How to Get LGBTBE Certified in Phoenix (and Why It's Free for GPECC Members)

For LGBTQ+-owned businesses in Phoenix, LGBTBE® certification can create new opportunities with corporations, government entities, and other organizations committed to supplier diversity. The certification provides national recognition that your business is LGBTQ+-owned and may help your company become more visible to procurement teams seeking diverse suppliers.

The process is managed through the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). In Greater Phoenix, the Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce (GPECC) is an NGLCC affiliate and offers free national LGBTBE certification to eligible GPECC business members.

This guide explains what the certification is, who may qualify, what documents to prepare, and how GPECC membership can remove the certification fee.

What Is LGBTBE Certification?

LGBTBE stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Business Enterprise. An LGBTBE-certified business has completed NGLCC’s review process and has been recognized as an LGBTQ+-owned business enterprise.

Certification is designed to support supplier diversity. Many corporations and public-sector organizations have supplier diversity programs that seek to work with businesses owned by people from historically underrepresented communities. LGBTBE certification can help your business be identified as part of that supplier network.

According to NGLCC, certified businesses may benefit from:

Increased visibility with corporate and public-sector buyers
Access to networking and matchmaking opportunities
Business development education and mentorship
Inclusion in the NGLCC’s searchable database
Eligibility to participate in NGLCC conferences and events
Opportunities to connect with NGLCC Corporate Partners
Use of the NGLCC Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® logo
Access to initiatives and programs supporting business growth

Certification does not guarantee a contract or purchase order. It is one tool that can help your company become more visible and prepared when procurement opportunities arise.

Who Can Apply?

NGLCC reviews each business individually. In general, a qualifying business must meet ownership, control, and operating requirements.

Your business may be eligible if it is:

At least 51% owned by one or more LGBTQ+ individuals
Managed and controlled by LGBTQ+ owners
A for-profit business
Legally formed and operating in the United States
Headquartered in the United States
Independent from a non-LGBTQ+-owned business

The LGBTQ+ owner or owners must generally be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. NGLCC also reviews whether the qualifying owner has real authority over the company’s daily operations, strategic decisions, finances, and overall management.

Ownership structures can vary. Partnerships, limited liability companies, corporations, and other business entities may be eligible, but the documents submitted with the application must clearly support the ownership and control information provided.

If your business has multiple owners, outside investors, a parent company, or a complex operating agreement, plan to provide clear documentation showing who owns and controls the company.

Why LGBTBE Certification Is Free for GPECC Members

GPECC lists Free National LGBTBE Certification for supplier diversity as a business and nonprofit member benefit. The chamber’s LGBTBE Certification page explains that, as the NGLCC affiliate in Greater Phoenix, GPECC can certify its eligible members for free.

This means that a current GPECC business member does not pay the standard NGLCC certification fee. The certification itself is included as a membership benefit.

The membership is not generally free. GPECC offers several business membership levels based on company size, including:

Solopreneur/Micro businesses with 1–4 employees
Small businesses with 5–25 employees
Medium businesses with 26–99 employees
Large businesses with 100 or more employees

Current membership pricing is listed on the GPECC membership levels page. In addition to LGBTBE certification, members receive access to networking, business visibility, educational programs, member discounts, promotional opportunities, advocacy, and community connections. Review the current membership information before applying, since fees and benefits may change.

Some businesses may also qualify for scholarship support that covers membership dues. Visit the GPECC scholarships page for current opportunities and eligibility information.

Step 1: Join GPECC or Confirm Your Membership

If you are not yet a member, start by reviewing the GPECC membership benefits and selecting the membership level that fits your business.

You can then apply for GPECC membership. If you are already a member, confirm that your membership is active and that the correct business is listed as the member of record.

Before beginning your NGLCC application, contact GPECC at LGBTBE@equalitychamber.org. The chamber can help confirm your eligibility for the member benefit and explain how to identify your GPECC membership during the certification process.

