Join us for this free opportunity to build community with LGBTQ+ and allied professionals. If you are interested in hosting a networking event, please contact hello@lgbtcc.com.
On Transgender Day of Visibility, the NGLCC will be hosting a timely and community-centered conversation: Joyful Visibility at the Crossroads. Facilitated by Nick Marzo (he/him), MS, LPC, LMHC, CST-S, ACS, founder of Modern Path, LLC and a nationally recognized leader in affirming behavioral health, this session will explore values-driven decision-making, strategies for assessing personal and professional alignment, and ways to remain authentically visible while caring for yourself and your enterprise.
Sip and Pitch is an opportunity for LGBTQ+ and allied business owners to informally present their business to a panel of experts and fellow entrepreneurs for constructive feedback and fresh ideas. Hosted remotely on the last Thursday of each month, members can participate by pitching, serving as judges, or simply listening in.
Elgin Pride Parade
In it’s 4th year, Elgin’s Pride Parade and Festival will cultivate celebration, education, visibility, and safe spaces to accelerate equity and inclusion for greater Elgin’s queer and marginalized communities.
Annual Events
Boat Cruise
Our annual private boat cruise is one you won’t want to miss with fantastic views of architecture from the Chicago river and the beautiful skyline from Lake Michigan. Enjoy delicious bites and network with our members in a memorable setting.
Winter Soirée
Our year-end event recognizes key members and partners and celebrate their achievements. Awards presented include Corporate Partner of the Year, Small Business Owner of the Year, ERG Partner of the year and many more.
Small Biz Bootcamp
An eight week training program that helps entrepreneurs refine their business plans. The program culminates in a live pitch competition with prizes and a closing reception.
Pride Activations
Along with the Chicago Pride Parade, the Chamber will celebrate at festivals and parades across the state, strengthening visibility and connection in communities throughout Illinois.
Ongoing Events
Educational Programming
The Chamber continuously develops programming to educate our members on development strategies, industry best practices and available government programs and how to apply them to their business model to maximize success.
Mix & Mingle Networking
Our social networking events are held at venues that allow attendees to meet and network with other LGBTQ+ and allied business professionals in a safe space.
Supplier Diversity Roundtables
These events bring corporate, government, and small business communities together to provide education, resources and networking. Topics like supplier diversity, industry trends and best practices on working with Fortune 500 companies are presented.
Summer Sponsor Series
Our summer partnership series of exclusive events allow our small business partners to showcase their brands, products and services to our members as well as demonstrate their support of the LGBT+ community.
