Washington State Leads the Way with LGBTQ Business Certification Program
Washington State Leads the Way with LGBTQ Business Certification Program
OLYMPIA, August 8, 2025 — Governor Bob Ferguson and the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) have launched a groundbreaking LGBTQ Business Enterprise program—the first of its kind offered statewide. This certification is free, and it ensures inclusive access to public contracting opportunities for LGBTQ‑owned small businesses.
“It’s a particularly important moment to show our support as a state for the LGBTQ community,” said Governor Ferguson, emphasizing that Washington’s diverse business ecosystem deserves recognition and support.
Since 1983, OMWBE has certified minority‑ and women‑owned businesses for public procurement. Now, businesses under the LGBTQ Business Enterprise umbrella will be visible in the state’s certified business directory, giving state agencies, educational institutions, local governments, and prime contractors a direct path to working with them.
To push equity forward, state agencies will be incentivized—and increasingly held to spending targets—on contracts awarded to LGBTQ‑certified businesses, with tracking of this spending set to begin in 2026.
Lekha Fernandes, OMWBE Director, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with the Washington State LGBTQ Commission: “This certification allows us to build business solutions that truly improve equity in public spending.”
For a decade the community has advocated for this recognition. Matt Landers, State LGBTQ Commissioner, reflected, “We know that the LGBTQ+ community faces economic disparities, and this recognition—along with the ongoing work of many individuals and organizations—can help move the needle toward a fairer economy for all Washingtonians.”
Lisa Keating, Executive Director of the state’s LGBTQ Commission, added: “Reducing barriers within state government is a core tenet of the Commission. The LGBTQ+ Business Enterprise program is another example of Washington's commitment to improving lives for 2SLGBTQIA+ Washingtonians.”
Why This Matters for Cowlitz County Democrats & Our Community
Advance Economic Equity
This program isn’t just symbolic—it creates economic chutes for LGBTQ entrepreneurs, especially in places like Cowlitz County where visibility and procurement access can be significant barriers.Boost Local Inclusion
As LGBTQ business owners in our community step forward, this certification paves the way for broader participation in public projects. Leadership in equity begins at the local level.Build Momentum for Legislative Action
Tracking and incentivizing spending with LGBTQ‑owned businesses sets groundwork for future policy. It’s a clear signal that the state values inclusion not just in words, but in dollars.
How Businesses Can Get Certified
Be a for-profit small business licensed to operate in Washington state.
Be majority-owned (at least 51%) and daily-managed by LGBTQ individuals.
Meet OMWBE’s personal net worth threshold.
Apply through the OMWBE State Certification portal.