This is an important step. Certification requirements and application procedures can be updated, so businesses should confirm the current process directly with GPECC and NGLCC.

Step 2: Gather Your Business Documents

Preparing your documents before starting the application can make the process easier. NGLCC will compare the information in your application with the records you submit.

Commonly requested materials may include:

Articles of incorporation or organization
Operating agreement, partnership agreement, or bylaws
Stock certificates or ownership records
Ownership ledger or membership ledger
Business licenses
Business tax returns
Current profit and loss statement
Balance sheet
Sample contracts, invoices, or purchase orders
Government-issued identification
Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency
Business contact and operations information

The exact document requirements may depend on your business structure. Review the current NGLCC certification information and supporting document instructions before uploading files.

Use consistent business names, dates, ownership percentages, and addresses across all documents. If information has changed recently, update your official records before applying or be prepared to explain the change.

Step 3: Create Your NGLCC Business Profile

The application begins through the NGLCC online system. You can start by creating a business profile through the NGLCC business registration portal.

You will provide basic information about your company, including:

Legal business name
Business address and contact details
Tax identification information
Number of employees
Annual revenue information
Business structure
Ownership details
Products or services
Website and social media information
Business references

When asked about your local chamber affiliation, identify GPECC and follow the instructions provided for the certification fee waiver. If you are unsure how to document your membership, contact GPECC before submitting the application.

Step 4: Submit the Application and Supporting Documents

After creating your profile, complete the LGBTBE application and upload the required documentation.

The application focuses on ownership, control, business operations, and the role of the LGBTQ+ owner or owners. Answer each question accurately and use the same information reflected in your official documents.

Clear file names can help reviewers navigate your submission. For example, use names such as OperatingAgreement.pdf, BusinessTaxReturn2025.pdf, or OwnershipLedger.pdf.

If NGLCC requests additional information, respond as soon as practical. Missing documents or inconsistent details may delay the review.

Step 5: Complete the Site Visit

New applicants complete a site visit with an NGLCC-trained site visitor. The visit allows NGLCC to confirm information in the application and learn more about how the business operates.

Depending on current NGLCC procedures and your location, the site visit may be conducted in person or virtually. Be prepared to discuss:

Your business history
Daily operations
Ownership and management responsibilities
Products or services
Employees and contractors
Customers and markets
How business decisions are made

The site visit is not a sales presentation. It is a verification step and an opportunity to provide context about your company.

Step 6: Wait for Committee Review

After your application, documents, and site visit are complete, NGLCC staff review the materials. The National Certification Committee then makes the final certification decision.

The timeline can vary depending on application volume, document completeness, ownership structure, and how quickly questions are answered. Avoid scheduling important procurement activity around a guaranteed approval date.

If approved, you will receive certification information and guidance about using your designation. You may also receive information about orientation, networking, educational programs, and ways to connect with corporate partners.

What Happens After Certification?

Certification is the beginning of the supplier diversity process, not the end. Keep your business information current and look for opportunities to build relationships with procurement professionals.

Consider taking these next steps:

Add your certification to your website and capability statement
Use the approved NGLCC logo according to brand guidelines
Update your business profile and contact information
Attend GPECC networking events
Participate in NGLCC conferences and matchmaking opportunities
Review corporate supplier diversity requirements
Prepare a concise overview of your services, capacity, and past work
Maintain accurate financial and ownership records
Track your recertification requirements

You can also use GPECC’s event calendar to find networking and educational opportunities in the Greater Phoenix area.

Start With GPECC

For an LGBTQ+-owned business in Phoenix, LGBTBE certification can strengthen visibility and support access to supplier diversity opportunities. GPECC membership connects that certification process with a local business community focused on relationships, advocacy, education, and long-term growth.

The certification fee is free for eligible GPECC members. Membership dues and eligibility requirements still apply, and businesses should confirm current details before applying.

To get started, review the GPECC LGBTBE Certification page or email LGBTBE@equalitychamber.org.