Independent Business Alliance will host a Pride Brunch at Cuba Libre 1-3 p.m. June 10, giving Pride-goers a break from the festivities and the elements to network with members.
“We found that many of our own members would attend the Pride Parade and plan their own festivities, so we wanted to come up with a meeting point where folks could gather and chat among friends in a place just adjacent to the proper festivities,” said Zach Wilcha, IBA’s executive director.
The second annual event, which is free to the public, will offer complimentary appetizers, drink specials and the promise of air-conditioning, all provided by IBA partner Cuba Libre.
“Selecting Cuba Libre made sense, as they are located near the end of the Pride Parade and near the festivities at Penn’s Landing, should any of our members want to attend,” Wilcha siad.
Attendees are welcome to use the event to discuss IBA’s host of ongoing programming with organizers.
IBA’s programs include a three-year series of year-long collaborations with Philadelphia’s African-American, Asian-American and Hispanic-American communities, respectively, as well as two monthly networking groups: Women in Business and ConnX. IBA is also launching TransWork, a program created to connect trans members with supportive employers and promote transgender entrepreneurship.
“IBA believes that LGBTQ business sucess can be a catalyst for positive change. Pride is a chance for us to showcase how we help LGBTQ businesses grow and thrive,” Wilcha said.