ABOUT US
Europe's leading advocacy network for LGBTIQ businesses
We promote inclusive sourcing across Europe by connecting corporate procurement teams with LGBTIQ businesses. Working closely with our Chamber Network, we activate visibility and growth opportunities for LGBTIQ entrepreneurs.
WHAT WE STAND FOR
Mission
Making inclusive procurement a standard across Europe
Enabling growth and capacity-building opportunities for LGBTIQ entrepreneurs
Increasing the visibility of LGBTIQ businesses in the European economy
Advancing the economic and social acceptance of LGBTIQ people as equal participants in the European business environment
Advocating for inclusion as a core value grounded in a strong economic rationale at the European and national levels
Vision
“We believe that a crucial way to achieve a change in mindset and reduce homophobic behavior and bigotry lies in encouraging and strengthening the European LGBTIQ business community. This unique opportunity will create a generation of successful LGBTIQ entrepreneurs who become visible, powerful role models in the communities where they live and work.”
— EGLCC Vienna Declaration, August 2020, signed by all co founding networks.
GET TO KNOW THE EGLCC CHAMBER NETWORK
Regions United Under One European Network
What sets EGLCC apart is its network of local and regional chambers across Europe. Together, they form the backbone of the organisation and support LGBTIQ businesses in their local markets. This structure allows us to respond to local needs while creating impact at a European level.
WHAT WE DO
Our Impact
European Chambers
Regional presence spanning Southern, Northern, Central, and Eastern Europe.
Businesses
Featured in the EGLCC Business Database across multiple industries.
Events
Hosted across the EGLCC Chamber Network.
Brussels Advocacy
Institutional engagement with EU policymakers and stakeholders since 2023.
EU Policy Engagement
Participation in public hearings on the “Union of Equality: LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2026–2030”.
Academic Partnerships
Collaboration with leading European universities, including IE University.
MEDIA
EGLCC As Seen On
Reuters Events Sustainable Business
Black Women Entrepreneurs Hit Hard As U.S. Companies Axing Diversity Programs
Hospodářské noviny (Economic News)
Successful Banker and Gay: He Had No Role Model Growing Up, Now He Is One Himself
Our Story
2019
Origins & Growth
The EGLCC was founded in June 2019 by three LGBTIQ business chambers:
- SGLCC (Scandinavian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce)
- IGLBC (Italian GLBT Business Chamber) now EDGE, LGBTQIA+ Leaders for Change
- East meets West (Vienna-based initiative focused on Central & Eastern Europe)
In July 2019, the German LGBTIQ Business Chamber (GGLBC) joined the network.
2020
Vienna Declaration
In August 2020, the founding members signed the Vienna Declaration on LGBTI Businesses, defining the core principles of EGLCC. This step solidified EGLCC’s mission and vision as a Europe-wide advocacy network for LGBTIQ businesses.
2023–2025
Advocacy & Certification
Since 2023, EGLCC has conducted regular institutional visits to Brussels, actively engaging with EU institutions and stakeholders to advocate for the inclusion of LGBTIQ businesses in the European economy.
In August 2025, EGLCC made history by launching the first unified certification standard for LGBTIQ-owned, -controlled, and -managed businesses across continental Europe: the EGLCC® European LGBTIQ Business Certification.
Growth & Expansion
In the following years, the EGLCC Chamber Network expanded into a pan-European ecosystem with:
- SGLCC (Scandinavian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce)
- IGLBC (Italian GLBT Business Chamber) now EDGE, LGBTQIA+ Leaders for Change
- East meets West (Vienna-based initiative focused on Central & Eastern Europe)
Founding Partners
Johnson & Johnson
There’s power in belonging. At Johnson & Johnson, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) have been key to our business success since our founding over 130 years ago.
We know that bringing our diverse backgrounds, cultures and perspectives together drives innovation to solve today’s complex health problems.
Unilever
At Unilever, we’re committed to contributing towards a more inclusive culture where everyone, without exception, feels able to be their complete and authentic self.
