TransWork Resources for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
We can help transgender and non-binary entrepreneurs from the Greater Philadelphia region form and grow viable businesses with our large and supportive network of customers and suppliers.
Working as an independent contractor or starting a micro-enterprise can be a viable alternative to working for an employer during or after your transition. The Independence Business Alliance offers its services and resources to help build transgender solo practices and businesses in the Philly-area. We refer entrepreneurs outside of our region to the NGLCC-affiliated chamber of commerce closest to them.
For the entrepreneurship program, IBA seeks to serve existing or aspiring transgender entrepreneurs to found or grow a business. We recruit existing transgender entrepreneurs and other business owners to mentor participants, connect them with various programs and support services, help them become certified as LGBT Business Enterprises, and provide structured networking opportunities in addition to other opportunities available through the IBA.
Requirements
- Participants should self-identify as transgender or non-binary.
- They should have an existing business or have a business plan or idea they are ready to launch.
- They should be or become active IBA members. Learn more about the IBA here.
LGBTBE Certification Assistance | We provide workshops and assistance on completing applications for becoming certified as an LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE) through the NGLCC, the national LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Certification opens up businesses to procurement opportunities with major corporation through their supplier diversity initiatives. |
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Mentoring | We can match each participant with a mentor who can help them think through business challenges, connect them to potential clients and contacts, and provide peer support. Our mentors include transgender business owners and IBA business members, along with allies who have received an orientation. |
Networking | We hold targeted events, such as Trans-owned Business Procurement fairs, as well as invite participants to network with members through the IBA’s broader ConnX and other events. |
Educational Programming | We conduct educational workshops tailored to the transgender community, as well as open up access to broader IBA programs. |
Business Startup Assistance and Resources for Growth | Participants have access to the IBA’s full complement of business resources to both start and grow a business. |