Quorum, Twin Cities LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce

What Quorum, Twin Cities LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce does

Quorum is a Minnesota 501(c)6 nonprofit organization founded in 1993, operating as the Twin Cities LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce and the exclusive NGLCC-affiliated LGBTQ+ and Allied chamber in the state. The organization provides a membership-based business association platform serving LGBTQ+ owned and Allied businesses, corporations, nonprofits, and professionals across Minnesota and the broader Upper Midwest. Core products and services span membership subscriptions (Individual, Business, and Capital Supporter tiers), NGLCC LGBTBE certification and the new 2026 NGLCC Allied SME Certification, a searchable business directory, signature annual events (33rd annual National Coming Out Day Luncheon, Community Leadership Awards Gala, Holiday Party), recurring networking events (Out After Work, Wake Up With Quorum, Connect! Zoom calls, Women's Leadership Roundtable, Young Professionals mixers), the Equity Fund (a joint grant program with PFund Foundation distributing $5,000-$30,000 grants to queer entrepreneurs, with $400,000+ deployed in 2024-25), three Quorum Foundation scholarships, and a Workplace Alliance Council for LGBTQ+ ERG leaders. Underlying technology is the Wild Apricot membership software platform powering the website, member directory, event registration, and newsletter management.

Quorum's revenue model combines annual membership dues (subscription recurring), event ticket sales and corporate sponsorships ($500-$5,000+ tier range), donations to the Quorum Foundation, merchandise sales through the Quorum Shop (hosted by member Pride Majic), and pass-through Equity Fund administration revenue. Corporate partnerships anchor the sponsorship stack: U.S. Bank as Cornerstone Partner, Associated Bank as Wake Up With Quorum sponsor, and Wells Fargo on the LGBTBE Fast Track seminar series. The go-to-market motion is community-led and event-driven — members acquire via networking events, word-of-mouth, corporate partner referrals, and the NGLCC certification pathway. Certified LGBTBE members gain distribution into NGLCC's national supplier diversity database used by 160+ corporate procurement teams.

The organization operates with a 7-person team headquartered at 2446 University Avenue West, Suite 112, St. Paul, Minnesota, and is led by Executive Director Rebecca Waggoner and President Shaka Farr. Geographic focus is Minnesota and the Upper Midwest, with limited ambition signaled beyond the region. The customer base is structurally long-tail — hundreds of small LGBTQ+ and Allied business members plus a concentrated handful of large bank sponsors — and the 2026 launch of the Allied SME Certification represents the most material recent expansion of addressable market.

Name

Quorum, Twin Cities LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce

Legal name

Quorum

Website

https://twincitiesquorum.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Quorum is Minnesota's 501(c)6 nonprofit LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1993, providing membership, networking, NGLCC certification, signature events, and grant programs to LGBTQ+ and Allied businesses across the Twin Cities and Upper Midwest.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Chamber of Commerce Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

LGBTQ+ Rights & Advocacy Organizations (BPAGAFAE)

Keywords

• Chamber of Commerce
• LGBTBE Certification
• Business Networking Events
• Supplier Diversity Programs
• Membership Services

Headquarters

HQ city

St. Paul

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Quorum operates as a membership-based organization with various membership tiers including Individual Members, Business Members, and Capital Supporter levels. Membership provides access to networking events, the business directory, certification pathways, and member-only benefits.
2. Event Fees and Sponsorships: Quorum generates revenue through event ticket sales and corporate sponsorships at signature events including the National Coming Out Day Luncheon, Community Leadership Awards Gala, Holiday Party, and monthly networking events. Sponsorship tiers range from $500 to $5,000+ for major events.
3. Equity Fund Administration: In partnership with PFund Foundation, Quorum jointly administers the Equity Fund offering grants of $5,000 to $30,000 to queer entrepreneurs of color and rural queer entrepreneurs. While the grants are externally funded, Quorum provides business capacity training sessions to grantees.
4. Merchandise Sales (Quorum Shop): Quorum sells branded merchandise including t-shirts through an online store hosted by Pride Majic. Design services are provided by member Kevin Vi Creative.
5. Donations and Foundation: Quorum accepts donations through its Invest with Quorum page supporting the Quorum Foundation scholarship fund. Three scholarship opportunities are available: the Quorum Scholarship, the Beverly Cory/Women in Business Scholarship, and the Lee Roehl Business Scholarship.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Quorum operates a membership-based LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce that connects businesses, corporations, nonprofits, and professionals in Minnesota through networking events, business certification programs (NGLCC LGBTBE and Allied SME), a searchable business directory, signature annual events, and grant funding via the Equity Fund partnership with PFund Foundation. As the exclusive NGLCC affiliate in Minnesota, Quorum certifies LGBTQ+ and allied-owned businesses and connects them to corporate supplier diversity pipelines.

