LGBTBE Certification for Printing & Packaging Companies

For businesses that are at least 51% owned by LGBT individuals.

Printing and packaging offers steady, relationship-driven opportunities for diverse suppliers. Here's why certification matters:

Corporate Procurement Goals: Studies show that companies allocating 20% or more of spending to diverse suppliers report 10-15% higher annual sales. This gives procurement managers a strong incentive to shift printing and packaging spend to certified diverse suppliers.

Xerox Alliance Program: Xerox, a global leader in managed print services, operates a Supplier Connection Program that proactively identifies, builds relationships with, and procures goods and services from certified diverse businesses. Their Tier II program also encourages Xerox's own suppliers to subcontract to diverse firms.

Packaging Industry Leaders: Companies like Graphic Packaging and WestRock (now Smurfit WestRock) have dedicated supplier diversity initiatives, seeking diverse suppliers across packaging materials, printing services, and logistics.

Every Company Prints: Marketing collateral, product packaging, labels, business forms, direct mail, signage, and branded merchandise—every corporation has ongoing printing needs. These are recurring purchases that build long-term relationships.

Government Printing Office (GPO): The U.S. Government Publishing Office contracts with private sector printers for a significant portion of government printing needs, creating additional opportunities for certified diverse print companies.

Digital Transformation: As printing evolves toward variable data printing, wide-format, and specialty applications, diverse suppliers can differentiate through technology adoption and niche capabilities.

Must be at least 51% owned by LGBT individuals who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

LGBTBE eligibility requires LGBT-identifying ownership plus genuine operational control. NGLCC's review process is modeled on the NMSDC and WBENC frameworks; ownership on paper without real management authority will not pass.

LGBT ownership

• At least 51% owned by one or more individuals who self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender
• Ownership must be unconditional and not subject to override provisions that effectively give control to a non-LGBT owner
• Ownership interest must be real and continuous, not a nominal or temporary transfer created to qualify
• Owners must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents

Control: management and operations

• LGBT owner(s) must hold the highest officer position (President, CEO, or Managing Member)
• LGBT owner(s) must control day-to-day business operations
• LGBT owner(s) must make long-term strategic decisions including hiring, major expenditures, and client contracts
• Management authority cannot be effectively delegated to non-LGBT individuals through employment agreements or informal arrangements

Business requirements

• For-profit enterprise operating in the U.S.
• Independently operated, not a subsidiary or affiliate where a non-LGBT parent entity exercises control
• Demonstrated business activity: real clients, contracts, or revenue
• No specific years-in-business minimum, though very new businesses may be asked for additional evidence of operations

Step 1: Check the chamber-membership waiver before you start NGLCC's certification fee is $899, with a $499 recertification fee. Both are waived if you hold current membership in your local affiliate chamber of commerce, so confirm that status first. Verify the current fee schedule at nglcc.org before applying.

Step 2: Gather documents before opening the application Collect everything before you start: articles of incorporation or organization, operating agreement or bylaws showing the LGBT owner's percentage and management authority, stock certificates or membership ledger, government-issued photo ID for the LGBT owner(s), three years of business tax returns (or all available years for newer businesses), a current profit & loss statement and balance sheet, business license, and a representative sample of signed contracts or purchase orders. Having documents ready prevents mid-session interruptions.

Step 3: Create your NGLCC account and complete the application at nglcc.org Register at nglcc.org/get-certified and work through the full application. The application covers ownership structure, management authority, financial overview, and business capabilities. Answer precisely and consistently; reviewers compare your answers directly against your supporting documents.

Step 4: Upload your document package Upload all documents gathered in Step 2. Label files clearly (e.g., "OperatingAgreement_2024.pdf" rather than "document1.pdf"). Mislabeled or incomplete uploads are the most common reason NGLCC staff issue follow-up requests that delay processing.

Step 5: LGBT identity declaration You self-certify your LGBT identity. NGLCC does not require third-party documentation of sexual orientation or gender identity. Your declaration is treated as confidential.

Step 6: NGLCC review and verification NGLCC staff reviews the application and supporting documents. For some applicants, this includes a phone interview or a virtual site visit to verify that business operations match the application and that the LGBT owner exercises genuine control. Respond promptly to any scheduling requests.

Step 7: Certification decision NGLCC targets 30-60 days for a certification decision on a complete application. Complex ownership structures or high application volume can extend this. Once certified, you're listed in the NGLCC supplier database and can begin using the LGBTBE mark.

Federal Opportunities

Key agencies and programs for printing and packaging:

• U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO): Contracts with private sector printers for government publications, forms, and materials
• Department of Defense (DoD): Military publications, training materials, packaging for defense logistics
• General Services Administration (GSA): Government-wide printing and publication services
• Department of Health & Human Services (HHS): Public health materials, Medicare publications

Key Contract Vehicles

• GPO Term Contracts (multi-year printing agreements)
• GSA MAS for printing and publications services
• Agency-specific printing BPAs
• 8(a) sole-source contracts for printing services

Categories of Government Printing

• Forms and publications
• Direct mail and outreach materials
• Training manuals and guides
• Signage and wayfinding
• Packaging for military and government supplies
• Variable data printing (personalized mailings)
• Large-format printing (posters, banners)

State and Local

State agencies, school districts, and municipalities all contract for printing services. Many have diverse supplier preferences and set-aside programs.