The Jax LGBT Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce a major milestone in its history: the expansion and transition to the North Florida Pride Chamber, a regional business organization dedicated to advancing economic opportunity, strengthening business relationships, and championing LGBTQ-owned and allied businesses throughout North Florida.
The expansion marks a significant new chapter for the organization, extending its reach beyond Jacksonville and Northeast Florida to serve communities across the entire northern region of the state, from the First Coast westward through Tallahassee, Pensacola, and the Florida Panhandle.
As part of this regional initiative, the North Florida Pride Chamber will work directly with established local nonprofit organizations, LGBTQ community groups, business associations, and community leaders to develop and establish local Chamber chapters in major cities throughout North Florida.
These chapters will create opportunities for local leadership, business networking, economic development, and regional collaboration while maintaining a unified mission under the North Florida Pride Chamber.
One Region. One Voice. Unlimited Opportunity.
The transition from the Jax LGBT Chamber of Commerce to the North Florida Pride Chamber represents more than a name change. It reflects a commitment to connecting businesses, strengthening local communities, and creating a unified regional network that supports LGBTQ-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, corporate partners, and allies.
“Our vision is to build a Chamber that represents all of North Florida while recognizing the unique strengths and needs of each local community,” said Chamber leadership. “By working with existing nonprofit organizations, community groups, and business leaders, we can establish strong local chapters that bring people together, create economic opportunities, and provide meaningful resources for businesses throughout the region.”
Establishing Local Chapters Across North Florida
A central component of the expansion will be the development of a regional chapter network.
Rather than creating competing organizations, the North Florida Pride Chamber intends to collaborate with existing nonprofits, LGBTQ organizations, business groups, and community stakeholders to strengthen the work already taking place in local communities.
The Chamber will explore partnerships and chapter development in major regional markets, including:
- Jacksonville and the First Coast: Serving as the Chamber’s regional headquarters and established business hub.
- St. Augustine and Northeast Florida: Supporting business networking and economic partnerships.
- Gainesville and North Central Florida: Connecting entrepreneurs, professionals, nonprofit organizations, and businesses.
- Lake City and surrounding communities: Expanding access to business resources and regional partnerships.
- Tallahassee and the Big Bend: Establishing partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and community leaders.
- Panama City and the Emerald Coast: Developing business connections and collaborative opportunities.
- Fort Walton Beach, Destin, and Pensacola: Building partnerships and local chapters throughout the western Florida Panhandle.
Each proposed chapter will focus on the needs of its local business community while benefiting from the resources, visibility, partnerships, and regional network of the North Florida Pride Chamber.
Partnering With Local Nonprofits and Community Organizations
The North Florida Pride Chamber recognizes the important role local nonprofit organizations and community groups already play in supporting LGBTQ individuals, businesses, and families.
Through this expansion, the Chamber intends to work collaboratively with these organizations to create mutually beneficial partnerships that strengthen both the business and nonprofit sectors.
Potential chapter partnerships will focus on business networking, professional development, entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, community engagement, and joint programming.
The Chamber’s goal is not to replace existing organizations but to bring them together as partners in building a stronger regional business network.
“North Florida already has dedicated nonprofit organizations, community groups, and leaders doing important work,” Chamber leadership added. “We want to build on those relationships, not duplicate their efforts. By working together to establish local chapters, we can combine resources, expand opportunities, and create a stronger voice for our communities across North Florida.”
Expanding Membership, Corporate Partnerships, and Business Resources
The North Florida Pride Chamber will build upon the programs and services established by the Jax LGBT Chamber of Commerce while developing new opportunities for regional participation.
Key initiatives will include:
- Regional Business Connect Events: Networking opportunities hosted in partnership with local chapters.
- Corporate Partnership Programs: Connecting major employers and corporations with businesses throughout North Florida.
- Small Business Development: Providing educational resources, mentorship, professional development, and entrepreneurship support.
- Regional Business Directory: Increasing the visibility of LGBTQ-owned and allied businesses throughout North Florida.
- Leadership and Advocacy: Supporting fair access to business opportunities and regional economic development.
- Signature Events and Programs: Expanding business summits, awards, networking programs, and community collaborations.
- Local Chapter Leadership: Encouraging participation by local business professionals, nonprofit leaders, and community stakeholders.
Jacksonville Will Remain the Chamber’s Regional Headquarters
As the Chamber expands, Jacksonville will remain its regional headquarters and a central hub for operations, leadership, and programming.
The organization’s existing Jacksonville programs, membership relationships, and community commitments will continue to serve as the foundation for its broader regional mission.
The expansion will allow businesses in smaller communities and major metropolitan areas alike to participate in a larger network of business professionals and corporate partners.
Building a Stronger North Florida Together
The North Florida Pride Chamber believes that collaboration between business organizations, nonprofit partners, corporations, and community leaders can create lasting economic and social benefits across the region.
By establishing local chapters and connecting them through a regional Chamber network, the organization seeks to ensure that businesses have access to resources, relationships, and opportunities regardless of their location.
“From Jacksonville to Pensacola, our message is simple: We are stronger when we work together,” Chamber leadership stated. “The North Florida Pride Chamber will be a place where businesses grow, partnerships flourish, and communities come together to create opportunity for everyone.”
Invitation to Community Partners and Business Leaders
The North Florida Pride Chamber invites nonprofit organizations, LGBTQ community groups, business associations, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and community stakeholders throughout North Florida to participate in discussions regarding local chapter development.
Organizations interested in exploring chapter partnerships, regional programming, or collaborative business initiatives are encouraged to connect with the Chamber as it begins this next phase of expansion.
Additional announcements regarding regional chapters, membership opportunities, leadership appointments, corporate partnerships, and upcoming events will be made as plans develop.
About the North Florida Pride Chamber
The North Florida Pride Chamber, formerly the Jax LGBT Chamber of Commerce, is a regional business organization dedicated to advancing economic opportunity, entrepreneurship, professional development, and business leadership for LGBTQ-owned and allied businesses across North Florida.
Headquartered in Jacksonville, the Chamber serves a growing regional network extending from the First Coast through North Central Florida, Tallahassee, and the Florida Panhandle.
Through regional chapters, nonprofit partnerships, corporate relationships, and business development programs, the Chamber seeks to strengthen local economies and build a connected business community throughout North Florida.
Our Mission: To empower, connect, and advance LGBTQ-owned and allied businesses throughout North Florida through economic opportunity, business development, advocacy, and strategic community partnerships.
Our Vision: One united North Florida business community, supported by strong local chapters, collaborative partnerships, and opportunities for businesses and individuals to thrive.
One Region. One Voice. Unlimited Opportunity.
Media Contact
North Florida Pride Chamber
Formerly Jax LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Jacksonville, Florida
David Vandygriff, CEO
info@nflpridechamber.org