About Us
History
As a non-profit community organisation, the Pride Business Network was founded in the early 1980s by a group of people committed to networking LGBTIQ+ businesses in Brisbane. The socio-political factors that affected business operators and professionals in our community have changed significantly since the incorporation of the Free Business Association (later renamed The Gay and Lesbian Business Network, and more recently the Pride Business Network), however, its intents and purposes have not.
Committed to bringing together like-minded people, the Pride Business Network was created to act as both a support system and a way for businesses to connect, consult and confide. Focused on the LGBTIQ community, the PBN has worked to establish a network that is thriving and social, but most importantly, inclusive. The key goal of PBN is to help and encourage fellow businesses to swap ideas, collaborate and form long-lasting relationships.
Target Markets
| LGBITQ+ Professionals | LGBTIQ+ individuals working in any profession or trade seeking to associate with like minded people. |
|---|---|
| LGBTIQ+ Businesses | Businesses that are owned and operated by members of the LGBTIQ+ community. |
| "LGBTIQ+ Friendly" Businesses | Businesses where LGBTIQ+ professionals hold senior positions and/or where management identify the community as a strong core market. |
| LGBTIQ+ Tertiary Students | LGBTIQ+ individuals looking for support and links into the business community. |
| Community Groups | Community groups who provide support or services to the LGBTIQ+ and broader Community. |
Our Vision, Mission & Values
Vision
To be a respected model of a networking organisation, which creates success for our members, as professionals and business owners in our community.
Mission
We strive to provide a relevant and value driven service, in order to best meet our vision, via education, mentoring, support and social opportunities.
Values
The Pride Business Network has 5 key values that makeup the core ideology of our organisation
| Collaboration | working in partnership with our community. |
|---|---|
| Contribution | providing tangible benefits for our community. |
| Celebration | ensuring innovation and optimism are acknowledged by our community. |
| Integrity | increasing respect for members within our community. |
| Inclusiveness | providing opportunities for all in our community. |
Pride Business Board Members
Richard Bakker – President
Sandy Francis – Vice President
Ain Kuru – Treasurer
Shaun Botfield – Secretary
Zack – Membership Coordinator
Jason Hurst – Function Coordinator
Steph McMahon – Committee Member