LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs are driving success in business not just by building thriving companies, but by fueling innovation, job creation and inclusive economic growth. Their resilience and creativity have a measurable impact on our economy, and their success stories are shaping an impressive future for entrepreneurship.
According to the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), there are an estimated 1.4 million LGBTQI+ business owners in the United States, collectively contributing $1.7 trillion annually to the economy. This impressive figure underscores the vital role LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs play in fostering economic growth and innovation across various industries. As we celebrate their contributions, the data makes one thing clear: when all voices are empowered, everyone benefits.
Excelling in Innovation and Job Creation
LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs bring fresh perspectives, resilience and creativity shaped by unique life experiences. These qualities often lead to bold ideas and boundary-pushing businesses. Inclusive teams and founders challenge the status quo and build solutions that reach underserved markets, fueling innovation that benefits not just their communities, but the wider economy.
LGBTQ+ founders demonstrate remarkable innovation and job creation. A report by StartOut reveals that LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs created 36% more jobs, secured 114% more patents, and achieved 44% more business exits compared to the average founder, all while raising 16% less funding . These statistics highlight the resilience and ingenuity of LGBTQ+ business leaders in driving economic advancement.
These achievements don’t happen in isolation—they’re often rooted in strong, supportive communities. These communities serve as catalysts for access, collective success and lasting impact within entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Benefits of Community Building
Connection, mentorship and shared resources help founders overcome barriers and scale their ideas, making community one of the most powerful assets an entrepreneur can have. Beyond networking, it offers support, accountability and real-time feedback from peers who understand the unique challenges of building something from scratch or scaling to the next level. Strong communities help entrepreneurs solve problems faster and access opportunities they may not find alone.
You can usually find communities that fit your needs and here are a few ways to get started:
Start Local
- Attend meetups and networking events in your area through platforms like Meetup.com, Eventbrite or your local chamber of commerce.
- Coworking spaces often host professional gatherings where entrepreneurs can connect. Edson E+I hosts a variety of spaces across the Phoenix Metro Area to explore and enjoy entrepreneurial events.
Join Online Communities
- Look for Slack groups, Discord servers or LinkedIn groups specific to your industry or identity.
- Sites like Indie Hackers, Elpha or StartOut provide vibrant spaces to ask questions, share updates and meet mentors.
When any entrepreneur invests in community, they contribute to an ecosystem where success becomes more accessible for everyone. Shared knowledge, collaboration and mentorship strengthen the entire network, not just the individual. This collective growth attracts resources, investors and talent, creating a ripple effect that supports new ventures, job creation and innovation across industries.
LGBTQ+ business owners often invest back into their communities, creating safe, affirming spaces and job opportunities for marginalized groups. These ventures serve as cultural and economic anchors in cities and neighborhoods, fostering local development and social cohesion. This community-first mindset has a ripple effect, strengthening both micro and macro economies.
Arizona Business Leaders Driving Community Growth and Sanctuaries of Hope
Arizona’s LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and community organizations are shaping a thriving, inclusive business landscape. They highlight the strength of diverse leadership, proving that innovation and economic growth flourish when authenticity is embraced. Even when progress faces challenges, these organizations remain steadfast in their vision, continuing to uplift inclusive communities and drive meaningful business growth.
In Tempe, Brick Road Coffee is a declaration of community, resilience and a successful, inclusive business. Co-founded by Gabe Hagen and Jesse Shank, it’s a hub where meaningful connections are made. Their calendar pulses with life–”Trans Together” gatherings, “Grounds for Connection – Queer Meetup,” D&D nights, author circles. It’s a place to breathe and organize without judgment. Brick Road’s courage stands out through its commitment to hosting Drag Story Hours and fundraising for reproductive rights and legal aid for targeted LGBTQ+ educators. Their vision exemplifies how a local business, by genuinely serving its community, earns loyalty and grows into a powerful force for activism and lasting entrepreneurial success. Gabe and Jesse are role models, integrating values into a thriving business and demonstrating the market advantage of authentic inclusion. In a city like Tempe, which openly supports this community with a variety of LGBTQ+ events throughout the year, Brick Road is well placed to thrive.
Similarly, Wasted Ink Zine Distro (WIZD) in Phoenix stands as a bold, creative space where raw truth and independent voices come to life. WIZD champions marginalized voices—BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled and neurodivergent creators—providing a unique distribution channel and retail model that empowers them as entrepreneurs. Zines are the literature of resistance, uncensored dispatches from lived experience. In a time of compromised institutional platforms, WIZD’s DIT (“do-it-together”) ethos and the vibrant marketplace it nurtures are critical. It’s an arsenal of stories and a thriving example of social entrepreneurship, showcasing the value of diverse artistic expression and the business potential in serving overlooked creative communities. Charissa Lucille’s leadership at WIZD exemplifies the power of a passion-driven, community-centered enterprise.
In a media landscape where clarity and accurate information can be difficult to source, LOOKOUT serves as a vital source of truth. Founded by Joseph Darius Jaafari and Jake Hylton, the nation’s only LGBTQ+ nonprofit newsroom dedicated to accountability and service journalism for local queer communities is more critical than ever. As Hylton puts it, “We investigate and expose the dismantling of LGBTQ+ support systems. We dig into threats to gender-affirming care. We tell the stories of LGBTQ+ Arizonans pushed to the brink. LOOKOUT’s journalism is defiance against silence, the ferocious power of truth in community hands.”
LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs contribute far beyond their own communities, playing a vital role in driving economic growth and cultural progress. Hylton emphasizes this impact in Arizona and beyond, stating, “The idea that LGBTQ+ individuals are merely a niche market or a diversity checkbox is a dangerous underestimation, especially regarding economic contribution and innovation. We are, and always have been, integral architects of America’s cultural, economic and social dynamism. These enterprises, and countless others, actively forge a more just, vibrant Arizona. Within them, community is built, resilience cultivated and diverse leaders pioneer groundbreaking business models.”
A Future Built on Strength and Unity
Thriving communities don’t just elevate entrepreneurs—they build a foundation for economic growth. LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and businesses, in particular, bring resilience, creativity and a deep understanding of diverse experiences that strengthen these communities and inspire innovation.
Building community starts with showing up, whether online or in person. When stepping into a new space, lean in with curiosity, ask meaningful questions, share your journey and lift others up along the way. When you invest in connection, you help create a space where everyone feels valued, supported and inspired to grow.
Looking to connect with a welcoming community for entrepreneurs and innovators? Check out Edson E+I’s Community Entrepreneurship program and stay up to date with events and opportunities on our events page.
