America was ostensibly founded on the promise of equal opportunity. A quick glance at America’s entrepreneurial community more than 200 years after its founding reveals that we still have a very long way to go.

The queer community is diverse by its very nature, but all too often, political opportunism, antiquated cultural mores, and — quite frankly — institutionalized ignorance put LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs at a significant disadvantage, leading to drastic underrepresentation in the business world.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion must be interwoven into our entrepreneurial ecosystem, and that means ensuring the LGBTQ+ community has a big, bright seat at the proverbial table. 

Sign your name to support equity for LGBTQ-run businesses!

Right-wing public smear campaigns attacking the LGBTQ+ community cause lasting, dehumanizing damage. In some parts of the country, investors opt not to support LGBTQ+ businesses for fear of community backlash. Such hurdles make it even harder for aspiring LGBTQ+ businesspeople to get off the ground, in some cases forcing them to hide their true selves for fear of blowback, reprisal, or financial ruin. 

A 2016 study reported that almost 40% of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs chose to not self-identify as part of the queer community, a number that will certainly rise if we continue to deny them the support they rightfully deserve. 

StartOut was founded in 2009 with a singular mission — to support LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and build a more equitable future for all. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just qualities to consider when assessing the track records of well-established businesses. Rather, we must work together to foster an economic ecosystem built upon these values so that all entrepreneurs have the same access to opportunity and chance of success, regardless of who they are or how they identify.

Join the fight with StartOut and pledge your support for LGBTQ-run businesses today!

LGBTQ+ businesses already have a harder time than other ventures, due to both social bias and lack of federal support. Between obtaining funding, licenses, hiring employees, and receiving aid/protections — LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs are up against way more than their straight counterparts.

Recent reports showed that the United States could have nearly half a million jobs created by LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs if they received access to the same resources and funding as non-LGBTQ+ founders. The nonprofit StartOut is committed to supporting an increase in LGBTQ+ businesses, and ensuring that they have full, equitable access to those assets. 

Add your name to demand support for LGBTQ+  businesses amid widespread inequality and economic uncertainty!

A 2016 study reported that almost 40% of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs choose to not self-identify as part of the queer community. Not only that, but those marginalized entrepreneurs are migrating away from more discriminatory areas leaving gaps in businesses for those communities. It’s a cycle of disadvantage that has no place in the 21st century.

Support should absolutely ramp up in the face of inequality. Equity means ensuring that ALL people have equal opportunity according to their needs and circumstances — and as of right now, the business world is failing to ensure marginalized people get a fair shake.

Sign now to support StartOut in their mission to create a more equitable business world for queer entrepreneurs!