Celebrate growth: Wisconsin business leaders and allies are cheering after the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce was named the 2026 NGLCC Affiliate Chamber of the Year, a top national honour that recognises real impact, stronger programming and wider reach for LGBTQ+ and allied businesses across the state.

Essential Takeaways

  • Top recognition: The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber received NGLCC’s highest affiliate honour at the 2026 International Business & Leadership Conference in San Diego.
  • Member-first growth: The chamber expanded membership and corporate partnerships while keeping services sturdy and accessible.
  • Program wins: New offers like the LEAD webinar series join staples such as the Entrepreneur Bootcamp and Business Leadership Academy.
  • History of excellence: This is the chamber’s second Affiliate Chamber of the Year award, following a prior win in 2015.
  • Practical result: The accolade helps attract partners, funding and attention that directly benefit LGBTQ+ and allied businesses in Wisconsin.

Why this award matters for Wisconsin businesses

Winning NGLCC’s Affiliate Chamber of the Year isn’t just a trophy on a shelf; it’s a signal to corporations, funders and local leaders that the chamber is a reliable partner with measurable results. There’s a tangible buzz when national recognition follows sustained local work, and partners notice the credibility boost. For small business owners and start-ups in Wisconsin, that often translates into more networking, sponsorships and mentorships that actually move the needle.

How the chamber grew without losing its roots

Jason Rae, the chamber’s president and CEO, says the growth has been intentional , a steady widening of reach without diluting purpose. The organisation increased membership and deepened corporate ties while keeping programming focused on business needs. That balance matters now more than ever, as the political and economic landscape for LGBTQ+ inclusion shifts around the country and local support can feel fragile.

Programs doing the heavy lifting

Newer initiatives such as the LEAD webinar series complement long-standing offerings like the Entrepreneur Bootcamp and Business Leadership Academy, giving owners flexible ways to learn and connect. Practical programming helps at every stage: early-stage founders benefit from bootcamp-style guidance, while established firms use leadership and supplier development tracks to scale. If you run a business in Wisconsin, look for programming that matches your growth stage and time constraints.

A pattern of recognition and what comes next

This is the second time the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber has clinched NGLCC’s top affiliate award, adding to earlier accolades like the Rising Star Chamber Award in 2014. According to NGLCC’s network and conference materials, these awards are peer-reviewed, which means fellow chambers and past winners weigh in. That peer validation suggests the chamber’s practices are model-worthy, and it raises expectations for continued innovation and reach across the state.

Practical tips if you’re a small business owner in Wisconsin

If you want to take advantage of the chamber’s momentum, start by joining as a member or attending an event to test the fit. Look for bite-sized webinars if time is tight, or apply for cohort-based programmes if you need hands-on mentorship. Also, reach out to corporate partners listed by the chamber , awards tend to open doors with sponsors who offer supplier or contract opportunities.

It's a small change that can make every connection and contract a bit easier to find.

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