Charleston Mayoral candidate Clay Middleton today called for the expansion of business services that are available to the LGBTQ+ community.
Here is the full statement from his campaign:
“As we close out Charleston Pride Week, currently within the Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M&WBE) Office in the City of Charleston, a minority-owned business does not include LGBTQ+ small business owners. This does not meet the federal standard of what a Minority-Owned Business is. LGBTQ+ businesses aren't extended the same protections as traditional minorities. While barriers to equality commonly refer to workplace discrimination or marriage, what hasn't been addressed is sustainable economic strength – building generational wealth.
This excludes members of the LGBTQ+ community who own small businesses from certain benefits including preferential zoning, contracting opportunities, business growth and expansion, resources related to business start-ups, M&WBE certifications, guidance and counseling on management skills and operational effectiveness, local skills-based training opportunities, and additional capital through the City's business database.
Middleton said, ‘As Mayor, I would commit to adding “LGBTQ+” as a qualifying Minority-Owned Business in Charleston. The United States Small Business Administration does federally recognize LGBTQ+ Americans in their definition of a “minority-owned business owner.” As corporate America becomes more inclusive and further diversifies its supply chain, we must expand our certification opportunities to include this segment of our community. This is how you show your values and go beyond a proclamation and a commemoration.'”
For more information on Middleton's race to become Charleston's next Mayor, visit www.claymiddleton.com.
For more information on Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce, visit www.clgbtcc.org.
