Utah Lgbtq + Chamber Of Commerce

What Utah Lgbtq + Chamber Of Commerce does

The Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit membership organization founded in 2012 in Salt Lake City, Utah, that serves LGBTQ+ and allied small businesses, corporations, nonprofits, government entities, and educational institutions across Utah, including a Southern Utah Chapter established in 2022. It operates as the 49th affiliate of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) since June 2018, giving it exclusive authority in Utah to facilitate LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE) certification with fees waived for members. The Chamber's offering centers on certification assistance, a searchable member directory and job board, peer networking, advocacy before city, state, and federal government, and signature programming including the annual Utah LGBTQ+ Economic Summit, Queer Food Festival, Third Thursday Breakfasts, Taste of Success orientations, the Workplace Connect ERG/DEI Roundtable, and the Queer Business Crawl Pride month campaign (35 stops in 2026).

The technology stack is entirely third-party and operational, not proprietary: the member hub, directory, job board, event calendar, and registration run on GrowthZone (growthzone.com), while the Queer Business Crawl uses a lightweight custom web app hosted on Vercel (queer-business-crawl.vercel.app). There is no in-house software development, no AI/ML capability, and no patents or trademarks on file. The planned Utah LGBTQ+ Visitors Center in downtown Salt Lake City, announced October 2023, represents a planned physical asset expansion that has slipped from May 2026 to May 2029 due to post-2024 election shifts in the funding and philanthropic landscape.

The business model combines recurring membership dues (annual billing, tiered but not publicly priced) with event-driven revenue from ticket sales, exhibitor fees, and corporate sponsorship packages sold for flagship events. Sponsorship is concentrated among a small set of named partners (Wells Fargo, Chase Bank, Celtic Bank, Cyprus Credit Union, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business, WCF Insurance, ABC 4 Utah, KRCL). Growth is community-led, driven primarily by word-of-mouth, peer referrals, and visibility at signature events, with secondary acquisition through NGLCC affiliation and Workplace Connect. Revenue is not publicly disclosed; the Chamber files 990-N (2019-2021) and 990-EZ (2022-2024) tax forms consistent with a small nonprofit operating well under the thresholds for full public revenue disclosure.

Name

Utah Lgbtq + Chamber Of Commerce

Legal name

Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce

Website

https://utahlgbtqchamber.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit founded in 2012 that serves approximately 300 LGBTQ+ and allied member businesses across Utah through membership dues, LGBTBE certification, networking events, advocacy, and signature programming including the Economic Summit, Queer Food Festival, and Queer Business Crawl.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Chamber of Commerce

NAICS

Professional Organizations (81392)

akta.pro primary industry

LGBTQ+ Rights & Advocacy Organizations (BPAGAFAE)

Keywords

• Chamber of commerce
• Lgbtq business advocacy
• Small business networking
• Diversity certification programs
• Community economic development

Headquarters

HQ city

Salt Lake City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: The Chamber generates primary revenue from membership fees paid by small businesses, corporations, and nonprofits. Membership levels include benefits such as directory listings, job postings, event discounts, LGBTBE certification fee waivers, and access to the member-to-member discount network.
2. Event Revenue & Sponsorships: Revenue is generated through ticket sales, exhibitor fees, and sponsorship packages for signature events including the Utah LGBTQ+ Economic Summit & Expo, Queer Food Festival, Third Thursday Breakfasts, and Taste of Success orientations. Corporate sponsors (e.g., Wells Fargo, Chase Bank, Celtic Bank) provide financial support in exchange for brand visibility.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association that connects LGBTQ+ and allied small businesses, corporations, and nonprofits in Utah through annual membership, LGBTBE certification assistance via NGLCC, signature events (Utah LGBTQ+ Economic Summit, Queer Food Festival, Third Thursday Breakfasts), the Workplace Connect ERG & DEI Roundtable, advocacy before city/state/federal government, and a member directory, job board, and member-to-member discount network delivered on the GrowthZone platform.

Product overview

The Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based organization offering a suite of programs and services for LGBTQ+ and allied businesses. Core offerings include a member directory, job board, LGBTBE certification assistance, and member-exclusive offers. The Chamber organizes recurring events (Third Thursday Breakfasts, Taste of Success orientations) and annual flagship events (Utah LGBTQ+ Economic Summit, Queer Food Festival). Additional initiatives include the Queer Business Crawl campaign, Read Between the Bans banned book campaign, and the Workplace Connect ERG/DEI Roundtable program. The Chamber is also planning the Utah LGBTQ+ Visitors Center in downtown Salt Lake City.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SafeZone Utah: A related organization that creates safer spaces for LGBTQ+ community members through education and advocacy by providing training and resources to Utah businesses. SafeZone Utah 501c3 EIN#81-4025265
• Southern Utah Chapter
• LGBTBE Certification
• Workplace Connect
• Queer Food Festival
• Queer Business Crawl
• Utah LGBTQ+ Economic Summit
• Read Between the Bans

