Building a more inclusive, prosperous Michigan has always been at the heart of our mission. When we founded the Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce, we saw the incredible potential of our local LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and professionals. Today, I am proud to share that we are taking that vision statewide as the Michigan Pride Chamber of Commerce.
Our vision has always been bigger than a single region. Every LGBTQ+ entrepreneur, professional, and business owner deserves to know there is an organization advocating for them, connecting them to opportunity, and helping them grow. We are not waiting for someone else to solve these challenges—we are investing in Michigan by building stronger businesses, stronger leaders, and stronger communities. When our businesses succeed, our communities thrive.
This expansion is about more than just a name change; it is a commitment to ensuring that anyone, anywhere in our state, has access to the resources they need to succeed. Over the past year, we’ve seen incredible momentum, from hosting the first-ever LGBTQ+ Reception during the Mackinac Policy Conference to graduating dozens of entrepreneurs through our Queer Equity Impact Program. Now, we are bringing that same focus on advocacy, education, corporate partnerships, and leadership development to every corner of Michigan.
It is important to emphasize that we are not here to replace or replicate the incredible work already happening throughout our state. We know that across Michigan, there are remarkable leaders, advocates, Pride organizations, and community partners who have been showing up for years. Our role is to listen first, build relationships, and ask how we can help amplify what already exists. We want to bring additional resources, statewide advocacy, corporate connections, and business opportunities that help local leaders grow their own impact. If we are successful, people won’t feel like something new was built for them—they’ll feel like the work they’ve been doing finally has another partner standing beside them.
As we begin this next chapter, we are making three core commitments to our members across Michigan:
- Advocating for our community: We will continue strengthening relationships with state legislators, economic development organizations, and corporate partners to ensure LGBTQ+ businesses have a seat at the table in conversations that shape Michigan’s economy.
- Helping businesses scale: Through mentorship, certification support, and access to capital, we will continue helping businesses move from startup to sustainable growth.
- Building community: We are launching a statewide listening tour to connect with local Pride organizations and community leaders, ensuring we can provide support that meets the unique needs of every region.
For our existing members, this expansion signifies a deeper investment in your growth through broader statewide connections and increased advocacy power, while for future members, it opens the door to a robust, inclusive network dedicated to providing the resources, mentorship, and opportunities necessary to thrive anywhere in Michigan. Whether you have been with us since the beginning or are just starting your journey, this new chapter ensures that you are part of a larger, more powerful ecosystem committed to your business’s success and our collective prosperity.
Whether you are launching your first business, growing an established company, or looking to connect with a statewide network of leaders, we are here as your partner. I invite you to join us on this journey as we work to build an economy where talent is welcomed, innovation is encouraged, and every community has the opportunity to prosper.
