GSBA

As Women’s History Month wraps up, we’re taking a moment to celebrate someone who’s been an impactful part of our GSBA history — Laura C. As some folks may have heard, Laura is moving on from GSBA. Through her warmth, drive, and vision, she’s helped shape not just our organization, but the everyday experience of so many people and businesses on Capitol Hill She’s continually shown up for small business owners, for LGBTQ+ professionals, and for scholars trying to find their path. She brought new programs to life, created member activations that mattered, and helped redefine the neighborhood’s focus on safety. And while we’ll miss her dearly, we’re grateful that her work — especially around public safety and community care — will continue with Jen Carl stepping in to lead those efforts with heart and dedication. Thank you, Laura, for being a steady force, a thoughtful leader, and a true champion of community. You’ve helped carry forward the kind of women’s history that happens right here — in meetings, coffee shops, neighborhood events, and moments of entrepreneurial courage. GSBA and the full LGBTQ+ business community will be cheering you for your next life adventure. ??? #womenshistorymonth #gsba #capitolhillseattle #communityleadership #lgbtqbusiness #queerwomenlead #publicsafety #communitycare

What an incredible night coming together in community to honor and celebrate business, nonprofit and corporate leaders and change agents impacting the world in a positive way.

Big opportunities are coming to Seattle and your business needs to be ready! Join us May 22 at the returning GSBA Economic Development Conference to learn how to lead with influence, connect with decision-makers, and stand out as the city prepares for the FIFA World Cup 2026?. Meet the Keynote: Anthony Shop?? In a world full of AI and noise, people trust people. Anthony Shop —Co-Founder of?Social Driver?—will show you how to build a personal brand that cuts through noise and drives impact. Need even more reasons to attend? EDC is proud to host our annual LGBTBE Pitch Competition! Two standout entrepreneurs will win a Wells Fargo sponsored trip to the 2025 NGLCC Conference. Shoutout to last year's winners: ??Seeking Ferments??? Ashley Kay Smith??? ?? Amazon Arizona Building | Thursday, May 22 | $25 for GSBA members ($35 for non) bit.ly/gsbaedc25

The 2025 GSBA Member decals are out in the world—and we’re excited to see where yours ends up! This year’s updated design proudly features the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag, reflecting the full diversity of our LGBTQ+ community. We’ve also added a QR code that links directly to our member directory, making it easier than ever for folks to find and support GSBA businesses. Whether it’s on your storefront, laptop, or home office window, displaying your decal is a visible statement of your commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-building through business. ?? Already showing it off? Tag us and use #GSBAMember2025—we’d love to feature you! ?? Haven’t received yours or need an extra? Send us a DM and we’ll take care of it. #GSBACommunity #LGBTQBusiness #ProgressPride #InclusiveEconomy #EquityThroughCommerce #GSBAMember2025

?? Monday's are perfect for a Member Spotlight??????? Meet Pasado's Safe Haven! Located on 85 acres outside Monroe, Pasado’s is a sanctuary for over 200 rescued animals—and a powerful voice against animal cruelty. Filled with friends like: dogs, cats, goats, cows, and llamas, every resident at Pasado’s has a story of survival and a second chance. On Saturday, April 12, they’re opening their peaceful sanctuary for Trans Day of Sanctuary—a free, affirming day for trans individuals and their loved ones to rest, explore, and simply be. ??? 11AM–2PM | Free | Registration required Learn more about this beautiful event and the healing work Pasado’s does every day here: https://bit.ly/pasadosgsba #MemberSpotlight #PasadosSafeHaven #TransDayOfSanctuary #GSBAMembers #LGBTQEvents #AnimalSanctuary #QueerCommunity?

