At ICIC, we are dedicated to supporting and promoting small businesses within the LGBTQ+ community. We believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to building a stronger, more vibrant economy. As we celebrate Pride Month, we are proud to showcase the incredible contributions that LGBTQ+-owned/led businesses are making. We believe that these businesses are an integral part of our economy, and we stand with them in their journey toward success.

Celebrating LGBTQ+-Owned or Led Businesses

We want to elevate a few leaders from LGBTQ+-owned/led businesses inside our alumni network.

DMK Danne Montague King Co.
DMK Danne Montague King Co. (DMK) is a skincare company based in California. Using principles of biochemistry, DMK formulates botanical-based products that re-educate skin to perform at optimal levels. Its products are sold exclusively in professional skin revision clinics internationally.

Founders Danné King and Randy Larsen are openly gay men who have always stood for equality. In 2012, Danné was awarded the first Global Ambassador status by Stuart Milk, and in 2022, Randy was awarded the first Desmond Tutu Champion Medal for their support of the Harvey Milk Foundation. DMK strongly supports the mission of bringing diversity and inclusivity to the world. DMK benefits local communities, especially women, through intense education of estheticians and medical professionals. DMK Training includes the DMK concept, treatments, formulations, science, marketing, and business strategies that help improve professionalism and financial success. Read More

Premier Wireless Business Technology Solutions
Premier Wireless Business Technology Solutions, under the leadership of President and CEO Lea Bogle, has been a trailblazer in the wireless industry for three decades. The company is built on the pillars of innovation, communication, safety, and transformation through technology. They strongly believe in digital equity and access for all and are committed to helping individuals reach their full potential.

Their dedication to giving back to the community is truly inspiring. Premier Wireless donated $30,000 to local education charities in 2021 and provided over $25,000 in equipment and services to school districts and non-profits. They are currently working on a project to create a vegetable garden for homeless youth and their families, demonstrating their commitment to making a positive impact in the community.

Premier Wireless is also dedicated to its employees. They hired 12 full-time and 7 part-time employees locally last year, and their on-site hourly employees have seen a 25% increase in their standard of living. The company even provided a gas stipend to help offset rising costs. Premier Wireless is a truly inspirational company that values innovation, community, and the well-being of its employees. Read More

The Tactile Group
Being Black and gay, Marc Coleman grew frustrated by the glass ceiling in corporate America so he created his own space where the only limitations were his own drive for success. He formed Tactile Design Group, a software development firm that specializes in cloud-based application development, data collection and visualization, cyber security, and content management. His mantra – “designed to give a damn” – represents his company’s ethos to create products that improve the lives of all. Read More

Jennifer Pinck
Jennifer Pinck has a strong track record of promoting diversity in the construction industry. Beginning her career as a commercial painter in the 1970s, she worked her way up to founding Pinck & Co., Inc. in 1998. Under her leadership, the firm prioritized hiring women, with two-thirds of the staff being female. In 2018, Jennifer sold the company to Anser Advisory, but she remains committed to supporting diverse communities. During a Pride Parade, Jennifer was inspired to work with ICIC to create the Building for Growth program, which launched in 2022 and is hosting two cohorts in 2023. Read More

Help LGBTQ+-Owned or Led Small Businesses

We understand that LGBTQ+-owned/led small businesses in underserved communities face unique challenges, particularly in light of recent events. We are committed to providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive. Whether it’s through access to capital, mentorship opportunities, or networking events, we are here to help. Applications and nominations are open for the below programs helping LBGTQ+ and BIPOC-owned businesses in underserved communities. We encourage everyone to join us in our efforts to support and uplift the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month and beyond.

• Santander Bank’s Cultivate Small Business (CSB) is designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs in low-income neighborhoods build and sustain their businesses, with a focus on women, minority, and immigrant-owned businesses in food-related industries. The program provides industry-specific education, networks, mentoring, and small capital grants for business owners.
• Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) launched in 2005 in partnership with Bank of America, helps match investment-ready companies in under-resourced areas with growth capital. The program has served more than 5,000 businesses that have raised over $2.4 billion in capital. ICCC will host 13 cohorts across the United States and Canada this year.
• Building for Growth (BFG) is a national, online, tuition-free executive education program that helps BIPOC- and woman-owned construction contractors build capacity and develop sustainable growth strategies that position their businesses to increase revenues and profits. BFG launched its inaugural cohort in 2022, serving 54 construction businesses from 19 states, 91% of which were BIPOC-owned and 53% were woman-owned. The application deadline for the Summer cohort is Friday, June 16, with classes starting on Wednesday, July 26.