APPLETON, Wis. — Entering the corporate world, or starting a new business can be a rocky road for anyone.
The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce provides more resources to help LGBTQ-owned businesses get a jumpstart. Travis Andrews, owner and founder of 88 Events in the Fox Cities is one of the more than 40 businesses in the state that make of the LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
In the past year, his business was nationally accredited as a LGBT Business Enterprise where 51% or more of the business is owned or managed by persons who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. 88 Events specializes in event coordination and works with corporate and other local businesses across north eastern Wisconsin.
“From a client stand point, we do find clients every once in a while,” says Andrews, “who are same-sex looking for those businesses who they can just feel really comfortable with.”
Andrews joined the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce to help keep his business afloat with new resource opportunities. Through the on-going pandemic, most special events were postponed and with guidance for the LGBT Chamber of Commerce he was able to navigate slow income months in 2020.
Jason Rae, President of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, says this space is to uplift small businesses and create a more equitable space in the business world.
“LGBT and allied individuals want to do business with those that share their values,” says Rae. “So we’re really working hard each and every day to help shine the spotlight and strengthen those businesses.”
As many corporate businesses declare themselves allies and participate in Pride Month throughout the month of June, there’s still much work to get done according to Rae.
“We see business owners who may not be out for fear of losing a contract, for fear losing a client for fear of what they may do for their business,” says Rae. “And while we know that is a fear for many, we also know that there is a community out there that really wants to support and uplift those businesses.”
