In a landmark move for LGBTQ+ business owners, New Jersey has demonstrated its commitment to fostering inclusivity and economic growth by the adoption of two bills that established a statewide certification program for LGBTQ+ owned businesses, the first of its kind in the nation.
According to New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce (NJPCC) President, Noah Michael O’Hare, the codification of Executive Order 295 through two state Legislative bills (S1313, A3330) has opened the door for LGBTQ+ businesses to bid on contracts from larger and a broader range of companies, once they are certified.
The state is providing funding to conduct certification workshops across the state, to assist small businesses in becoming certified.
“Most corporations and government entities in New Jersey are eager to do business with diverse small businesses, but encounter challenges identifying and connecting with them,” said O’Hare.
“Certification doesn’t guarantee any contracts, but it guarantees a seat at the table and opens the door to opportunities to significantly grow your businesses, ones that may have otherwise been out of reach” O’Hare added. https://www.roi-nj.com/2024/05/02/opinion/editors-desk/why-establishing-certification-for-lgbtq-businesses-is-great-for-community-and-even-better-for-economy/
O’Hare says certification also gives LGBTQ+ businesses a platform to be recognized by the State.
“Before, there was no way to measure the impact LGBTQ+ businesses have on New Jersey’s economy. Now, through this certification program, we will be able to quantify their contributions and evaluate where additional opportunities still await them,” said O’Hare.
At this year’s upcoming annual Pride Awards Gala on December 11th, 2024, the Chamber plans to celebrate the New Jersey legislators who played a critical role in getting the two bills passed.
Among the awardees are Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, State Senator Nellie Pou and Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly. Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz and Senator Nellie Po introduced the bill in the Senate and Benjie Wimberly drove the crucial support of the Assembly.
“The Visionary of the Year award is presented to individuals who go beyond envisioning a brighter future for the queer community but also light the path to its realization. It’s easy to say you’re an ally, but true allyship comes through action, and these legislators have demonstrated their commitment to building a better future for New Jersey’s queer community,” said O’Hare.
O’Hare said the Chamber welcomes all small or diverse businesses at their certification workshops.
“As much as the LGBTQ+ community remains the focus of the Chamber’s work, our community is interwoven into the fabric of all others, and we firmly believe that to truly advance inclusivity, diverse communities must support and elevate each other. No one gets left behind,” said O’Hare.
O’Hare invites the LGBTQ+ community and its allies to join the New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce in celebrating the 2024 awardees at their VIP Awards Gala on December 11th, 2024, hosted at the Hyatt House in Jersey City.
