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
Thursday, September 17, 2026
ERG Summit 2026
The Independence Business Alliance 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
WHAT IS THE COST?
IBA Members & Corporate Partners and their employees are welcome to attend for free. For future IBA Members/Corporate Partners, there is a registration fee of $25.
SHOULD I INVITE MY COLLEAGUES?
Absolutely! This Summit is intended for teams to attend together, have dedicated time to brainstorm, plan, and learn with each other!
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
August ConnX: Hart of Catering
Join the IBA at our monthly networking event at The Hart of Catering Cafe! This event is FREE and open to all! Meet local business owners, employees, and other community stakeholders.
This event has a special emphasis on Nonprofits!
If you work, lead, volunteer, or are a Board Member of a local nonprofit, we’d love to have you join us to mingle with others in the field. Make new connections, solidify established relationships, share recent wins and struggles, exchange resources, gather ideas of how the IBA can help facilitate programming specific to nonprofits!
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
ERG Webinar: Leading Effective ERGs in a Changing Workplace
Leading Effective ERGs in a Changing Workplace
Join us for an exciting and jam packed ERG Webinar presented by Mary Ann Murtha and Jacqueline Hopkins of Loutel Law. Loutel is an employment law and business strategy firm that optimizes people and culture for organizational performance while minimizing legal risk.
You won’t want to miss this webinar!
July 29, 2026
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Zoom, must register to receive link
August ConnX: Hart of Catering
Join the IBA at our monthly networking event at Hart of Catering. This event is FREE and open to all! Meet local business owners, employees, and other community stakeholders.
This event has a special emphasis on Nonprofits!
If you work, lead, volunteer, or are a Board Member of a local nonprofit, we’d love to have you join us to mingle with others in the field. Make new connections, solidify established relationships, share recent wins and struggles, exchange resources, gather ideas of how the IBA can help facilitate programming specific to nonprofits!
August 11, 2026
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
2101 Sansom St.
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!
Programs
Corporate Sponsors
