LGBTBE Certification in Massachusetts
Complete guide to getting LGBT Business Enterprise certified in Massachusetts, requirements, documents, costs, and step-by-step application process.
How LGBTBE certification works in Massachusetts
Massachusetts was the first state to recognize LGBT-owned businesses in state procurement. Executive Order 565, signed in 2015, recognizes NGLCC's third-party LGBTBE certification, and the state's Supplier Diversity Program now lists LGBT business enterprises alongside minority-, women-, veteran-, and disability-owned firms. Only businesses certified by the Supplier Diversity Office or by an SDO-recognized third-party certifier qualify for the program.
The path has two steps. First, get LGBTBE certified through NGLCC: 51% LGBTQ ownership and control, a document review, and 60 to 90 days of processing. The $899 fee is waived with proof of membership in a local affiliate chamber, and the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce fills that role statewide. Second, verify the certification with the SDO by creating a profile in the SDO Certification Portal and selecting Apply/Verify my Third-Party Certifications.
That second step is the one owners skip, and it is the one that matters here. SDO sets spending benchmarks for executive departments, and agencies count spending toward those benchmarks only when it goes to firms in the program. An unverified LGBTBE is invisible to that machinery.
What is LGBTBE Certification?
For businesses that are at least 51% owned by LGBT individuals.
Eligibility Requirements
Must be at least 51% owned by LGBT individuals who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
Where to Get LGBTBE Certified in Massachusetts
NGLCC
Certifies LGBT business enterprises nationally; Massachusetts recognizes the credential for its Supplier Diversity Program under Executive Order 565.
Official site →Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office (SDO)
Runs the Supplier Diversity Program and recognizes NGLCC certification. Verify your LGBTBE through the SDO Certification Portal to be counted toward state spending benchmarks.
Official site →Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce
The state's NGLCC affiliate. Membership includes the LGBTBE certification fee waiver, so certification through the chamber costs the dues rather than $899.
Official site →Coverage areas and contacts for every certifier we track are in the certifying body directory.
What SDO recognition is worth
The Supplier Diversity Program is benchmark-driven. SDO sets spending goals for executive departments, and agencies report spending with program-certified firms against those goals. Recognition puts an LGBTBE in the pool agencies search when they need diverse suppliers to hit their numbers.
Recognition is not a set-aside. Massachusetts does not reserve contracts for LGBT-owned firms; it measures and publishes how much executive departments spend with them. In practice the benchmark pressure shows up as buyer outreach, invitations to bid, and a listed profile that procurement teams actually consult.
Required Documents for LGBTBE
| Document | Status | How to Obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Business Tax Returns (3 Years) | Required | Request copies from your accountant or download from IRS.gov using Form 4506-T. |
| Government-Issued Photo ID | Required | If expired, visit your local DMV or apply for passport renewal at usps.com or travel.state.gov. |
| Organizational Chart | Required | Create using tools like Lucidchart, Microsoft Visio, or PowerPoint. |
| Affidavit of Ownership | Required | Each certifying body provides their own form. Download from their website or request. |
| Operating Agreement or Bylaws | Required | Draft with an attorney or use a legal template service. Must reflect current ownership accurately. |
| Personal Tax Returns (3 Years) | Required | From your tax preparer or IRS.gov. All owners with 10%+ ownership typically need to provide. |
| Bank Statements (6-12 Months) | Required | Download from your online banking portal or request from your bank. |
| Existing Certification Copies | Recommended | From your certification files or download from the certifying body's portal. |
| Certificate of Good Standing | Recommended | Request from your state's Secretary of State office. Most states offer instant online certificates. |
How to Apply for LGBTBE in Massachusetts
- **Step 1: Create NGLCC Account**
- Register at nglcc.org and create your business profile.
- **Step 2: Complete Application**
- Fill out the online certification application with business details.
- **Step 3: Upload Documents**
- Submit all required documentation through the portal.
