“The digital economy is key for entrepreneurs to thrive and the Small Digital Business Alliance offers tools that will give businesses the resources they need to scale, grow and support their customers.”

HOUSTON, TX (November 1, 2022) – The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce a collaboration with the Small Business Digital Alliance (SBDA), which is a joint co-sponsorship between the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Business Forward, Inc., to further support the growth and success of LGBTQ+ and Allied businesses in the digital economy. Through this collaboration, the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce is officially recognized as one of the Local Allies of the SBDA with the goal to advance American entrepreneurship to all businesses and give them the tools to succeed.

The Small Business Digital Alliance’s Local Allies represent a growing cohort of regional and minority chambers, non-profits, incubators and accelerators, trade associations, business roundtable organizations, resource centers, community organizations, small business coaches, and more – all dedicated to their small business community’s success. Local Allies contribute tools and trainings, share the Alliance’s digital tool library with their networks, promote events, collaborate with national members, and provide guidance on how best to serve their communities.

“Since the Chamber launched, we have been committed to bringing as many resources as possible to help LGBTQ+ and Allied entrepreneurs succeed,” said Tammi Wallace, Co-Founder, President & CEO, Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “The digital economy is key for entrepreneurs to thrive and the Small Digital Business Alliance offers tools that will give businesses the resources they need to scale, grow and support their customers.”

“Since February, we’ve heard from small businesses and entrepreneurs how both access to digital tools and partnerships with local allies lead to long-term success,” said Liz Fairchild, Executive Director of Business Forward. “Today, we’re celebrating the SBDA’s local allies, which represent a growing cohort of regional and minority chambers, non-profits, incubators and accelerators, trade associations, business roundtable organizations, resource centers, community organizations, small business coaches, and more – all dedicated to their small business community’s success.”

The Small Business Digital Alliance (SBDA) published a comprehensive suite of free resources to help small businesses expand their customer base, manage their growth, find and retain talent, and enter new markets. The library will be updated monthly with new resources throughout the year. Resources include:

• Tools geared toward establishing a digital presence, reaching new markets, managing growth, finding and retaining talent, improving operations, expanding customer bases, and e-commerce
• Live workshops and curricula tailored to small businesses’ needs
• Development and support in accelerating online and social media strategies
• Trainings to assist in accessing and utilizing digital tools

To learn more about the SBDA and the digital tools library, visit www.smallbusinessdigitalalliance.com.

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ABOUT GREATER HOUSTON LGBT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce accelerates economic opportunity for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer + (LGBTQ+) business community through a strong network of business allies, innovative programs, strategic partnerships and advance policies that foster economic inclusion and equality. Learn more at www.houstonlgbtchamber.com.

ABOUT SBDA
The Small Business Digital Alliance (SBDA) is a joint co-sponsorship agreement between the SBA and Business Forward, Inc. that brings together major players, influencers, and companies in the tech, e-commerce, benefits, and other industries to help small businesses connect with digital tools and reach new customers through expanded opportunities through trainings, tools, and expansion of their digital networks – free of charge. To learn more, visit www.smallbusinessdigitalalliance.com.

ABOUT BUSINESS FORWARD
Business Forward, Inc. is a non-profit organization working with 250,000 local business leaders from across America who support innovative and market-based solutions to our country’s biggest challenges. With the help of Business Forward, business leaders have briefed more than 650 mayors, governors, members of Congress, and senior Administration officials on how to create jobs and accelerate our economy. Learn more at www.businessforward.org.

ABOUT THE U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.