Product overview

Quorum, Twin Cities LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce is Minnesota's award-winning LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce operating as a 501(c)6 nonprofit organization. The organization functions as a membership-based business association rather than a technology company, offering a unified portfolio of services centered on economic development, networking, certification, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ and Allied business community. Core offerings include membership programs with access to networking events (Out After Work, Wake Up With Quorum, Connect! with Quorum, Women's Leadership Roundtable, Young Professionals mixers), NGLCC LGBTBE and Allied SME certification programs, a business directory, signature events (National Coming Out Day Luncheon, Community Leadership Awards Gala, Holiday Party), educational programming (including AI for Small Business), The Equity Fund grant program, scholarship opportunities, and resources including a relocation guide and job board. The organization leverages Wild Apricot membership software to manage operations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Membership Program Tiered membership program (Individual, Business, Capital Supporter) giving LGBTQ+ and Allied businesses, corporations, and professionals access to networking events, the business directory, certification pathways, and member-only benefits.
• Business Directory A searchable online directory that categorizes LGBTQ+ and Allied member businesses by industry and surfaces them to potential customers, partners, and corporate buyers seeking diverse suppliers.
• NGLCC LGBTBE Certification National third-party certification verifying that businesses are majority LGBTQ+ owned, operated, managed, and controlled, granting access to NGLCC's supplier database and corporate procurement teams.
• NGLCC Allied SME Certification National certification for non-LGBTQ+-owned small and mid-sized businesses committed to engaging with and supporting the LGBTQ+ and allied business community, increasing visibility, credibility, and access to new partnerships.
• Monthly Networking Events Recurring networking events for LGBTQ+ and Allied business owners and professionals, combining in-person mixers and virtual Zoom calls delivered monthly across the Twin Cities and statewide.
• National Coming Out Day Luncheon Annual signature luncheon celebrating LGBTQ+ visibility and community, featuring a marketplace expo, awards, and networking opportunities; billed as the premier NCOD celebration in the country.
• Community Leadership Awards Gala Annual awards gala honoring LGBTQ+ leaders, allied businesses, and corporate partners who demonstrate leadership and commitment to strengthening the Minnesota business community.
• Holiday Party and Annual Meeting Annual year-end celebration bringing the community together with holiday market, awards presentation, annual meeting, dancing, and connection.
• Education Programs Educational programming including AI for Small Business courses, NGLCC certification workshops, Compass orientation, and the Fast Track seminar series designed to improve productivity, compliance, and business skills.
• The Equity Fund Grant program jointly administered with PFund Foundation offering $5,000-$30,000 grants plus business capacity training to queer entrepreneurs of color and rural queer entrepreneurs across the Upper Midwest.
• Quorum Foundation Scholarships Three scholarship programs (Quorum Scholarship, Beverly Cory/Women in Business Scholarship, and Lee Roehl Business Scholarship) supporting LGBTQ+ students with entrepreneurial spirit, funded through the Quorum Foundation.
• Workplace Alliance Council Networking council connecting LGBTQ+ and Allied Employee Resource Groups (ERGs/BRGs) at Twin Cities employers to share resources, best practices, and support for equality-minded workplaces.
• Quorum Young Professionals (QYP) Networking and education group for LGBTQ+ and Allied young professionals in early career stages (typically 18-35), providing a secure environment to connect, share experiences, and access career insights.
• Quorum Women's Leadership Roundtable Monthly networking roundtable for LGBTQ+ and Allied female-identified business people to share challenges, successes, and build peer support systems.
• Job Board Job board platform connecting Quorum members with employment opportunities posted by member organizations across multiple industries.
• Resources and Relocation Guide Resource hub providing relocation guidance, business development resources, state and county resources, housing information, and volunteer opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals and businesses.

