LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce organizes a launch in Dubuque

Dubuque, Iowa – Dubuque business owners had the opportunity to meet with representatives of the Iowa LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce on Thursday night.

The non-profit organization is state-wide and a member of a national LGBTQ group. The objective is to give Iowan firms access to national and state networks as well as educational opportunities. Since its founding in 2023, the Iowa Chamber has grown to include about 100 members statewide.

It’s a fantastic chance for small businesses to network and share knowledge, according to Chamber Chairman Dan Jansen. “[You] have all different types of elements and activities that maybe you don’t have a lot of knowledge of, so having a network where you can talk to other similar business owners to see what solutions they provide to see what they’re doing, that really helps with the education part,” says Jansen.

According to Jansen, it’s also a means of highlighting the financial contributions that LBGTQ Iowans are making. “We are aware that the US economy benefits nationally from LGBTQ-owned firms to the tune of roughly $1.7 trillion. We can now ascertain the economic contribution of LGBTQ-owned companies in Iowa,” adds Jansen.

By the end of the year, the chamber wants to have doubled to 200 members. It is still touring Iowa, holding local launch events, and meeting with small business owners all over the state. More details regarding its upcoming meeting are available here.