POV: You're all smiles after investing time in building your business. Whether you're planting the first seed of your business idea or ready to take things to the next level, GSBA’s Business Accelerator is designed to give you the knowledge, tools, and connections to make it happen! Led by Toraya Miller, GSBA Director of Training and Consulting, this FREE 5-week course walks you through the fundamentals of business success, including: ? Identifying Your Market ? Understanding Grants & Funding ? Building a Business Plan By the end, you’ll have a strong foundation and a fully developed business plan to move forward with confidence. ?? Find a session that fits your schedule! ?? Wednesdays – Darrington Public Library (10:30 AM - Noon) ?? Thursdays – Seattle Public Library (10:30 AM - Noon) ?? Thursdays – Snohomish Public Library (6:00 PM - 7:30 PM) ?? Virtual (Zoom) – Thursdays, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Each week's session covers the same material, so choose the location that works best for you! Register Here:

Webinar Tomorrow! Trailblazers and Truth-Tellers: Celebrating the Legacy and Future of Bisexual and BIPOC Women in History ??? Join National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC)’s Heritage Month Committee & GSBA for a powerful Women’s History Month event highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of bisexual & BIPOC women in the LGBTQ+ rights movement! ?? Wed, March 19, 2025 ? 2-3 PM ET ?? Register now: https://bit.ly/3FCIKyt #WomensHistoryMonth #LGBTQHistory #BIPOCVoices #Trailblazers #TruthTellers #QueerHistory

?? Welcome Seattle Seawolves Rugby to GSBA?? We’re proud to welcome the Seawolves to GSBA! As back-to-back MLR champions, the Seawolves are not just leaders on the field but also in building a stronger, more connected Seattle. Their commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion, teamwork, and community impact makes them a perfect fit for GSBA. Make sure to mark your calendars for Pride Night on June 8! ?????????? ?? Learn more about their journey with GSBA and explore exclusive ticket deals at this week's new member blog: https://lnkd.in/gNMkZCMd Let’s give the Seawolves a warm welcome—drop a ?? in the comments! #SeattleSeawolves #GSBA #InclusiveSports #LGBTQInclusion #SeattleBusiness #Rugby #CommunityLeadership

?? Brunch with Purpose – Celebrate LGBTQ+ Scholars! ?? The GSBA Scholars Celebration is back! ??? Join us for one of the most impactful and colorful gatherings of the year, where community, education, and donor support come together to uplift the next generation of LGBTQ+ and allied leaders. ?? Saturday, April 26, 2025 ?? 10:15 AM – 1:00 PM ?? Motif Seattle Presented in partnership with T-Mobile This special event, emceed by community leader ALEKSA MANILA, features inspiring stories, a delicious brunch, and a celebration of the impact we’re making together. Without supporters like you, GSBA couldn’t provide the scholarships and mentorship opportunities that help scholars pursue their goals. ??? Reserve your seat today: bit.ly/gsbabrunch2025 Can’t attend? You can donate a seat for a scholar and use your workplace matching program to double your impact! Need help? Email [email protected]. Let’s brunch, celebrate, and invest in our rising leaders! ?????????? #GSBAScholars #LGBTQLeadership #BrunchForImpact

At last night’s GSBA Impact Awards, we didn’t just celebrate success—we honored the businesses, leaders, and changemakers who are actively shaping a stronger, more inclusive future. Their work reminds us that real impact happens when we show up, support one another, and take action. ? Congratulations to this year’s honorees: ?? Capitol Hill Business of the Year – Nook & Cranny Books ?? Corporate Leader of the Year – Emily Nee (Brooks Running) ?? Community Leader of the Year – Rudd Schupp (Visit Seattle) ?? Nonprofit of the Year – Gender Justice League ?? Small Business of the Year – Cafe Flora ?? Micro Business of the Year – Ashley Kay Smith ?? Community Superstar – Adra D. D. Boo These businesses, nonprofits, and leaders are problem solvers, advocates, and innovators whose work ripples far beyond their industries. They create jobs, foster belonging, champion equity, and show us what leadership truly looks like. A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors who made this celebration possible: Title Sponsor: Carter Motors & Jennifer Moran Presenting Sponsor: BECU Event Partners: Alaska Airlines, JPMorganChase, Swire Coca-Cola, USA Symetra Venue Partner: Town Hall Seattle Media Partners: The Seattle Times and Converge Media LLC Photographer: Malcolm Smith Photography Our incredible hosts: Besa Gordon & TraeAnna Holiday But this isn’t just about one night—it’s about what comes next. Now is the time to strengthen our connections, invest in the businesses that uplift our communities, and work together toward an economy that works for all. Let’s keep moving forward, together. ***There's TONS of pictures and videos of the event on the way so keep on the lookout for our recap of this wonderful evening!*** #GSBAImpactAwards #WeAreTheChamber #CommunityLeadership #LGBTQBusiness #InclusiveEconomy