Celebrating pride: LGBT businesses help grow US economy, group says

<p>Reports shows LGBT-owned businesses are booming, not only in New York City, but across the country.&nbsp;</p>

News 12 Staff

Jun 9, 2017, 9:48 PM

Updated 2,506 days ago

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Reports shows LGBT-owned businesses are booming, not only in New York City, but across the country.
According to the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, LGBT-owned businesses put $1.7 trillion into the U.S. economy each year, with more than $1.4 million LGBT business owners.
Jonathan Lovitz, NGLCC’s senior vice president, says many LGBT entrepreneurs had to battle prejudice in the past while just trying to earn a living. He says that's changing in our country.
"We want to do everything we can to ensure they have every possible economic opportunity to get ahead," Lovitz says. "When they do, we grow jobs, we allow investments in our community, we open up more storefronts and expand neighbor opportunities."
Molly Lenore, founder and co-owner of Moey Inc., says she made a decision to be true to who she is when she started her own business.
"Basic premise of our company is everyone has a story to tell," Lenore says. "Many stories to tell, and so the LGBT is just one story and so being honest and open with people is really important."
Studies show three-quarters of LGBT customers have changed brands when a company has exhibited pro-LGBT support. 


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