FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Tuesday, March 27, top women affiliate chamber leaders from across the country joined NGLCC Co-Founder and President Justin Nelson for a kickoff event at the White House for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 2023 Women’s Business Summit.
The event, which coincided with Women’s History Month, kicked off with remarks from SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman, followed by President Biden, who announced the addition of new federal resources to support women-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs, including a planned expansion of the SBA’s Women’s Business Centers.
“It was an extraordinary day having 10 of our top women affiliate leaders represent the LGBTQ business community at the White House,” said Nelson. “We look forward to continuing to work alongside our steadfast partner in SBA Administrator Guzman as more opportunities and resources are made available to women business owners nationwide.”
“It was inspiring, uplifting, and an honor to attend the SBA Women’s Business Summit alongside fabulous female business leaders from NGLCC’s affiliates,” said Suzanne Wheeler, Executive Director of the Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “It affirms the impact that women-owned business members of NGLCC and its affiliates have on our nation’s economy. Our delegation’s attendance confirms LGBTQ+ business is an integral piece of our nation’s economic health.”
There are nearly 13 million women-owned businesses in the U.S. or about 42 percent of all small businesses. Women-owned businesses employ over 9.4 million workers. Additionally, half of all new small businesses launched in the last two years have been started by women.
Taking place each year in March, Women’s History Month is a valuable chance to spotlight the significant contributions of women to modern society, including the small business community. Women’s History Month has been observed nationally since 1987, with smaller-scale celebrations dating back an additional ten years.
Affiliate leaders in attendance at the event included:
Kellie Parkin (she/her), Executive Director, nglccNY
Rebecca Wagoner (she/her), Executive Director, Quorum: Minnesota’s LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce
Liz Pitts (she/they), President & CEO, Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce
Pamm Meyers (she/her), Executive Director, New Mexico Out Business Alliance
Amanda Cole (she/her), Executive Director, Plexus: Northeastern Ohio LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce
Suzanne Wheeler (she/they), Executive Director, Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Ilona Lohrey (she/her), President & CEO, GSBA: Washington State’s LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce
Tammi Wallace (she/her), Co-Founder, President & CEO, Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Ellie Dote (she/her), Board President, Long Beach LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Cynthia Oliver (she/her), Executive Director, Three Rivers Business Alliance
For a list of all NGLCC Affiliate Chambers, click here.
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The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce is the national business voice of the LGBT community and is the largest global advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. NGLCC is the exclusive certification body for LGBT-owned businesses.
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