride Month, the SBA Celebrates the LGBTQ+ Small Business Community".
- ↑ "About Us - CGLCC".
- ↑ "Germany | Marketing the Rainbow".
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