Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber of Commerce

Formerly Known as Tampa Bay Business Guild

The Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber of Commerce, originally known as the Tampa Bay Business Guild, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering local LGBTQ+ businesses and professionals in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. It was founded in 1983 as a networking group to provide a platform for LGBTQ+ professionals to connect discreetly, as many businesses at that time preferred not to publicly disclose the sexual orientation of their owners.

Evolution and Name Changes

Over the years, the organization has undergone several name changes and structural adjustments. By 2011, it became an official Chamber of Commerce, adopting the name Tampa Bay Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. This transformation followed its affiliation with the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). In 2016, it changed its name to Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber of Commerce to broaden its mission and support women-owned and minority-owned businesses, in addition to LGBTQ+ businesses. As of 2020, it operates under the name Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber.

Mission and Activities

The organization focuses on advancing economic opportunities and promoting equality for the LGBTQ+ community in the Tampa Bay region. It achieves this through various programs, including monthly B2B networking socials, "Breakfast N' Learn" events, and annual awards ceremonies like the Diamonds in Diversity gala. The gala supports a scholarship for local LGBTQ+ students or allies who have demonstrated leadership.

Advocacy and Community Engagement

The Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber plays a significant role in advocacy by working with local governments to include LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE) certification in contracting opportunities. This advocacy was notably marked by the City of Tampa's executive order in 2019 to expand its guidelines for spending with minority- and women-owned businesses to include LGBTBE-certified companies.

Current Status

As of 2024, Rene Cantu serves as the President and CEO of the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber. The organization continues to be a vital voice for the LGBTQ+ business community, hosting significant events like the NGLCC International Business and Leadership Conference in 2019, which brought substantial economic benefits to the region.