Written by Jeremy Quittner

It may come as no surprise that states where startups traditionally thrive are also good for LGBT -owned businesses. After all, such states typically have good business networks, access to venture capital, and other forms of financing that are all important to fostering business growth. But the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) found something else just as important is at play in the top five states for LGBT-owned small businesses: they’re being helped by much larger businesses in their area. California, New York, Texas, Florida and Georgia contain roughly half of all businesses that have an LGBT ownership certification, according to an NGLCC report. While these are all top states for startups in general, they are also home to numerous Fortune 500 companies whose diversity programs encourage LGBT-certified businesses, among other minority-owned businesses, to become part of their supply chains.
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