PITTSBURGH, PA (August 26, 2021) Representatives from the City of Pittsburgh will be joining the Three Rivers Business Alliance (3RBA) today to host the first Diversity Supplier Orientation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual Business Enterprises (LGBTBE) in partnership with the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA), Giant Eagle and the Small Business Administration (SBA).
The hybrid in-person and virtual orientation program will be held today, August 26, at 4:00 p.m. and feature procurement and business development representatives from the City, URA, SBA and Giant Eagle.
A city code change passed earlier this year now includes LGBTBEs among those recognized by the City’s Equal Opportunity Review Commission as diverse businesses. City code also recognizes Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE), Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) and Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSB).
“Thanks to the work of our Equal Opportunity Review Commission and Office of Equity to remove barriers and improve procurement processes, the City has increased the number of contracts awarded to MWBEs and invested over $32 million in the growth of these small businesses in 2020,” said Mayor William Peduto. “I am proud to support the addition of LGBTBEs to those recognized to contribute further towards to growth of our business sector. Pittsburgh’s economy only grows stronger when we uplift diverse businesses.”
All diverse businesses have access to procurement trainings as well as business development and support opportunities as the City of Pittsburgh is invested in creating a healthy, diverse, inclusive and thriving business environment for all.
“By continuing our partnership with the Three Rivers Business Alliance and the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, we hope to ensure that the greatest number of eligible business owners can qualify for recognition as LGBTQIA+ owned, and that other Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) have access to resources to help them grow and maintain their presence in Pittsburgh,” said City Councilperson Erika Strassburger. “This is a great opportunity for potential and current business owners to learn the assistance and opportunities that are available to them.”
“I am delighted to see progress on this much-needed recognition of LGBTBEs to help support a more diverse business community,” said City Councilman Bruce Kraus. "In Pittsburgh, our pride as a city is based in unity. This legislation brings us closer to creating a City that is welcoming for all, with a more unified vision for the future that we want to build.”
3RBA will be hosting a press conference at 4 p.m. prior to beginning the orientation. Registration is required and can be done online here.
