BIZ Online NGLCC

Members of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce competing for supplier diversity contracts now have even more certification resources open to them.

In August, NGLCC entered into an agreement with the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) to allow their members to dual-certify their businesses as both LGBT-owned and woman-owned. WBENC is the nation's leading certifier of woman-owned businesses.

"We are thrilled with the partnership with NGLCC because we feel it can open up opportunities to businesswomen on two levels, and allow them to enter a supplier diversity program using either the WBENC or NGLCC certification," says WBENC president Linda Denny.

In addition to expanded eligibility for corporate supplier diversity contracts, the NGLCC-WBENC partnership expedited NGLCC certification for business owners already certified by WBENC.

"The process is 95 percent the same for both organizations," points out Justin Nelson, NGLCC co-founder and president. "The track to dual certification is now easier and quicker.

"It's a tremendous partnership," he adds. "It really outlines the way that two national organizations can and should work together when they have crossover in their constituencies."

For more information about certifying your business visit www.nglcc.org or email supplierdiversity@nglcc.org .