Steps to Certification & Criteria

Certification as a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and/or Transgender owned Business Enterprise (LGBTBE) through the NGLCC Supplier Diversity Initiative (SDI) gives your business greater opportunities to develop and reach new potential clients.

Certification can be completed in four easy steps!

1. Complete the online application form
2. Send Supporting Documentation to the NGLCC
3. Host a Site Visit
4. Application is sent to an NGLCC Certification Committee for review 

- Be at least fifty-one percent (51%) owned, operated, managed, and controlled by an LGBT person or persons who are either U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents
- Exercise independence from any non-LGBT business enterprise
- Have its principal place of business (headquarters) in the United States
- Have been formed as a legal entity in the United States

The NGLCC SDI Standards and Procedures describe the criteria for certification as an LGBTBE and the application process for all businesses seeking certification in detail. In order for applicant businesses to be certified, all applicable documentation must be supplied in full accordance with NGLCC Standards and Procedures, or an applicant business may be denied approval for certification.

Businesses that are certified by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) or the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) are eligible for expedited certification. If you are certified by WBENC or NMSDC, please email our Supplier Diversity team.

If you have questions, check out our Frequently Asked Questions page, or email our Supplier Diversity team.

If you are a corporate representative interested in adding LGBTBEs to your diverse supply chain, email our Corporate Relations team.