The Independence Business Alliance provides connections, opportunities, and resources to LGBTQ+ businesses, professionals, and allies in the Greater Philadelphia tri-state area. In collaboration with our members and partners, we expand economic opportunities, advocate for diverse spaces, and promote inclusive leadership.
The Independence Business Alliance is a membership-based business advocacy organization dedicated to making the Philadelphia region an influential and diverse LGBTQ+ business community with an impact on economic development, equal rights and policy issues. The IBA is an official affiliate of the National LGBTQ+ & Allied Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).
Events
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
MED Week 2026: Triple Bottom Line: People, Planet, Prosperity with the IBA & SBN
MED Week 2026 Event
Triple Bottom Line: People, Planet, Prosperity with the IBA & SBN. Panel, Roundtable Discussions, and Networking!
**MED Week stands for: Micro Entrepreneurship Development Week
The IBA and the Sustainable Business Network are partnering to bring an invigorating panel, roundtable discussion, and networking event! The panel will be focusing on “The Triple Bottom Line: People, Planet, and Prosperity”, and how each pillar is foundational to integrate into business.
The panelists will be: Martin Alfaro (Alfaro Media Consulting), Orfelina Payne (Puentes de Salud) and Carlos Aponte (We Love Philly).
October 6, 2026
2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Ethical Society of Philadelphia
1906 Rittenhouse Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Avenue To Home Buying Workshop
Thinking About Buying a Home but Not Sure Where to Start?
The home buying process doesn’t have to be overwhelming!
Join the IBA and IBA Member, The Avenue Team, for a FREE First-Time Homebuyer Workshop and learn everything you need to know—from getting pre-approved to receiving the keys to your new home.
✔ Understand the buying process
✔ Learn about financing options and grants
✔ Get tips from local real estate, mortgage, and title professionals
✔ Ask questions in a relaxed, no-pressure, LGBTQ+ friendly environment
Whether you’re just starting to explore or you’re ready to buy, we’ll walk you through the process step by step and answer all of your questions.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
September ConnX: with The Sustainable Business Network
Join the IBA at our monthly networking event at InLiquid with the Sustainable Business Network!
This event is FREE and open to all! We invite all IBA members and SBN members to come together for this special networking event to learn about both organizations.
Meet local business owners, employees, and other community stakeholders. Whether you’ve been attending IBA events regularly, haven’t been in a while, or are brand new to the IBA, we’d love to have you join us.
As always, ALL are welcome to this networking event:
Members of the LGBTQ+ community
Allies of the LGBTQ+ community
Anyone interested in learning more about TransWork, a program of the IBA Business owners
Young professionals
ERG members (employee resource groups)
Entrepreneurs
Job seekers
Employers looking to hire
Colleagues
Anyone looking to meet like-minded individuals!
ERG Summit
The IBA is thrilled to be hosting our 3rd annual ERG Summit on September 17, 2026. The Summit will be taking place at Quorum at the University City Science Center from 11:30 AM until 5:00 PM.
This Summit is about building real skills, not just conversation!
WHAT TO EXPECT?
- Practical tips and takeaways to apply right away
- Interactive workshops for in-the moment ideation
- Dynamic learning moments from peers and subject-matter experts
- Connections and networking with like-minded peers
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
- ERG Leaders and Members
- Executive Sponsors
- HR, Talent, and People and Culture Practitioners
- LGBTQ+ and allied community members
- Business Leaders
- Those curious about ERGs
September 17, 2026
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM *networking reception to follow*
Quorum at the University City Science Center
3675 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Register Here about ERG SummitPrograms
Corporate Sponsors
