Page 13 - BEQ Magazine Iss 20 Fall 2021 WebRev09272021

Forever

Business without barriers: How TD Bank helps

LGBTQ2+ business owners be their true selves.

When you’re a business owner, it’s often necessary to of organizations—from the federal government to state
have frank and open conversations with your financial governments to Fortune 500 companies—have made
professional. By freely discussing your opportunities, commitments to awarding a percentage of their contracts
challenges and frustrations, your banker can gain a better to diverse-owned businesses. Examples of Diverse Business
understanding of the inner workings of your business and Certifications include LGBT Business Enterprise, Minority
recommend the right financial solutions. Owned, Woman Owned, HUB Zone Business and more.

However, some business owners don’t feel comfortable Joining together to lift up LGBTQ2+
offering full disclosure to their bankers—including many
LGBTQ2+ individuals. They’re simply not open to being businesses
“out” to their financial professionals, which can lead to a TD has also developed close relationships with organizations
lack of transparency, poor planning and misguided advice. like the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).
In addition, credit discrimination is still a sad reality. Until
March 2021, when the Consumer Financial Protection “ As I’ve worked to pass more than twenty LGBTQ2+ inclusive
Bureau (CFPB) issued an interpretative rule clarifying sex laws and policies in more than a dozen states across
discrimination under Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) America, I encourage business owners to take advantage
and Regulation B, it was legal in 35 states for bankers of not just LGBTBE certification from the NGLCC, but also
to decline a loan based on the sexual orientation of the the unique suite of services offered specifically for our
applicant. communities from TD Bank,” said Jonathan Lovitz, LGBTQ2+
Business Advocate and TD Bank Pride Thought Leader.
A groundbreaking program for the “Knowing your business is being supported by those with
LGBTQ2+ community an understanding of what our communities need is such a
valuable differentiator.”
Wanting every business owner to be properly represented,
TD Bank created a program specifically to reach out to the It’s all part of TD’s empathetic approach
LGBTQ2+ business community. To date, TD remains the only to banking.
financial institution in the U.S. with a program of this kind.
TD Bank has a longtime reputation for going above and
“ TD is removing barriers and allowing individuals to be their beyond for customers, from longer hours to attentive
authentic selves as they discuss their businesses and their service to new ways of making banking easier. They call it
financial picture with us,” said Steve Garibell, Vice President being “Unexpectedly Human.”
and LGBTQ2+ Business Development Officer. “We see
ourselves as much more than bankers. We’re a source of To learn more, contact:
trusted advice for businesses that urgently need a voice and
an advocate.” Steve Garibell, Vice President
LGBTQ2+ Business Development Officer
Opening doors to certifications, 212-918-4186 | Steven.Garibell@td.com
opportunities and revenue linkedin.com/in/stevengaribell

Helping business owners receive the right financial solutions
is only the beginning. Another key aspect of the program
involves educating LGBTQ2+ individuals on the Diverse
Business Certifications available to them. A wide range

Member FDIC | TD Bank, N.A.

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