By Aurelio Hurtado de Mendoza
As 2023 begins, the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is here to assist our corporate partners in achieving their goals, whether it is to utilize top LGBT suppliers, develop new clients, or bring parity to existing diversity, equity, & inclusion (DEI) practices. With nearly 450 companies investing in the LGBTQ+ business community as a corporate partner, there are many ways to take advantage of opportunities and resources available to partners. Whether you aim to benchmark with other corporate partners and top firms, influence essential inclusive public policy, recruit top LGBTQ+ talent, and more, the NGLCC offers many ways to maximize your corporate membership.
Here are five simple but effective ways that NGLCC Corporate Partners and their internal stakeholders can maximize NGLCC membership.
Participate in Matchmaker Sessions
Familiarize yourself with the virtual matchmaker platform and meet with suppliers in pre-scheduled 15 minute NGLCC Matchmaker sessions throughout the year. NGLCC hosts monthly virtual and in-person Matchmakers between partners and suppliers, so make sure that your Supplier Diversity and procurement team members are prepared to participate in as many sessions as possible. These meetings will increase your knowledge of Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® (Certified LGBTBE®) products and services in the ultimate goal of increasing the number of diverse businesses in your supply chain.
Utilize the Engagement Center
Your company’s dedicated RFP concierge for personalized, curated Certified LGBTBE® supplier discovery, the Engagement Center works to simplify the contracting & procurement process and facilitate connections for relevant opportunities. The Engagement Center is a one-stop shop for your procurement team to secure curated lists of Certified LGBTBE® suppliers for RFP/RFI’s and identify LGBTQ-owned businesses in specific areas or categories. In addition, you can promote your supplier programs to certified suppliers through the Engagement Center.
Get Active in NGLCC Programming
NGLCC hosts multiple programs and events monthly to keep the LGBTQ+ community active, engaged, and educated. Attending NGLCC events allows you to promote your work and procurement programs to suppliers and other corporate partners, as well as educate internal stakeholders on the power of diversity programs within your organization. There are many ways to get involved on a regular basis, including through council meeting interactions, industry group programming, or the NGLCC Mentorship Program. Also consider inviting diversity, equity, & inclusion (DEI) thought leaders to present at breakout sessions or as experts on panel sessions throughout the year. One unique opportunity is to co-host a Webinar Wednesday or Sip & Pitch competition for brand visibility.
Attend In-Person Signature Events
There is no better way to achieve your internal Supplier Diversity and DEI goals than through in-person networking with other corporate representatives and diverse business leaders at an internationally renowned NGLCC signature event. The International Business and Leadership Conference and the National Business Inclusion Consortium (NBIC) Unity Week are BACK in 2023, and bigger and better than ever! They include face-to-face matchmaker sessions, engaging and educational programming, a marketplace expo with hundreds of exhibitors, unique networking opportunities, and, of course, a good party to close out each week! Be strategic about which team members would benefit most from attending, and plan early for these two signature events. Stay tuned for signature event announcements and registration, as well as other upcoming events, at nglcc.org/events.
Celebrate Successes
It’s important to share and celebrate the amazing work you are doing to advance diversity within your corporation and with the larger diverse business community. Boost your company’s audience and confidence and provide motivation to others by using various opportunities provided by NGLCC to highlight the success of your teams. Share success stories on council calls and other sessions. You can also submit company publications to be featured on NGLCC channels for added exposure of effective programs. Don’t forget to apply to be featured as an NGLCC Partner in the Spotlight here!
As a reminder, your investment includes all the programming the NGLCC team provides. Our team is always ready to support you throughout the year with opportunities and relevant events. If you have any questions about these or any other corporate partner needs, please reach out to corporaterelations@nglcc.org.
