About SGLBA

If you are a lesbian or gay professional or business person, you probably realise there is a need for a gay and lesbian business group. The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Business Association Inc. - SGLBA - aims to fill that need.

Benefits of Membership

The Association was founded in 1981 as the Gay Business Association. In 1994, to reflect its broadening membership base, the Association changed its name to Sydney Gay & Lesbian Business Association Inc. In 1998 the SGLBA adopted new Articles of Association and created a board of directors.

Networking for Members

After-Work Drinks

These evenings provide a relaxed atmosphere for members and their guests to socialise and network. Dozens of new members first experienced the SGLBA at these fun nights.

  • Fruits in Suits
    It's been dubbed the best "gay gig" in town. Fruits in Suits has become a staple for the busy executive and businessman in Sydney. It is in effect an informal catch-up for those of us that enjoy a relaxed and enjoyable evening in a comfortable environment. Held on the third Thursday of every month. Meet with friends, make some new ones but more importantly 'strut your business and/or profession' to a receptive group.

    read more

  • Lemons with a Twist
    This is a wonderful forum gaining in popularity month by month. Always held on the first Friday of the month. Lemons is an afterwork cocktails evening aimed specifically for women although the guys are more than welcome to attend.

    read more

Other Events

Throughout the year we host a variety of events, all focused on promoting member businesses, networking, education and fundraising for the Good Works Fund. These events include: 

 

  • Dinners
  • Members only Cocktail Parties
  • New Members Welcome Parties
  • Business Seminars
  • Joint Functions
  • Breakfast Network Series

read more

Community Services

SGLBA contributes to our community through its Good Works Program and donates thousands of dollars to community causes each year. Recent recipients have included the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby, PFLAG, the AIDS Trust of Australia, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service and 2010.

In 1998, the Association established Australia's first scholarship for a lesbian or gay business student in conjunction with the UNSW.

Business Services

The Association has embarked on a number of projects to showcase the talents and the diverse business interests of our members. SGLBA has in past years hosted an annual Gay and Lesbian Expo, the first such event of its kind held in Australia. Since 1997, the Association has published an annual Business Directory, which is now incorporated into the Pink Directory. We also initiated and participate in the www.gaybusiness.com.au project. These projects reach thousands of gay and lesbian consumers.

Our ABN: 54 622 607 075

Read our Objects and Rules of Association

Current SGLBA Board Members

president and public relations: paul lee-maynard
president@sglba.com.au

vice-president: mark haines
vicepresident@sglba.com.au

treasurer: jason jackson
accounts@sglba.com.au

secretary: nicholas maxwell
info@sglba.com.au

membership: matt thompson
members@sglba.com.au

corporate partnerships: will noble
info@sglba.com.au

fruits in suits: mark haines
fruits@sglba.com.au

business networking: jason snaddon

breakfast@sglba.com.au

lemons with a twist: mary shalala
lemons@sglba.com.au

major events: terry preeo

events@sglba.com.au

communications and marketing: munro donen
info@sglba.com.au

website: paul lee-maynard
webmaster@sglba.com.au

Our Mission

The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Business Association (SGLBA) is an organisation formed to provide opportunities for gay men and lesbians to develop their business interests and networks both within corporate environments and as individual business persons. We strive to do this by:

  • Raising the profile of the Association and its members within both the gay and lesbian and the wider business communities.
  • Organising activities which facilitate networking opportunities for our members.
  • Creating opportunities to present products and services to the lesbian and gay community in a positive environment.
  • Providing a forum for high profile speakers to address the Association on issues of interest to our members.
  • Providing business services.

Community Involvement

Currently, the SGLBA has over 300 members. Our membership base includes gay and lesbian managers, business executives and professionals working in mainstream organisations. It also includes lesbians and gay members who own or manage businesses serving both our own and the wider community. We also welcome heterosexual members who support the gay and lesbian business community.