Local LGBT-owned businesses will be in the spotlight early next year.
The Philadelphia Business Journal, with the support of LGBT chamber of commerce Independence Business Alliance, is gearing up to produce its first-ever list of the city’s 25 best LGBT-owned businesses.
The list, which will be published in the Jan. 4 issue of PBJ, will mark only the second one of its kind created by a city business publication; the first was produced in Minneapolis.
According to IBA president Evan Urbania, the idea has been in discussion for years.
“We’ve done some research and collaborating with PBJ,” Urbania said. “PBJ really took leadership in creating this list.”
Urbania said the list will help highlight the strength of the city’s growing LGBT business community and bring recognition and business to these companies.
“It will be a great way of recognizing LGBT-owned businesses and a great way to showcase the diversity of businesses,” he said.
The list will be open to LGBT-owned businesses in Bucks, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Chester and Delaware counties, as well as those in Camden, Gloucester and Burlington counties in New Jersey.
PBJ has had a strong relationship with IBA for about five years, and partnered with the organization on different events like this past summer’s second-annual business luncheon.
“They have been progressive with their acceptance and spotlight on LGBT businesses and in showcasing different business issues,” Urbania said.
In evaluating which organizations will make the list, PBJ publisher Lyn Kremer said the publication and IBA will look at the size of the company, its number of employees and revenue.
“The quality of the list will reflect on the casting done,” she said.
According to Kremer, the list will be a great branding opportunity for the included businesses.
“It helps legitimize the business and is also a good business development tool as buyers refer to the list,” she said. “It is also a great way for like businesses to benchmark themselves against the list makers.”
Interested businesses must complete a survey by Nov. 1 to be eligible for the list.
“We’re putting out an all-points bulletin,” Urbania said. “PBJ is looking to us to reach out to the community.”
Applicants must include company name, contact name, email and phone number.
To obtain a survey, email [email protected] with “LGBT List” in the subject line or visit IBA at www.independencebusinessalliance.com.