LGBTBE Certification in New Jersey
Complete guide to getting LGBT Business Enterprise certified in New Jersey, requirements, documents, costs, and step-by-step application process.
How LGBTBE certification works in New Jersey
New Jersey is the first state to write its own LGBTQ+ business certification into statute. Governor Murphy created the program by Executive Order 295 in May 2022, and P.L.2024, c.10, signed May 1, 2024, codified it into law. The Department of the Treasury's Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services administers it: at least 51% ownership, operation, and control by persons who identify as LGBTQ+, a $100 application fee that Treasury has waived indefinitely, and a five-year certification term.
That state credential and the NGLCC LGBTBE do different jobs. The New Jersey certification registers you with the state and puts you in its certified-business records; the LGBTBE is what 438 corporate supplier diversity programs recognize. The 2024 law permits Treasury to accept reciprocal certifications from similar certifying entities, but as of July 2026 Treasury's published guidance does not list NGLCC reciprocity for the LGBTQ+ category, so plan on filing the state application separately. It is free and runs through the same portal as the state's other business certifications.
One wrinkle on chambers: the New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce identifies itself as an NGLCC affiliate and links to both certifications, but it does not currently appear in NGLCC's published affiliate directory. If the $899 fee waiver matters to you, confirm your chamber membership qualifies with NGLCC before applying.
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 New Jersey
NJ Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services
Administers New Jersey's LGBTQ+ certification under N.J.A.C. 17:47. Apply through the state's business certification portal; the $100 fee is waived indefinitely and certification is valid for five years.
Official site →NGLCC
The corporate-facing credential. New Jersey law allows Treasury to accept reciprocal certifications, but no NGLCC reciprocity is currently published, so treat the two applications as separate tracks.
Official site →New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce
New Jersey's LGBTQ+ chamber, active statewide, with programming around both the state certification and the NGLCC LGBTBE. It self-identifies as an NGLCC affiliate but is not currently listed in NGLCC's affiliate directory; verify fee-waiver eligibility directly.
Official site →Coverage areas and contacts for every certifier we track are in the certifying body directory.
What the New Jersey certification is worth
The state program is registration and visibility rather than a set-aside. Certification puts your firm in New Jersey's certified LGBTQ+ business records with a five-year term, at no cost. State entities and prime contractors looking to demonstrate inclusive sourcing use those records; the statute also gives the program a durability that executive-order programs in other states lack, since repealing it would take an act of the legislature.
For revenue, most New Jersey firms will still do the NGLCC LGBTBE as well. Corporate supplier diversity spending in the New York metro market dwarfs state administrative purchasing, and the LGBTBE is the credential those programs verify against.
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 New Jersey
- **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 New Jersey: common questions
Is New Jersey's LGBTQ+ business certification free?
Yes, in practice. The application carries a $100 fee that Treasury has waived indefinitely, per the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services program page. Certification is valid for five years, so the maintained cost is your time assembling ownership documentation.
Does New Jersey accept NGLCC certification instead?
Not currently. P.L.2024, c.10 permits Treasury to enter reciprocal agreements with substantially similar certifying entities, but the published program guidance does not list NGLCC reciprocity for the LGBTQ+ category. File the state application separately; it is free and the eligibility standard is the same 51% ownership and control test.
Should I get the state certification or the LGBTBE?
Both, for most firms. The state certification is free, lasts five years, and registers you with New Jersey; the NGLCC LGBTBE is what corporate supplier diversity programs recognize, and its $899 fee is waived with affiliate chamber membership. The applications share most of the same documentation.
Who qualifies for the New Jersey LGBTQ+ certification?
Businesses at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by persons who identify as LGBTQ+, per the Treasury program page and the 2024 statute. Expect to document ownership percentages and day-to-day control, the same proof pattern the national certifiers use.
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.