At its core, Raleigh Founded has always been about giving back to the entrepreneurial community by cultivating a space where all people can thrive. However, we know what entrepreneurship has historically looked like - overwhelmingly lacking in LGBTQ+, non-white, and female owners. 

We strive to embrace diversity in all facets of our work, making it incredibly important that we redefine what entrepreneurship is by broadening who entrepreneurship is for and supporting a wide range of entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship should be an accessible and attainable path for anyone who wants to pursue it, regardless of background, race, sexuality, or gender. 

This Pride Month, Raleigh Founded wants to take the time to support our community in the Triangle. We want to put our readers in a position to champion the LGBT+ community - not just this month but in our day-to-day lives. 

Here are a few businesses to support and volunteer opportunities to consider.

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Eat and Drink 

Grab a bite to eat from the fully vegan Fiction Kitchen - Raleigh, NC

The Fiction Kitchen is a queer-owned, fully vegan kitchen. This month, owners Chef Caroline Morrison and her partner Siobhan Southern are donating ½ of their sales from meals made with local food to Raleigh Pride. Spots are limited because the restaurant is popular, so be sure to make a reservation! 

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Sit down for a taste of reimagined Southern comfort food from Pooles Diner - Raleigh, NC

Owner Ashley Christensen alongside her wife, Kaitlyn Goalen, have been proponents of LGBTQ+ equality in Raleigh - and Chef Christensen is serving up delicious food while she does it.  

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Try a vegan sprinkle cookie from Union Special - Raleigh, NC

For June, Union Special is donating $1 from each Vegan Sprinkle Cookie bought to the LGBT Center of Raleigh. Check out some of their delicious food while you’re there - new special items get introduced often, so keep an eye on their Instagram! 

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Grab a drink downtown from The Hippo Wine Bar

The Hippo is a queer-owned wine bar, shop, and neighborhood space. The shop is a relatively new place focusing on low-intervention and natural wines. 

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Shop

Sip on a drink and shop a wide range of gifts made by local artists at The Green Monkey - Raleigh, NC

Owners and husbands Rusty Sutton and Drew Temple have always known what The Green Monkey would become: a place where everyone was welcome and safe. While the store has changed over the years - from being just a blue tent at the Raleigh Flea Market to preparing for a move downtown, The Green Monkey has continued to be a staple of inclusivity in the community. Shop for everything from tote bags to games, or sip on some wine & beer at the bar. 

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Cozy up with a new book and a steaming cup of coffee at Rofhiwa Book Cafe - Durham, NC 

Owner Beverley Boitumelo Makhubele and curator Naledi Yaziyo work tirelessly to make their space a welcoming place for their community at the Black and Queer-owned Rofhiwa Book Cafe. Shop an extensive collection of Black nonfiction and fiction books and sip some delicious coffee. 

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Get Involved 

Volunteer with the LGBT Center of Raleigh - Raleigh, NC

The LGBT Center of Raleigh has a variety of opportunities for involvement. Get involved regularly at the center with tasks like answering phone calls and welcoming visitors, or consider volunteering with special events. Learn more about volunteering and fill out the interest application here. 

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Donate to the LGBT Center of Durham - Durham, NC

The LGBT Center of Durham relies on community support to maintain an environment that allows them to serve their local queer community.  You can also shop their Amazon Wishlist here, or express your interest in volunteering here. 

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Get involved with Harmony: The NC LGBT+ Allied Chamber of Commerce

Harmony works to foster opportunities for LGBT+ businesses and allies by creating a space where professionals can come together to grow, be educated, and connect. Consider becoming a member of the chamber for access to mixers, social programming, and more. Check out their directory of members here to find LGBT-owned and allied businesses.