Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1980 as the Camelback Business Association. There was a need for LGBTQ+ business owners and operators to gather, support and encourage each other. This need was felt across the country, but Phoenix was one of the first LGBTQ+ business organizations to form. In the year 2001, the organization came out of the closet and renamed itself the Greater Phoenix Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Then in 2020, we saw a need to become more inclusive of the entire community and changed our name again, to the Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce. We are made up of thriving LGBTQ+ and allied businesses that understand our community is stronger when we empower everyone. 

GPECC promotes an equitable business community by supporting the interests of the LGBTQ+ businesses in the Greater Phoenix area.  We accomplish this by fostering business growth, visibility, connections, and professional development opportunities. This is the backbone of who we are and what we do with every gathering, panel, and partnership. We want to be a place where all are welcomed for conversations on business and community. 

What is your 2023 focus?

Our focus for 2023 is expanded programing and encouraging more LGBTQ+ business owners to get certified thru the NGLCC. This expanded programming will include all aspects of our community, such as Trans Pitch Nights, Queer gatherings and LGBTQ+ small-business Saturdays. 

We also aim to highlight how a membership with GPECC will cover the cost for the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s LGBTQE business certification. This certification allows businesses to be included on a national supplier list for those companies that recognize the need to diversify their suppliers and networks.

What are the top benefits of membership and/or participation?

The top benefits of membership and participation are not only the access to the NGLCC Certification free of charge, but also the amazing professional development opportunities, community building and ability to reach the LGBTQ businesses directly. 

The LGBTQ business community is always going to be stronger together and have more political leverage when we are standing as one. This can be accomplished through the Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce. We will only support politicians and legislation that support us and recognize our humanity. We will only support businesses and organizations that are open for all Arizonans.