‘Pink’ money and the ‘rainbow’ dollar: How to be an ally to LGBTQ+ businesses [Video]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — At a recent panel discussion in St. Petersburg, we heard the word “ally” a lot. But being an ally in the LGBTQ+ community means more than putting a pride flag or rainbow sticker outside your business.

The “panel of inclusion” was held at the St. Pete Greenhouse, a partnership between the City of St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Greenhouse helps all businesses grow through consulting, mentorships, professional networking, workshops, and panels.

“We are here to provide opportunity and equity for all. And that’s important to us. So it does not matter what type of business you are. We are here for every stage of business development, every type of business,” Tracey Smith, the city’s small business liaison and co-manager of The Greenhouse, said. “How do we bridge that gap? How do we bring the different communities together to do business together?”

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