Golden Gate Business Association

We’re looking forward to 2025! Thanks@alexlahmeyer

The Golden Gate Business Association is thrilled to announce that two of our members have been awarded the prestigious 2024 Grubhub Community Impact Grant. This recognition highlights the outstanding contributions our members make to their communities and the meaningful difference they create through their businesses. Congratulations to our members La Mediterranee (San Francisco, CA) and Koolfi Creamery (San Leandro, CA). The Grubhub Community Impact Grant, in partnership with the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), was established to support LGBTQ+-owned businesses that are driving change, fostering inclusion, and making a significant community impact. As part of this program, awardees will receive a 1-year membership to their local chamber, including the GGBA, to help them access resources and further their business growth. We are especially proud to note that GGBA members have a history of winning this prestigious award. These successes not only reflect the exceptional caliber of our members but also GGBA’s legacy as the world’s first LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce, supporting LGBTQ+ businesses for over 50 years. Thank you to Grubhub and the NGLCC for their commitment to empowering diverse entrepreneurs and supporting local communities. #NGLCCGrants #CommunityDevelopment #LGBTQBusiness #GGBA #LGBTQ #LGBTQCommunity Nancy Geenen MEd, JD, SHRM-SCP Tali Bray Lisa Orrell, CPC David W Aguilar Gina Grahame Aaron Boot-Haury Joshua Nair Imani Brown, MNA Stella Lim Hitesh Tolani

As 2024 draws to a close, we’re proud to report that we’ve helped more than 100 of our members achieve national certification as NGLCC LGBT Business Enterprises (LGBTBEs). Did you know that #GGBA shepherds applicants through the process, including support for completing forms and site visits. Through our partnership with the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), we offer our members the chance to gain this prestigious certification, which ensures their businesses are recognized and supported within powerful networks that open doors to new opportunities. Join the Golden Gate Business Association and we'll waive your LGBTBE certification fee! Ready to get certified? Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/d-SAKNTA #GGBA #LGBTQLeadership #GGBA50 #GoldenGateBusinessAssociation #LGBTQCommunity #LGBTQ #LGBTQCommunity #GetInvolved #LGBTBE #NGLCC Nancy Geenen MEd, JD, SHRM-SCP Tali Bray Lisa Orrell, CPC David W Aguilar Gina Grahame Aaron Boot-Haury Joshua Nair Imani Brown, MNA Stella Lim Hitesh Tolani

The #NBICUnityWeek2024, held in Washington, DC from November 10 to 12, was a highlight of our year. Thank you to everyone who joined for this unforgettable experience – your energy and passion made it all possible! #NBICUnityWeek #LGBTQBusiness #InclusiveEconomy #UnityInDiversity #NBIC #GGBA #LGBTQ #LGBTQCommunity Nancy Geenen MEd, JD, SHRM-SCP Tali Bray Lisa Orrell, CPC David W Aguilar Gina Grahame Aaron Boot-Haury Joshua Nair Imani Brown, MNA Stella Lim Hitesh Tolani

Great way to celebrate the holidays. Thank you to the GGBA Board: Aaron Boot-Haury, David W Aguilar, Gina Grahame, Hitesh Tolani, Imani Brown, MNA, Joshua Nair, Stella Lim, Tali Bray Thank you San Francisco Bay Times: Betty Sullivan and Jennifer Viegas

It’s a beautiful moment when community comes together to celebrate and support one another! We were thrilled  to see so many #GGBA members at the Toast to the Season holiday party! 🏳️🌈 ✨ A huge amount of appreciation for our co-hosts Betty Sullivan and Jennifer Viegas from San Francisco Bay Times. And sincere thanks to our sponsors! 💜 Aaron Boot-Haury, PNC , Nancy Geenen MEd, JD, SHRM-SCP, Flexability, Eric Maldonado, Redwood Financial. Wishing everyone a very happy holiday season and looking forward to a high-impact 2025! 💫