Products and services

• Chamber Membership Annual subscription membership for LGBTQ+ and allied small businesses, corporations, and nonprofits, granting access to the member directory, job board, event discounts, member-to-member discounts, advocacy representation, and waived NGLCC LGBTBE certification/renewal fees. Tiers and pricing are not publicly listed and are detailed in Member Levels & Benefits documentation.
• LGBTBE Certification Assists Utah businesses in obtaining LGBT Business Enterprise certification through the NGLCC, opening access to corporate supplier diversity programs and government contracting. Certification site visits are conducted virtually by Chamber representatives; all NGLCC certification and renewal fees are waived for Chamber members.
• Member Directory Online searchable directory of Utah LGBTQ+ and allied member businesses, delivered through the GrowthZone-powered member hub at business.utahlgbtqchamber.org.
• Job Board Online job board hosted on the GrowthZone member hub where member businesses post openings and job seekers view opportunities.
• Utah LGBTQ+ Economic Summit & Expo Annual flagship summit and expo bringing together LGBTQ+ and allied businesses, community leaders, industry experts, employers, and job seekers, featuring an awards luncheon, keynote speakers, exhibitor booths, a market, and a job fair. Held annually in January; relocated to the South Salt Lake Community Opportunity Center in 2022.
• Queer Food Festival Annual springtime celebration featuring local LGBTQ and ally-owned restaurants, breweries, and spirits providers, held in May.
• Third Thursday Breakfast Monthly networking breakfast held on the third Thursday of each month, typically at the South Salt Lake Community Opportunity Center, featuring Chamber member presentations.
• Taste of Success - New Member Orientation Bi-monthly lunch-and-learn orientation session helping new and existing members maximize their Chamber membership benefits.
• Workplace Connect ERG & DEI Roundtable Quarterly virtual roundtable program for LGBTQ+ employee resource group leads and DEI initiative leaders from companies, universities, and government entities to discuss workplace inclusion topics. One guest session is offered before ongoing membership is required.
• Member Offers Member-exclusive discounts and special offers from Chamber members, accessible via the GrowthZone member hub at business.utahlgbtqchamber.org/member-offers.
• Queer Business Crawl Annual Pride-month campaign (June 20–27, 2026) where participants use a digital passport web app to check in at 35 LGBTQ+ and allied businesses across Utah, with participants visiting 6+ stops entered to win prizes.
• Read Between the Bans Community campaign that collects and distributes banned books at community events in partnership with local LGBTQ+ and BIPOC booksellers (Under the Umbrella, King's English, Legendarium, Weller Book Works) to counter book restrictions.

Quantifiable outcome

• LGBTQ+ travelers account for 7%–10% of all U.S. tourism revenue — a market segment the Chamber targets through its planned LGBTQ+ Visitors Center.

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.

