After noticing an uptick in members who expressed interest in starting their own businesses, the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with Harley-Davidson Inc.'s supplier diversity program to launch an eight-week entrepreneurship bootcamp.
The Milwaukee Business Journal talked with the chamber's president and CEO Jason Rae about the new program.
The interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Why is it important to have an LGBTQ-specific program for entrepreneurship training?
"For us, it's really around, 'How do we help provide that safe space where LGBTQ entrepreneurs can come together, where they can learn and feel supported for who they are and navigate that identity?' It's frightening for many who are thinking about wanting to launch a business and are fearful of what others may say.
"While it's 2022, the studies that we continue to see about the number of people who are not out at work ... is sobering. We really want to help provide that space where, as a community, they can feel supported, they can feel safe to bring their full self to this."
"Outside of that, this is a real opportunity to think (about) supplier diversity and getting more businesses certified as LGBT Business Enterprises. We're seeing more and more corporations and entities be really intentional in their supply chain around using minority-, women-, veteran-owned businesses and now including LGBT-owned businesses."
What existing local LGBTQ+ business owners are good examples for aspiring entrepreneurs to look up to?
"There are two businesses owned by two individuals that come to mind right away: Anne Marie Arroyo and Tamela Greene. They are partners and they own MOXIE Food + Drink and Trouble and Sons Pizzeria in Whitefish Bay. They both were in the corporate world, lost their jobs on the same day and ended up going and starting two successful restaurants together."
LGBTQ+ Entrepreneur Bootcamp
- Application: wislgbtchamber.com/bootcamp
- Deadline: April 11
- Program dates: April 27 - June 15
- Cost: $100
