The Unity Chamber of Commerce, an initiative aimed at uniting and supporting LGBTQ+ businesses in New Jersey, has officially launched under the leadership of CEO Gus Penaranda.
The Unity Chamber, which has received state certification, is believed to be the only active LGBTQ+ business chamber in the state.
The Pride Chamber, which Penaranda previously led successfully but departed following an administrative dispute, is believed to be no longer active.
Penaranda is also the founder of Evolvere Consulting, which has been working in conjunction with the Unity Chamber since last summer.
Penaranda said the Unity Chamber will provide a single point of focus for LGBTQ+ businesses, helping them — among other things — earn LGBTQ+ Business Enterprise certification.
Penaranda said the need for support and advocacy has never been greater.
“As corporations and state leaders limit their support and engagement with the LGBTQ+ community, New Jersey now has its LGBTQ+ chamber back,” he said. “Unity will pick up where the Pride Chamber left off and aim to certify 5,000 businesses before 2030, making Unity one of the most influential business organizations in the state.
“Certification not only will open more opportunities but it also will lead to the one thing that has been missing: respect.”
Penaranda said there are tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ businesses employing (among nearly 1.5 million nationwide). These businesses obviously represent significant purchasing power across all industries.
“The LGBTQ+ community contributes $2 trillion to the U.S. economy every year,” he said. “Now we can draw a share of that financial influence here to New Jersey.”
The Unity Chamber will celebrate its launch on June 1 at 6 p.m. at Cavany Foods (235 Grand St., Jersey City).
Penaranda said the location is especially meaningful because Cavany Foods became the first officially certified LGBTQ+ Business Enterprise and proudly displays the legislation signed by former Gov. Phil Murphy on its wall.
