Chamber Connection
August 2023
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For many of us the transition from summer to fall marks the return to structure and routine — back to school, back to work — after a more flexible schedule during the warmer months. Hopefully you have found time for rest and relaxation and find yourself feeling refreshed and motivated for what comes next. I know I am!
Fall and winter offer exciting programming and events here at the Chamber, including an LGBTQ+ job fair at Northeastern, our corporate roundtable series, the end-of-year pitch competition, and ongoing corporate LGBTQ+ inclusion trainings. Stay tuned for more details about these opportunities in coming editions of this newsletter.
I am looking forward to ending out the year with momentum!
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Proudly,
Grace R. Moreno
Executive Director
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SERVING PRIDE: A CELEBRATORY HAPPY HOUR FOR LGBTQ+ GRUBHUB GRANT RECIPIENTS
Twelve Massachusetts-based, LGBTQ-owned businesses recently received community impact grants from the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). The businesses, Kohi Coffee Company in Provincetown, Salvatore’s in Lawrence, Majestic Saloon in Northampton, Momma’s Grocery + Wine in Cambridge, Ritcey East in Watertown, Strong Style Coffee, Inc., in Fitchburg, French Press Bakery & Cafe in Needham, Soleil Restaurant in Dorchester, Yolqueria & Mezzeterranean in Provincetown, Bela Vegetarian Restaurant in Northampton, Strangers and Saints in Provincetown, and Egg & Company, LLC in Hadley, each received grants of $5,000 or $10,000.
Many of the grant recipients are members of the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and we celebrated them on August 2 at a happy hour event at French Press Bakery & Cafe.
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“LGBTQ-Owned businesses are an important piece of our Commonwealth’s economy and so this support not only helps each of the businesses receiving grants but also supports the communities they are a part of,” said Grace Moreno, MALGBTCC Executive Director. “The LGBTQ community faces many barriers to creating small businesses and so we have a clear mandate to remove those barriers and find the resources to allow them to thrive. That is what our Chamber is all about.”
The NGLCC Community Impact Grant Program, supported by the Grubhub Community Fund, annually provides financial support to businesses with grants up to $25,000. The program specifically supports LGBTQ+-owned and allied restaurants, cafes, bars serving food, and other eating establishments.
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
FAST FORWARD LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Human Resource Business Partner
The future of the workplace is changing, and so are the tools to support it. If you do not need a full-time Human Resources Director but your business would benefit from HR expertise, Fast Forward Learning and Development is here for you.
Fast Forward provides Human Resources policy and procedure development, compliance guidance, employee handbook creation, and consulting services.
Visit fastforwardlearn.com or connect directly with Myra Quick at mquick@fastforwardlearn.com to learn how Fast Forward can make a difference for your employees!
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PLANNING WITH A SCORPIO
A Cat-Obsessed Sticker & Stationery Shop
Planning with a Scorpio is a queer- and Puerto Rican-owned stationery shop based in Revere, MA.
Planning with a Scorpio's designs are drawn and digitized in house, inspired by the feline antics of the business owners' real-life cat, Rye.
Planning with a Scorpio brings whimsy, sass, and fun to everyday items such as greeting cards, waterproof stickers, sticker sheets, pin badges, keychains, bookmarks, post cards, pencil pouches and more!
Reach out to Rachel Gaudet, artist and owner, with questions or visit the online store at planningwithascorpio.com (there's a code for 20% off your order!)
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THE TINY ACTIVIST
Consulting, Sensitivity Readings & Booklist Curation
As a former classroom teacher, Corrie Locke-Hardy — The Tiny Activist — offers tools and resources for teachers, librarians, parents, and caregivers interested in discovering and implementing diverse literature and social justice ethics and approaches into classrooms, libraries, and homes.
The Tiny Activist runs workshops, offers personalized consulting projects, and creates anti-bias and anti-racist (ABAR) curriculum. They work tangentially with the publishing industry to review books and plan marketing campaigns as well.
For more information, visit thetinyactivist.com or connect with Corrie directly at lockehardy@thetinyactivist.com.
Certified LGBTBE®
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ZENAGOS
Affordable Small Business Consulting
Founded by four entrepreneurs (and good friends), each of whom has launched multiple businesses, Zenagos provides affordable, real-time business insights to small business owners.
The Zenagos team can help you find more customers, close more deals, improve hiring and retention, and put you on the path to creating your dream business. They will work with you to solve specific business challenges or address broader issues such as scaling, business model changes, or an exit.
Areas of expertise include growth and scale, hiring and retention, and financial acceleration.
Sound interesting? Schedule a free consultation with a Zenagos Expert at zenagos.com.
Certified LGBTBE®
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KESTROP STUDIO
Graphic Design & Illustration
Kestrop Studio is both a shop to find friendly creatures on different stationery products to take home to your own den, as well as a graphic design and illustration studio, where one friendly creature (Kate Estrop) can help you solve problems and tell stories.
Kestrop Studio's work features backyard animals, punny fruits and veggies, and adorable bugs and spiders on inclusive greeting cards, stickers, buttons, and more. They have a shop on Etsy, and those local to the area can find their work at Paper & Clay in Melrose. Kate also tables at markets and popups around the New England area.
As a freelance graphic designer and illustrator, Kate is inspired by nature, especially the easily overlooked or 'boring' parts, and they always look to use their skills for the greater good.
Send a message to Kate at kateestrop@gmail.com or visit kateestrop.com to learn more.
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LGBTQ+ Job Fair
October 30 • 3–6 PM
Northeastern University
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The Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us at our next LGBTQ+ Job Fair at Northeastern University's Curry Student Center Ballroom and Indoor Quad. This event is free to attend and will be open to the public.
Folks of all identities who are interested in pursuing inclusive workplaces are welcome at this event.
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Share an event with the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce network! Email info@malgbtcc.org with the details. | | | | | |
