New Resource Helps Small Businesses Create Workplaces Inclusive of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transg

by HRC Staff

Human Rights Campaign Foundation and National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Release Diversity Guide for Small Businesses

WASHINGTON-Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) released "Small Business Basics: How Small Businesses Can Create Fair Workplaces for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Employees." The toolkit is a first-of-its kind resource to help small businesses provide equal benefits, employment protections and an inclusive work environment for all their employees.

"Each day over 41 million Americans go to work at small businesses-which face unique challenges and opportunities in addressing diversity and inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees," said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign. "By releasing this guide, we provide practical advice to fair-minded small business owners so they can recruit and retain productive GLBT employees, as their big corporate competitors have done for years."

"Oftentimes, small business owners and managers feel that their hands are tied in developing more inclusive environments for GLBT employees because of perceived cost and lack of human resource counsel. This resource outlines the business case for GLBT diversity efforts and offers suggestions that are within reach for small business owners." said Justin Nelson, Co-Founder and President of the NGLCC.

"'Small Business Basics' provides model benefits and employment policies and offers suggestions for businesses to cope with high health-care costs. It also gives practical, cost-effective ideas for small business owners and managers on building inclusion, monitoring the work force and addressing problems and taking advantage of the increased opportunities for senior leadership to interact with employees that exist in small businesses," said Chance Mitchell, Co-Founder and CEO of the NGLCC.

The NGLCC and Human Rights Campaign conducted a series of focus groups and one-on-one interviews with small business owners to understand what information would be most helpful in creating an inclusive workplace.

To download the guide please visit: http://www.hrc.org/about-us/small-business.asp


The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

The NGLCC represents the interests of the estimated 1.4 million LGBT owned businesses. Through its affiliated network of 45 state and local chambers and business organizations, the NGLCC is the largest LGBT business development and economic advocacy organization in the country.

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