Networking Programs to Grow Your Business

Join a vibrant and thriving community of professionals through the North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce! As a member, you'll gain access to an array of networking opportunities designed to help you grow your business, connect with other entrepreneurs, and build lasting relationships. With events held morning, noon, and night, you'll find the perfect fit for your schedule. Beyond networking, members can expand their horizons through our leadership development program and achieve certification as an LGBT Business Enterprise by the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Plus, you'll have the chance to participate in impactful initiatives like our Pride in Business Awards and our annual scholarship fundraiser for LGBTQ youth. Together, we create a stronger, more inclusive business community.

Below are some of the benefits our members enjoy:

Business Exchange Network

Structured Networking for Business Growth and Professional Development

The Business Exchange Network (BEN) provides a structured forum where Chamber Members can increase their business by networking with other members regularly and through business referrals. Every BEN member presents a 30-second introduction at each meeting, enabling them to hone their "elevator pitch" to perfection. BEN members are also invited to make a periodic 10-minute presentation to the group.

BEN provides a supportive environment that allows each member to share products or services with others who want to help them succeed.

Participation in BEN is limited to one member in any given business category or specialty, meaning once you join, a competitor of yours cannot join. BEN members agree to follow specific guidelines designed to maximize the profitability and success of the program and its members.

For more information, see the BEN Rules & Commitment Form or contact the Chamber at tony.vedda@LGBTQChamber.com.

Business Exchange Network FAQ

Q. How many BEN Groups are there?

A. We currently have four BEN Groups.

Q, Are more BEN Groups planned?

A. When the number of Members on the BEN Registration/Wait List allows, additional BEN groups will be created.

Q. When do the BEN Groups meet?

A. BEN Cedar Springs: Second & Fourth Thursdays (9:30 AM - 11:00 AM) [BEN III]

A. BEN Oak Lawn: First & Third Tuesdays (11:30 AM - 1:00 PM) [BEN I]

A. BEN North Dallas: First & Third Wednesdays (11:30 AM - 1:00 PM) [BEN II]

A. BEN Plano: Second & Fourth Thursdays (11:30 AM - 1:00 PM) [BEN Plano]

Q. Where do the BEN Groups meet?

A. BEN Cedar Springs meets at Street's Fine Chicken on Cedar Springs.

A. BEN Oak Lawn meets at The Landmark at the Warwick Melrose Hotel on Oak Lawn.

A. BEN North Dallas meets at Sidecar Social on Belt Line Road in Addison.

A. BEN Legacy Shops meets at Del Frisco's Grille at The Shops at Legacy in Plano.

Q. Do the BEN Groups meet year-round?

A. Sort of. BEN Groups meet in two semesters per year. The first semester is January through May, the second semester is July through November.

Q. Is there a fee to be in a BEN Group?

A. Yes. The BEN participation fee varies from $275 to $375 per semester, depending on the groups. The BEN fee includes meeting materials as well as lunch/breakfast and parking.

Q. Are there special requirements to be in a BEN Group?

A. BEN members must all be members in good standing of the North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce. For additional information, see the Business Exchange Network Rules and Commitment Form.

Download the BEN Rules.

Business Exchange Network Registration/Wait List

Please complete the BEN Registration Form below; click 'Submit Registration' when complete. Registrations are recorded in the order in which they are received. You will be notified of your BEN placement as soon as possible.

Please Note: Only Chamber Members in good standing may register for the BEN Program. Non-member registrations will be deleted.

Join the BEN Wait List

Click the button adjacent button to be added to the BEN Wait List?

For more information, contact Tony Vedda at 214-865-6516 or tony.vedda@lgbtqchamber.com.

Brewing Up Business

Brewing Up Business is a morning networking event designed to kick start your morning and your business in a short, one hour session. Attendees each have an opportunity to give a "30-second commercial" or elevator speech, followed by a sponsor presentation and open networking. It's fun, it's fast, and you even get a muffin.

Brewing Up Business is where hot coffee and new business come to meet!

Brewing Up Business Sponsor Info

Brewing Up Business is the networking event designed to kick start your morning and your business. Members will each have an opportunity to give their 30-second commercial/ elevator speech, exchange business cards and create new business relationships. As a Brewing Up Business sponsor, you will receive the following benefits:

- Business logo in event calendar item (w/ hyperlink to member page)

- Business logo in email marketing (w/hyperlink to event)

- 10-Minute presentation at Brewing Up Business

- List of attendees (post-event)

- Sponsored email to Chamber Members*

What a deal! Brewing Up Business Sponsorship is only $100.

In most months, there are three different Brewing Up Business locations:

In Dallas, on the first Thursday of each month at Crickles & Co. on Throckmorton and Cedar Springs Road.

In Fort Worth, on the third Wednesday of each month at Casa Azul Coffee on West Central Avenue.

In Plano, on the second Tuesday of each month at FIZZ on Dallas Parkway.

To become a sponsor, complete the form below and indicate the month you would like to be our Brewing Up Business Sponsor.

The Fine Print: Sponsor fees will be billed and are due upon confirmation. Failure to pay sponsorship fees may result in loss of sponsorship. Sponsorship fees are non-refundable.

* Specifications for HTML email will be provided. Graphic design is the responsibility of the sponsor. Sponsored email must be scheduled to occur the month of, or the month before, your Brewing Up Business sponsored month.

BUB Sponsor Interest Form

Pride Happy Hour

The Best Community Networking in North Texas!

Pride Happy Hour is held on the third Wednesday of each month at various locations. With 40 and 60 guests in attendance, Pride Happy Hour is a fun, relaxed, and safe environment where LGBT and allied professionals can network and enjoy each other's company.

Pride Happy Hour Host Interest Form