• NGLCC (National LGBT Chamber of Commerce)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 June 2018The Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce is an Affiliate of the NGLCC. As the 49th affiliate member (announced June 19, 2018), the Chamber gains access to NGLCC's network of over 60 local and international LGBT chambers, connections to over 400 corporate supplier diversity professionals, matchmaking and networking events, scholarship programs, mentorship, leadership training, and business development tools. Utah LGBTBE-certified businesses gain visibility in NGLCC's proprietary database and access to NGLCC Corporate Partners seeking diverse suppliers. All NGLCC certification and renewal fees are waived for Chamber members.
• SBA (U.S. Small Business Administration)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce is designated as an SBA Strategic Partner. This partnership enables the Chamber to advocate for small business at the federal level and provides access to SBA resources, programs, and government contracting opportunities for Chamber members.
• Living Color UtahminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Chamber is a Proud Member of Living Color Utah, a local organization. This membership provides community connection and potential co-marketing opportunities within the broader Utah LGBTQ+ and arts/cultural community.
• SafeZone UtahcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSafeZone Utah creates safer spaces for LGBTQ+ community members through education and advocacy by providing training and resources to Utah businesses. The Chamber and SafeZone Utah cross-promote each other's services; SafeZone events are hosted at the planned Utah LGBTQ+ Visitors Center. Nick Arteaga serves as SafeZone Utah Board Chair and is on the Chamber's Board of Directors.
• Wells FargomajorGTM or Marketing PartnerWells Fargo is a sponsor of the Utah LGBTQ+ Economic Summit and Expo. Wells Fargo sponsors the LGBTBE Certification session at the Summit, supporting certified LGBT businesses' access to supplier diversity programs. As a major financial institution with supplier diversity commitments, Wells Fargo represents a key corporate partner for Chamber members seeking contracting opportunities.
• Chase BankmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerChase Bank co-hosts community events with the Chamber, including a Backpack Giveaway & Money Smarts for Families Back-to-School Celebration (July 11, 2026 at the West Valley Branch). This partnership engages the local LGBTQ+ community and provides financial literacy resources, while Chase gains visibility and community engagement.
• South Salt Lake Community Opportunity Center (Co-op)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe South Salt Lake Community Opportunity Center serves as the venue for Third Thursday Breakfast networking events and the relocated 2022 Economic Summit. The Co-op is expressly designed to generate opportunities and enhance supports for populations who have experienced discrimination and disinvestment, co-locating a senior center, recreation center, SSL Chamber of Commerce, preschool, and family liaison services.
• Project Rainbow UtahmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerProject Rainbow Utah is a community partner for Workplace Connect volunteer activities and community giveback events. Liz Pitts, Chamber President & CEO, was on the founding Board of Project Rainbow Utah, indicating a close historical relationship between the organizations.
• VOA Youth Resource Center (Volunteers of America)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe VOA Youth Resource Center is a partner for Workplace Connect volunteer activities, connecting Chamber members with community service opportunities supporting LGBTQ+ youth.
• Queer Professionals of Salt Lake City (QPSLC)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerQPSLC was officially launched in partnership with the Chamber and Landslide Political at a September 24, 2025 Workplace Connect event focused on political engagement for queer and allied professionals in the Salt Lake area.
• LGBTQ+ Tourism Committee / Community-Based Advisory CommitteecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChamber leaders along with a community-based advisory committee are studying the feasibility and timeline for the Utah LGBTQ+ Visitors Center project throughout 2024. The committee is central to the Chamber's LGBTQ+ tourism initiative and visitor center development.
• NGLCC (Summit Sponsors)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerNGLCC is listed as a sponsor of the 2025/2026 Utah LGBTQ+ Economic Summit & Expo, demonstrating its continued support for the Chamber's signature event.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• StartOut: National nonprofit focused on accelerating LGBTQ+ entrepreneurship through mentorship, pitch events, and founder community. Partially overlaps with the Chamber's entrepreneur support mission, but with a narrower focus on high-growth founders rather than the Chamber's broad SMB membership base.

Direct peers

• Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce: NGLCC-affiliated Houston-area LGBTQ+ chamber providing membership, business development, advocacy, and LGBTBE certification. Comparable product set and target market, operating in a large metro with significant corporate sponsorship potential.
• Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce: Regional NGLCC-affiliated LGBTQ+ chamber serving Colorado businesses with membership, networking, advocacy, and certification services. Closely comparable in product offering, geographic scope (single Mountain West state), and target member segments.
• Michigan LGBT Chamber of Commerce: Michigan's NGLCC-affiliated LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce offering membership, networking, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ and allied businesses. Directly comparable in scale, structure, and value proposition.
• Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA): Washington state's largest LGBTQ+ and allied chamber of commerce, providing membership, networking, advocacy, and LGBTBE certification via NGLCC affiliation. Directly comparable in mission, structure, and product mix (membership directory, events, ERG programming) to the Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber, though operating in a larger metro market.
• Capital Area Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (Austin): Austin/Central Texas NGLCC-affiliate LGBTQ+ chamber offering membership, networking, advocacy, and certification. Directly comparable as a state/regional NGLCC affiliate with similar member composition (SMBs, corporates, nonprofits) and event-driven GTM.
• Nashville LGBT Chamber: NGLCC-affiliate LGBTQ+ chamber serving Middle Tennessee businesses through membership, events, and advocacy. Directly comparable as a Southern/Rust-Belt regional affiliate chamber with similar community-led GTM motion.
• San Diego County LGBT Chamber: NGLCC-affiliated chamber serving San Diego County LGBTQ+ and allied businesses through membership, events, advocacy, and LGBTBE certification. Directly comparable NGLCC-affiliate chamber model with similar programming (mixers, business expos, policy advocacy).

Broad incumbents

• Out Leadership: Global LGBTQ+ business advisory and convening organization working with Fortune 500 CEOs and senior leaders. Comparable as an LGBTQ+ business ecosystem player but operates at the enterprise/executive tier rather than the local SMB membership tier the Utah Chamber serves.
• National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC): The national umbrella organization for LGBTQ+ chambers, of which the Utah Chamber is the 49th affiliate. Not a competitor but the foundational network that supplies corporate partner access, certification standards, and benchmarking; comparable as the broadest incumbent in the LGBTQ+ business-association space.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@utahlgbtqchamberofcommerce9581
• Facebookfacebook.com/UtahLGBTQChamber
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/utah-lgbtq-chamber-of-commerce
• Instagraminstagram.com/utahlgbtqchamber

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles20 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 Utah Lgbtq + Chamber Of Commerce