LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs starting businesses in record numbers

Some 10% of entrepreneurs who started their own es last year identified as LGBTQ, according to Gusto

Economy, according to the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce

Small owners have found support amid DEI backlashLiz Whalen co-owns Rebel Rebel, a hair salon in Libertyville, Ill

That caters to LGTBQ+ clients

Courtesy: Lissete BriggsIn the face of the anti-diversity, equity and inclusion environment, LBGTQ+ small owners have remained resilient — and are actually starting es in record numbers

Some 10% of entrepreneurs who started their own es last year identified as LGBTQ — a "milestone" and a 50% increase from 2023, according to a recent survey from small software company Gusto

That brings the LGBTQ entrepreneurship representation in line with the general population, the company said. "For too long, LGBTQ entrepreneurs have faced barriers to capital, visibility, and opportunity," Nich Tremper, Gusto's senior economist, said in an. "Reaching parity in creation shows that more LGBTQ people are not only stepping into entrepreneurship, but doing so on their own terms — building companies rooted in care, autonomy, and community. " a third of LGBTQ entrepreneurs said they started a so they can be a positive influence on their community

For 38-year-old Lissete Briggs, who goes by Liz Whalen, opening up her hair salon Rebel Rebel in Libertyville, Illinois, was a way to give a safe space to her clients

The salon they worked for at the time was very conservative, Whalen said. "I have a lot of gender queer, non-binary and trans clients, and they definitely did not feel comfortable there, so it was not a good fit for me," she explained. "We wanted a more inclusive space. "Whalen isn't feeling any of the effects of the backlash against DEI and only feels support from her clients and her community, including a local LGBTQ+ center. "They support us

We support them," Whalen said. "It's really a beautiful thing to see everybody kind of come together and support our little. "Economic impact of $1. 7 trillionJonathan Lovitz, senior vice president of campaigns and communications at the Human Rights Campaign, said that is emblemantic of the community across the board in the face of any anti-DEI efforts or cuts to small funding

President Donald Trump has signed executive orders targeting DEI grams in both and the public sector

The administration has also posed cuts to the Small Administration. "LGBT owners are extraordinarily resilient," Lovitz said

The average American small goes under around the five-year mark, but those that are certified LBGTQ+ are, on average, 12 years or older, he noted. "They're already good at sticking it out through the tough times," Lovitz added. "The pendulum swings back and forth on government and corporate support, but these companies are thriving because they're great companies. "In fact, LBGTQ-owned es contribute $1. 7 trillion to the United States economy, according to the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce

Being your own bossDanielle Stinger is the owner of Dandi Cleaning & Organizing in Atlanta

Courtesy: Danielle StingerDanielle Stinger, who owns Dandi Cleaning & Organizing in Atlanta, is one of those es

Stinger, who is 37 years old and also considers herself pansexual, started her in 2022, after doing it as a side hustle for years. "In the political environment that we are in, especially with the last election,

I have lost clients because of my choice in the LGBT community and good riddance," said Stringer, who is currently in a relationship with a man after an 8-year relationship with a woman

However, she's also found a lot of support. "The great thing being your own owner is that you're allowed to choose — you get to choose who you work with and who you don't work with," she said

Gusto's Tremper said that is a benefit that many in the community ly crave. "LGBTQ founders were 30% more ly than non-LGBTQ founders to say that they started their in order to be their own boss," he said. "This could signal a desire for more autonomy, but for traditionally marginalized groups it's also possible that they're starting a to avoid discrimination — either overt or more subtle — in the traditional workplace. "Don’t miss these insights from CNBC Bank of America says buy these five stocks that are set to rally in the second halfStay away from these two big U

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