We believe everyone, irrespective of race, ability, gender, or sexual orientation, should be able to thrive every day.
Accenture
Accenture believes inclusive procurement creates long-term value for our clients and our communities while helping us leverage our buying power for good.
At the same time, we hope that these responsible business practices help our suppliers grow their businesses and influence in their own markets, contributing to our collective shared success.
DOW
At Dow, we believe in putting people first. Our people are using their unique perspectives and backgrounds to find new ways to solve challenges and exceed customer expectations in an environment of inclusion, diversity and integrity.
MSD
MSD recognize that economic inclusion creates a competitive advantage for our company and positively impacts the global community.
Enabling small businesses to share and grow in the global market will allow us to compete more effectively.
Corporate Partners
Read more about some of our Corporate Partners
Barilla
Barilla has grown from being a family business founded by Pietro Barilla, who opened a bakery in Parma, Italy in 1877, to a company chaired by Pietro’s great-grandsons Guido, Luca and Paolo Barilla employing a diverse range of over 8,000 employees around the globe. Drawing on the skills and commitment of this workforce, Barilla has become one of the world’s most esteemed food companies and is recognized worldwide for its high-quality food products. With its brands – Barilla, Mulino Bianco, Pan di Stelle, Gran Cereale, Harrys, Pavesi, Wasa, Filiz, Yemina and Vesta, Misko, Voiello and Cucina Barilla – it creates joyful and wholesome food, inspired by the Mediterranean Diet and the Italian lifestyle. When Pietro opened his store more than 140 years ago, his ultimate goal was to make good food. Today, that principle has become Barilla’s way of doing business: “Good for You, Good for the Planet,” a motto that expresses its value base and passion. “Good for You” means constantly improving the product and encouraging the adoption of healthy lifestyles in all its different forms. “Good for the Planet” means promoting sustainable supply chains and reducing CO2 emissions and water consumption. Today Barilla is proud to work in partnership with the EGLCC in line with its commitment to promoting food that’s good for us all and good for the planet.
JLL
We’re a world leader in real estate services, powered by an entrepreneurial spirit. We buy, build, occupy and invest in a variety of assets including industrial, commercial, retail, residential and hotel real estate. From tech startups to global firms, our clients span industries including banking, energy, healthcare, law, life sciences, manufacturing and technology.
Sony Pictures
Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. (Sony Pictures) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment, Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. Sony Pictures’ global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. We seek to increase our engagement with diverse-owned businesses. We value contributions from a robust, inclusive and well-rounded supplier network.
Yara
Yara grows knowledge to responsibly feed the world and protect the planet. Supporting our vision of a world without hunger and a planet respected, we pursue a strategy of sustainable value growth, promoting climate-friendly crop nutrition and zero-emission energy solutions. Yara’s ambition is focused on growing a nature-positive food future that creates value for our customers, shareholders, and society at large and delivers a more sustainable food value chain.
To achieve our ambition, we have taken the lead in developing digital farming tools for precision farming, and work closely with partners throughout the food value chain to improve the efficiency and sustainability of food production. Through our focus on clean ammonia production, we aim to enable the hydrogen economy, driving a green transition of shipping, fertilizer production, and other energy-intensive industries.
Founded in 1905 to solve the emerging famine in Europe, Yara has established a unique position as the industry’s only global crop nutrition company. We operate an integrated business model with around 17,000 employees and operations in over 60 countries, with a proven track record of strong returns. In 2021, Yara reported revenues of USD 16.6 billion.
Sanofi
Sanofi’s inclusive procurement strategy promotes supplier diversity by partnering with businesses owned by underrepresented groups. Through global initiatives, Sanofi fosters economic empowerment, equity, and innovation across its supply chain, aligning with its commitment to social impact and responsible sourcing.
Friends & Allies
Advocating Partners
Schedule a Consultation
Discuss how EGLCC can support your specific diversity and inclusion goals.
Book an introductory 30-minute consultation with Pavel Subrt, Head of Supplier Inclusion.