Middleton Calls for Expanding Business Services to LGBTQ+ Community

Adding LGBTQ+ to Minority-Owned Business Category is Essential

Charleston, SC – As we close out Charleston Pride Week, currently within the Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M&WBE) Office in the City of Charleston, a minority-owned business does not include LGBTQ+ small business owners. This does not meet the federal standard of what a Minority-Owned Business is. LGBTQ+ businesses aren’t extended the same protections as traditional minorities. While barriers to equality commonly refer to workplace discrimination or marriage, what hasn’t been addressed is sustainable economic strength – building generational wealth.

This excludes members of the LGBTQ+ community who own small businesses from certain benefits including preferential zoning, contracting opportunities, business growth and expansion, resources related to business start-ups, M&WBE certifications, guidance and counseling on management skills and operational effectiveness, local skills-based training opportunities, and additional capital through the City’s business database.

Charleston Mayoral candidate Clay Middleton said, “As Mayor, I would commit to adding “LGBTQ+” as a qualifying Minority-Owned Business in Charleston. The United States Small Business Administration does federally recognize LGBTQ+ Americans in their definition of a “minority-owned business owner.” As corporate America becomes more inclusive and further diversifies its supply chain, we must expand our certification opportunities to include this segment of our community. This is how you show your values and go beyond a proclamation and a commemoration.”

"As we continue to advance supplier diversity in both the public and private sectors, it is important to ensure that no diverse group is left out. According to a recent study conducted by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, LGBT-owned businesses contribute over $1.7 trillion dollars to the U.S. Economy, create over 33,000 jobs, and average over $2 million dollars in annual revenue. This is a true economic impact and should be celebrated and embraced within all procurement processes." said Ciara Lily, Vice President, Corporate Relations/Supplier Diversity of Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CLGBTCC).

For more information on Middleton’s race to become Charleston’s next Mayor, visit www.claymiddleton.com.

For more information on Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce, visit www.clgbtcc.org.

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Clay Middleton is a native Charlestonian who has dedicated his life to public service. A graduate of The Citadel, he is currently a Lieutenant Colonel serving as a Battalion Commander in the South Carolina Army National Guard. He served as Director of Business Services for the city of Charleston, where he led the Business & Neighborhood Services division. Previously, he served in the Obama administration and longtime aide to Congressman Jim Clyburn.