Quantifiable outcome

• 33 businesses received Equity Fund grants in 2023-24 across three cohorts
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• NGLCC (National LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNGLCC is the exclusive third-party certification body for LGBT Business Enterprises (LGBTBE). Quorum is a proud NGLCC affiliate chamber, and NGLCC waives the $400 certification fee for businesses that join their local affiliate chamber. Certified businesses gain access to NGLCC's supplier database of corporate partners (160+ contacts) and national matchmaking events. Quorum also administers NGLCC's new Allied SME Certification for Allied (non-LGBTQ+ owned) businesses.
• PFund FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPFund Foundation is the LGBTQ+ Upper Midwest's foundation providing grants, scholarships, and community support. Together with Quorum, PFund jointly administers the Equity Fund (originally the Twin Cities Queer BIPOC Business Capacity Fund), offering $400,000+ in grants to queer entrepreneurs across the Upper Midwest. PFund also supports the Quorum Foundation scholarship fund. In 2020-21, PFund and Quorum distributed $90,000 in microgrants.
• U.S. BankcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerU.S. Bank is listed as Quorum's Cornerstone Partner and is featured prominently in the business directory. U.S. Bank hosts the Quorum Workplace Alliance Council's Q2 2026 event ('The Retention Advantage: Keeping Talent Engaged') at its Experience Center in Minneapolis.
• Associated BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAssociated Bank sponsors the Wake Up With Quorum Networking Breakfast, held monthly on the second Friday morning. The sponsorship provides visibility and brand association with Quorum's morning networking program.
• Wells FargominorGTM or Marketing PartnerWells Fargo partners with Quorum on the LGBTBE Certification Fast Track virtual seminar series, designed to empower LGBTQ+ small business owners with tools and connections to pursue NGLCC certification.
• Pride MajicminorGTM or Marketing PartnerQuorum members Chazz and Shane at Pride Majic host the Quorum Shop and provide associated design and production services for Quorum merchandise.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• StartOut: National nonprofit accelerating LGBTQ+ entrepreneurship through programming, mentoring, and founder support. StartOut's mission of economic empowerment for LGBTQ+ founders closely mirrors Quorum's, though with a national scope and education-focused rather than chamber-based delivery.
• Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (AGLCC): Southeast regional LGBTQ+ and allied chamber of commerce with membership programs, monthly networking mixers, and signature events — directly parallel to Quorum's structure serving the Twin Cities.
• Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce: Regional LGBTQ+ and allied chamber serving the Greater Philadelphia area with membership tiers, networking events, and NGLCC affiliate certification — directly comparable to Quorum's regional chamber model.
• Golden Gate Business Association (GGBA): San Francisco Bay Area's LGBTQ+ and allied chamber of commerce with a similar membership, networking events, NGLCC certification affiliate status, and corporate partnership model — the closest geographic parallel to a regional LGBTQ+ chamber.
• Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA): The largest LGBTQ+ and allied chamber of commerce in the Pacific Northwest, GSBA operates a comparable membership, event, scholarship, and NGLCC-affiliate model serving Washington State — directly paralleling Quorum's structure in Minnesota.

Broad incumbents

• National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC): The national umbrella organization that certifies LGBTBEs and affiliates local chambers including Quorum. NGLCC operates the national supplier diversity database (160+ corporate contacts) that Quorum's certified members access — making it the structural parent of Quorum's certification offering.

Emerging players

• Out Leadership: Global LGBTQ+ business network connecting senior leaders at major corporations. Comparable to Quorum's Workplace Alliance Council but operating at the C-suite/Fortune 500 level rather than regional chamber scope.
• Out Professionals: Long-standing LGBTQ+ professional networking organization offering networking events, career resources, and community — comparable in mission to Quorum's Young Professionals and broader networking programs but operating as a national network rather than regional chamber.

Regional players

• Center on Halsted: Chicago's LGBTQ+ community center offering programming, resources, and economic empowerment services. Comparable as a regional LGBTQ+ support organization with adjacent economic development focus, though broader in scope than Quorum's chamber model.

Others

• PFund Foundation: Quorum's direct partner in administering the Equity Fund grants to queer entrepreneurs. PFund operates as a foundation rather than a chamber but is materially connected as a co-funder and mission-aligned peer in LGBTQ+ Upper Midwest economic development.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/quorum-twin-cities-glbt-and-allied-chamber-of-commerce

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Quorum, Twin Cities LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce