West Hollywood LGBTQ Business Summit Returns to Plummer Park in January

The City is co-sponsoring a West Hollywood LGBTQ business summit at Plummer Park later this month. It’s aimed at LGBTQ business owners who want to get certified and connect with buyers.

The California LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce runs the two-day event Jan. 28-29 at Fiesta Hall in Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard.

There are about 1.4 million queer-owned businesses in the U.S., according to the National LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce. The California chamber serves over 5,000 of those owners statewide. But getting certified as an LGBTBE—Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Business Enterprise—opens doors to corporate and government contracts most businesses never see.

The Summit

Wednesday, Jan. 28, the summit runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration costs $25 and covers lunch. Organizers say they won’t turn anyone away over the fee. Panels will explain how certification works, what it does for your business, and how to land government contracts. Industry experts talk about accessing supplier diversity programs.

The Expo

Thursday’s expo is free. It runs 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Business owners network with buyers and meet people who already went through certification. They can ask questions about what actually happens after you get certified.

What Certification Does

The certification puts your business in databases that corporations and government agencies search when they need vendors. Many Fortune 500 companies have supplier diversity programs specifically looking for LGBTBE-certified businesses. Federal agencies use the same databases.

The City co-sponsored a similar certification summit back in August 2024. West Hollywood, where over 40% of residents identify as LGBTQ, has long supported business development in the community.

Register at lgbtqprocurementsummit.com. Questions go to Jennifer Del Toro with the City’s Community Affairs office. Email jdeltoro@weho.org or call (323) 848-6549.