While Pride month is usually filled with fun and festivities, it also serves as an opportunity to learn about LGBTQIA+ small business and networking opportunities. The Indy Rainbow Chamber of Commerce gives this opportunity for people to do that and more.
The Indy Rainbow Chamber of Commerce (IRCC) is a business-based organization whose purpose is to help LGBTQ+ and ally owned businesses to support each other in the community, giving the space and opportunity to collaborate and generate revenue for each other. There are approximately over 150 members that make up the IRCC.
“I would say it may be 50/50 in terms of allies and LGBTQ which is great,” explained Joey Amato, the executive director of the IRCC. “Any type of business, any size, and even non-profits can join.”
The IRCC hosts a number of virtual events and are starting again to have in-person events that are open to the community even if you are not a member. One of these is the monthly After Hours event. This particular event is free to the public but there is currently a capacity cap of about 30-40 people due to Covid-19. These are usually held the first Wednesday of every month with July being the exception due to the July 4th holiday.
“This is traditionally a networking event,” Amato said. “You go to meet people. I will say a few words about the company and sponsors but the rest of the time is for networking.”
For July After Hours, Fatboy’s Barbershop, located in Fountain Square will be hosting the event on July 8 from 6-7:30 pm. There will be refreshments and a free-parking available on-site. People who would like to attend must RSVP here.
Before Covid, the IRCC would have quarterly luncheons which is a paid event that has various speakers. They have also held virtual speaker series which is sponsored by Salesforce especially when while Covid was in full swing. The IRCC also puts on a big event that they launched two years ago, the Excellence and Business Awards.
“This is an awards celebration, which we hope to hold in person this year,” Amato said. “This honors people in the community who are making a difference.”
This event does not have an exact date at this time but it is set for sometime in October.