From helping local businesses access resources and capital to providing scholarships for students and professionals, the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is working to strengthen Austin’s LGBTQ+ business community today while investing in its future.
Colton Ashabranner, VP of Marketing & Communications, joined We Are Austin’s Trevor Scott and Sierra Waggoner for their special Pride show to share more about the Chamber’s mission, its Education Fund and the celebrations bringing the community together during Austin Pride and beyond.
Colton Ashabranner, VP of Marketing & Communications, joined We Are Austin’s Trevor Scott and Sierra Waggoner for their special Pride show to share more about the Chamber’s mission, its Education Fund and the celebrations bringing the community together during Austin Pride and beyond.
Helping Austin Businesses Grow and Thrive
The Austin LGBT Chamber works with LGBTQ+ and allied businesses throughout the Greater Austin area, providing connections, resources and opportunities to grow.
“Our mission primarily is to serve as a connector, convener and a home for LGBTQ and allied businesses here in Greater Austin,” Ashabranner said.
The organization hosts more than 80 events each year, creating opportunities for business owners and professionals to build relationships.
Another major focus is helping businesses find funding when they’re ready to grow.
“One big way is providing access to capital,” Ashabranner said, pointing to banking partners, loan programs and partnerships with organizations including the City of Austin and Kiva.
Austin LGBT Chamber boosts queer-owned and ally businesses, and the next generation, too!
Scholarships Invest in the Future
The Chamber’s work also extends to the next generation through its Education Fund.
Supported by donations from members and community supporters, the fund provides scholarships to LGBTQ+ and allied students and professionals.
“We provide scholarships every year to LGBTQ and allied students and really just fund the future generation of the LGBTQ workforce here in Austin,” Ashabranner said.
Eligible applicants include high school seniors, current college students and business professionals seeking certification. Applications are expected to open this fall through the Austin LGBT Chamber’s website.
Recipients will be recognized in December during the Chamber’s annual Business of Pride Gala.
Austin LGBT Chamber boosts queer-owned and ally businesses, and the next generation, too!
Celebrating the Business of Pride
The December gala is one of the Chamber’s biggest celebrations of the year, recognizing businesses and individuals contributing to Austin’s LGBTQ+ community.
“It’s my favorite event of the year,” Ashabranner said. “Really just a celebration of everything that we do at the Chamber.”
The evening will include 10 business awards along with the presentation of the Education Fund scholarships.
Community members can also directly donate to the fund online, while a portion of proceeds from the upcoming Neon Rodeo at ACL Live will benefit the program.
Celebrating Austin Pride
The Chamber is also getting in on this weekend’s Austin Pride festivities with a Pride watch party at Speakeasy, presented in collaboration with community partners.
Tickets are $10, with DJ Koi providing music throughout the night.
For Ashabranner, events like these reflect what Pride is ultimately about.
“Pride to me means community,” he said. “It means love. It means celebration and just living life.”
The Chamber is also getting in on this weekend’s Austin Pride festivities with a Pride watch party at Speakeasy, presented in collaboration with community partners.
Visit the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce online to learn more about membership, the Education Fund, upcoming events and ways to support Austin’s LGBTQ+ business community.
Austin LGBT Chamber boosts queer-owned and ally businesses, and the next generation, too!