State launches certification for LGBTQ-owned businesses

Washington state unveiled a free LGBTQ Business Enterprise certification program aimed at bolstering LGBTQ-owned businesses and facilitating their access to government contracts. Governor Bob Ferguson highlighted the importance of this initiative in demonstrating state support for the LGBTQ community. The Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) has been certifying minority- and women-owned businesses since 1983 and will now include LGBTQ businesses in its directory, enhancing their visibility. OMWBE plans to track state agency spending on LGBTQ-owned businesses beginning in 2026, setting aspirational spending goals. Certified businesses will benefit from free consultations and training to improve their capacity for public contracting.

Matt Landers, Washington State LGBTQ commissioner, expressed satisfaction at the program's implementation following years of advocacy. To qualify, businesses must be for-profit, licensed in Washington, and have at least 51% ownership by LGBTQ individuals. This initiative marks a significant step toward addressing economic disparities faced by the LGBTQ community in Washington state.