Sip & Pitch is a chance for LGBTQ+ business owners to informally present their business pitch to a panel of experts and fellow business owners for positive, constructive feedback and new ideas. The next National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) LGBTQ+ Sip & Pitch Fridays event is happening soon, so start planning your pitch. Date: January 31, 2025 Time: 1pm ET/10am PT Calling all LGBTQ+ business owners – join us for a fun, insightful event where you can network and learn from experts and fellow entrepreneurs. Want to pitch? Apply here 📲 https://lnkd.in/dv3G57Ha More info here 💻 nglcc.org/sipandpitch #LGBTQEntrepreneurs #SipAndPitch #NGLCC #Networking #SupportLGBTQBusiness #GGBA #LGBTQ

The GGBA board has been an all-volunteer working body since 1974. Each board member brings a unique perspective and a deep passion for the Bay Area and our LGBTQ+ business community. Learn more here 📲 https://lnkd.in/dUQxS_P4 #GGBA #LGBTQLeadership #Community #GetInvolved #GGBA50 #LGBTQHistory #GoldenGateBusinessAssociation #LGBTQCommunity #LGBTQ

The 6th Annual Elevate DEI & ESG featured a star studded and informative cast. Former WRMSDC president Cecil Plummer now, CEO of Fastr.ai kicked off the program with a presentations on the origins of Supplier Diversity highlighting President Nixon‘s 1969 circa executive orders. It was followed by a panel of our five local Supplier Diversity Council Presidents and leaders on the path forward. We showcased examples of the value of partnerships with corporates and certified diverse suppliers, underscoring the motivations, and impact featuring Cynithea (Nit) Reeder EY, Maurice Brewster, CEO Mosaic Global Transportation, Jeff Park Gilbane Building Company and Heman Chand, MBA, DBIA S+B James Construction. We featured two diverse founders Melissa Bamberg NodPod CEO and Alvin Stafford Think True Chief True Officer. Spotlighting the why behind their companies, illustrating their journey passion and expertise. Then we turned it over to Karina Harold, Bay Area Host Committee Chief Operating Officer for a panel on the NFL’s official Super Bowl LX Procurement Program with Belynda Gardner NFL, Myisha Boyce M.Y.S. Firm and Christina Jefferson of the San Francisco 49ers. Learn more about the procurement program here: https://buff.ly/3Zy0HFE We closed the program with a fireside chat from Renee La Londe of iTalent Digital and JPMorganChase Supplier Diversity and ESG lead Stephanie Lopez on the journey of adopting, implementing an effective and sustainable program. Sonu Ratra CEO of Akraya, Inc. recognized for Best Places to Work was our featured speaker on DEI sharing her passion for creating a pathway for bringing women back to work after a career break and. Sonu shared the impact ‘Women Back to Work’ initiative has made over the last 10 years and inspired us to create spaces for women to reach their full potential. Creating inclusive opportunities is a business imparative. National Veteran Business Development Council - NVBDC James A. Cardenas, Women's Business Enterprise Council Pacific (WBEC Pacific) Janice R. Greene, Ph.D. , Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council (WRMSDC), an affiliate of NMSDC Donna Ruff, Golden Gate Business Association Gina Grahame, USPAACC-West Deepti Kapur and Sandhya Mukkamala, CPA #Opportunities #SupplierDiversity #InclusiveProcurement #DiverseSuppliers #SupplierInclusion #MinorityOwnedBusiness #WomenOwnedBusiness #SmallBusinessSupport #ESG #SustainableBusiness #CorporateResponsibility #Sustainability #GreenBusiness #EthicalBusiness #ClimateAction #DEI #DiversityAndInclusion #EquityInAction #InclusiveWorkplace #Belonging #DiversityMatters #InclusionRevolution Photography by Shellee Fisher

Loving our new shared office space in Downtown Oakland 💗 Shoutout to Josh Chen for welcoming our team into your space! It’s great to be surrounded by fun and creative energy. Highly recommend Chen Designs for any brands looking to revamp or grow to the next level, check out their work at https://lnkd.in/gnXMgihn Another great connection made through the Golden Gate Business Association 🏳️🌈