- **Step 4: Pay Certification Fee**
- Fees typically range from $400-$750 based on company revenue.
- **Step 5: Application Review**
- NGLCC staff reviews your application for completeness.
- **Step 6: Verification**
- May include phone interview or virtual site visit.
- **Step 7: Certification Decision**
- Decisions typically made within 30-60 days.
Corporate Programs Accepting LGBTBE
These companies have supplier diversity programs that accept LGBTBE certification:
Amazon
Amazon Supplier Diversity helps us build a more inclusive supply chain by partnering with businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with …
View program details →Apple Inc.
Apple is committed to increasing opportunity for diverse suppliers. We partner with businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities.
View program details →AT&T Inc.
AT&T has been a pioneer in supplier diversity since 1968. We are committed to ensuring diverse businesses have access to opportunities.
View program details →Boeing
Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and a leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners, defense systems, and space technology. Their Supplier Diversity program has been …
View program details →General Motors
GM has been a leader in supplier diversity for over 50 years. We are committed to increasing opportunities for diverse businesses in the automotive supply …
View program details →Google (Alphabet Inc.)
Google is committed to building a diverse supply chain that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek partnerships with certified diverse businesses.
View program details →Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson has been a leader in supplier diversity for over 25 years. We believe diverse suppliers drive innovation in healthcare.
View program details →JPMorgan Chase
JPMorgan Chase is committed to building a diverse supply chain. We actively seek partnerships with minority, women, veteran, LGBTQ+, and disability-owned businesses.
View program details →Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is the world's largest defense contractor with over $65 billion in annual revenue, primarily from U.S. government contracts. Their Supplier Diversity program actively …
View program details →McKesson
McKesson is a Fortune 8 healthcare company providing pharmaceuticals and medical supplies distribution, healthcare IT, and care management. They serve government healthcare programs including VA …
View program details →Microsoft Corporation
Microsoft believes diversity drives innovation. Our supplier diversity program ensures certified diverse businesses have equitable access to procurement opportunities.
View program details →Target Corporation
Target is committed to creating inclusive economic opportunities. We actively source from diverse suppliers to reflect the communities we serve.
View program details →Walmart Inc.
Walmart is the largest buyer from diverse suppliers in America. Our Supplier Inclusion program creates opportunities for businesses of all sizes.
View program details →3M
3M partners with diverse suppliers in manufacturing, technology, and services to drive innovation and create economic opportunities.
View program details →AbbVie
AbbVie partners with certified diverse suppliers in pharmaceutical manufacturing, research services, and corporate functions to build a more inclusive supply chain.
View program details →Need help getting LGBTBE certified?
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LGBTBE in Massachusetts: common questions
Does Massachusetts recognize NGLCC LGBTBE certification?
Yes. Executive Order 565, signed in 2015, made Massachusetts the first state to recognize NGLCC's third-party certification, and the SDO's accepted-certifier list includes NGLCC for LGBT business enterprises. You verify the credential through the SDO Certification Portal.
What does LGBTBE certification cost in Massachusetts?
NGLCC waives its $899 certification fee with proof of current affiliate chamber membership, and the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce is the statewide affiliate. Most Massachusetts firms pay chamber dues and nothing to NGLCC. SDO verification of a third-party certification carries no separate certification exam.
What do I get from the Supplier Diversity Program?
SDO sets spending benchmarks for executive departments and counts only program-certified firms toward them. That means state buyers have a standing reason to find you: your profile sits in the certified directory agencies search when they need LGBT-owned suppliers.
Do I still need to do anything after NGLCC certifies me?
Yes. Create a profile in the SDO Certification Portal at diversitycertification.mass.gov and use Apply/Verify my Third-Party Certifications. Until the SDO verifies your NGLCC credential, state agencies cannot count spending with your firm toward their benchmarks.
Sources
Every fee, portal link, and program fact above was checked against these official sources in July 2026. Requirements change; the certifying body's own site is always the final word.