FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

There are four requirements for all members:

• Be a legally formed business
• Support the Chamber's Mission
• Adhere to the Chamber's Standards of Business Conduct & Ethics
• Pay annual dues or subscription dues investment

You do not have to identify as GLBT to join the Chamber. The only requirements to join are the four requirements mentioned above.

Your Chamber benefits begin as soon as you join. Various benefits include business growth opportunities, events (including joint events with other groups), networking, new membership recognition, e-mail alerts, advertising/sponsorship, volunteer/committee opportunities to name a few examples. Benefits vary by membership level.

Learn more by visiting the Membership Levels & Benefits page or contact us at info@GLBTChamber.com or call 214-821-GLBT (4528).

Fees paid to the North Texas GLBT Chamber of Commerce are not tax deductible as a charitable contribution. While the Chamber is a nonprofit organization, our tax exemption is as a 501(c)(6) organization, which is not charitable. Your membership fees may be considered an ordinary and necessary business expense. Please consult with your tax advisor.

The North Texas GLBT Chamber of Commerce has various membership levels and advertising opportunities. Please email us at info@GLBTChamber.com or call 214-821-GLBT (4528) to discuss advertising opportunities through the Chamber.

All members of the North Texas GLBT Chamber of Commerce receive an online directory listing as one of their member benefits. Our search engine optimized directory is a great way to market your business.

In addition, members may post Hot Deals, special discount offers, to Members or the general public. It's included in your membership.

The North Texas GLBT Chamber of Commerce and the NGLCC are two independent organizations.

The North Texas GLBT Chamber of Commerce is a member of the NGLCC, as such, our Chamber is an NGLCC Local Affiliate Chamber. Because of our relationship with the NGLCC, the North Texas GLBT Chamber of Commerce is the area's exclusive provider of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce LGBT business certification program. The NGLCC's GLBT Business Enterprise (GLBTBE®) certification verifies that eligible businesses are majority-owned by GLBT individuals, and subsequently grants GLBTBE® designation to such businesses as part of its GLBT Supplier Diversity Initiative.

No. A business does not have to be 51% GLBT owned to join the Chamber. In fact, a business does not have to have any amount of GLBT ownership to become a member. We encourage GLBT and GLBT-allied businesses to become a member of the Chamber.

The 51% rule only applies to those members wishing to become LGBTBE® certified.

Does your business meet the following criteria:

• • Majority (at least 51%) owned, operated, managed, and controlled by an LGBT person or persons who are either U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents

• • Exercises independence from any non-LGBT business enterprise

• • Has its principal place of business (headquarters) in the United States

• • Has been formed as a legal entity in the United States

Did you answer yes to all of the questions above? If so, the first step towards LGBTBE® certification is to become a member of the North Texas GLBT Chamber of Commerce. Through the Chamber's affiliate partnership with the NGLCC, members that apply for the LGBTBE certification are eligible to have their application/certification fee waived. Your second step is to formally apply for the LGBTBE certification through the NGLCC.

Learn more about the application process at our LGBTBE certification information page.

No! This is one reason we encourage you to join the North Texas GLBT Chamber prior to applying for your LGBTBE® certification through the NGLCC. In fact, because of our relationship with the NGLCC, our members have opportunities to receive scholarships, mentoring, and conference discounts the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) without having to pay additional dues. Qualified members of the North Texas GLBT Chamber of Commerce are eligible to have the LGBTBE certification fee waived just by being a member.

No. The North Texas GLBT Chamber of Commerce does not provide its membership list. However, we do have vehicles that allow our members to communicate with each other.

Yes. The Chamber's Standards of Business Conduct & Ethics.

Of course! The Chamber has members and strategic partners whose expertise is focused on supporting entrepreneurs and/or small business owners. We provide education, access to capital, certification opportunities, supplier diversity networking and a myriad of other activities to support individuals in the creation of their businesses.

The Chamber is continually focused on offering diverse programming for our Members. If you have a program proposal, please contact us at info@GLBTChamber.com or 214-821-GLBT (4528).

Absolutely…we allow you to decide if you want your membership available in our online directory.

A chamber of commerce is different from the Better Business Bureau. However, if you believe a member of the Chamber has violated the Chamber's Standards of Business Conduct & Ethics you may contact the Chamber to file a complaint. However, the Chamber is under no obligation to take any action other than to forward the complaint to the member.

Unlike chambers of the past, the North Texas GLBT Chamber of Commerce does not hold meetings simply to hold a meeting. We offer a variety of business networking/growth opportunities and educational programs. Check the online calendar for the program or event to fits your needs.