How LGBTBE certification works in New York
Start with the fact most guides bury: New York State does not recognize LGBT-owned businesses in state procurement. The MWBE program that Empire State Development runs under Article 15-A covers minority- and women-owned firms; service-disabled veterans have a separate program. Legislation to extend MWBE opportunities to LGBTBEs has been introduced in Albany but has not become law as of July 2026.
What New York does have is the deepest corporate market in the country for the LGBTBE credential, plus a real on-ramp at the city level. New York City's Department of Small Business Services runs an NGLCC partnership: the city invites NGLCC-certified LGBTBEs to apply for its M/WBE and Emerging Business Enterprise certification programs where they meet the statutory criteria. LGBTBE is not a city category, but it is a recognized doorway.
The certification itself runs through NGLCC: 51% LGBTQ ownership and control, 60 to 90 days of processing, and an $899 fee waived with affiliate chamber membership. NGLCCNY, the National LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce New York, is the state's affiliate and runs the directory, mixers, and certification support that make the credential produce meetings rather than sit in a drawer.
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 York
NGLCC
Certifies LGBT business enterprises nationally through its Supplier Inclusion Database. With no state-level category in New York, the corporate recognition this credential carries is the main event.
Official site →NGLCCNY
The National LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce New York. Membership qualifies for the NGLCC fee waiver and plugs certified firms into the New York corporate buyer network.
Official site →NYC Small Business Services
Runs New York City's certification programs. Through its NGLCC partnership, the city invites certified LGBTBEs to apply for M/WBE and EBE certification when they meet the statutory eligibility criteria.
Official site →Coverage areas and contacts for every certifier we track are in the certifying body directory.
Where New York recognizes LGBTBE certification
At the state level, nowhere yet. ESD's MWBE certification covers minority- and women-owned businesses only, and no LGBT category exists in New York State procurement. If your firm also qualifies as minority- or women-owned, pursue MWBE on its own merits; the LGBTBE will not substitute for it.
At the city level, the NGLCC partnership is concrete: New York City invites NGLCC-certified LGBTBEs to apply for M/WBE and EBE certification where they meet the statutory criteria. And in the corporate market, the LGBTBE is the working credential: NGLCC counts 438 corporate partners, and the concentration of those buyers in the New York metro area is unmatched anywhere else. When those contracts land, financing the growth follows, and you can compare SBA lenders by funded volume and charge-off rate at SBA Loan Index before approaching a bank.
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 York
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.
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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Take the certification quizAll New York Certification Programs
Empire State Development, Division of Small Business & Technology Development , Small Business
New York Empire State Development - Division of Minority and Women's Business Development , MBE/WBE Certification
New York State DOT DBE Program , DBE (Transportation)
New York State Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) Program , Veteran-Owned
LGBTBE in New York: common questions
Does New York State recognize LGBT-owned businesses in procurement?
No. The state MWBE program under Article 15-A covers minority- and women-owned firms, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses have a separate program. A bill to extend MWBE opportunities to LGBTBEs has been introduced but is not law as of July 2026.
Can LGBTBE certification help with New York City contracts?
Indirectly, yes. NYC Small Business Services runs an NGLCC partnership that invites certified LGBTBEs to apply for the city's M/WBE and EBE programs where they meet those programs' statutory criteria. The LGBTBE itself is not a city certification category.
Why get LGBTBE certified in New York at all?
Because the buyers are here. NGLCC counts 438 corporate partners that recognize the credential, and the New York metro area concentrates more of their headquarters and procurement teams than any other market. Membership in NGLCCNY waives the $899 certification fee.
How long does LGBTBE certification take?
NGLCC states 60 to 90 days from a complete application, which covers document review, a site visit, and the National Certification Committee's monthly review cycle. Renewal runs on a three-year cycle at $499, also waived with affiliate membership.
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.