IBA Looking for Next LGBT Business Award Recipient
Last year’s winners, Roger Halman (second from left) and Vincent Whittacre (far right) of The Gold Standard. | Photo by HughE Dillon
Heads up, queer entrepreneurs. Philly’s Independence Business Alliance (IBA) is on the lookout for a recipient to receive its fifth-annual LGBT Business Award, and folks only have until April 13th to apply.
The big news this year, is that the grant, which is awarded to a local LGBT business, has increased from the usual $5,000 to $10,000. Qualifying hopefuls should be able to present “a well-defined plan for growth, including innovation, sustainability, and ongoing contribution to the community.” Besides that, nominees must also be:
- An IBA member business (as of submission deadline) in good standing
- A registered business headquartered within the IBA’s geographic region (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, or Philadelphia counties, Pennsylvania; Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Mercer, or Salem counties New Jersey; or New Castle County, Delaware)
- In business as of January 1st, 2014
- A privately held company
- In compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
- A legal resident of the United States
- At least 18 years of age
- Applicants must be available to accept award at
the Annual Business Leaders Luncheon on
May 11th, 2015 at the Sofitel Hotel
Last year, the prize went to West Philly’s Gold Standard Café, owned by partners (in business and otherwise) Roger Harman and Vincent Whittacre.
This year’s submitted proposals will be reviewed by reps from IBA, PNC (the sponsor) and the Temple University Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute at the Fox School of Business. Need help sprucing up your application? IBA is hosting a business planning workshop for applicants on Thursday, March 26th. (More info on that here.)
Go here to apply for the grant. Remember, the deadline is April 13th.
