LGBTQ+ entrepreneurship Surges Despite Anti-DEI Climate
Libertyville,IL – July 1,2025 – Despite a growing anti-diversity,equity,and inclusion (DEI) environment,LGBTQ+ entrepreneurship is booming,reaching a milestone with 10% of new businesses started last year identifying as LGBTQ+ – a 50% increase from 2023 business creation in line with the general population.
According to Nich Tremper, Senior Economist at Gusto, a small business software company, this surge indicates LGBTQ+ individuals are “not only stepping into entrepreneurship, but doing so on their own terms – building companies rooted in care, autonomy, and community.” A significant driver for thes entrepreneurs is a desire to positively influence their communities, with roughly one-third citing this as a primary motivation
This resilience is exemplified by businesses like Rebel Rebel,a hair salon in Libertyville,Illinois,co-owned by Liz Whalen and Ashley levin. Whalen explained they created a safe and inclusive space for their clients, many of whom identify as genderqueer, non-binary, or transgender, after experiencing a conservative environment in a previous salon business Governance funding and executive orders targeting DEI programs signed by President Donald Trump business owners, noting that the average small business fails within five years, yet these entrepreneurs are thriving LGBTQ+ owned businesses in your community and advocate for inclusive policies that foster economic opportunity for all.
