II. You Reach an Important Audience

Supporting the Blue Ridge Pride Festival visibly demonstrates your business’ commitment to an important community in western North Carolina.

·        There are an estimated 34,000 LGBTQ adults in western North Carolina.  The Asheville area alone has 83% more LGBTQ-identified people than the average American city or town (U.S. Census). These individuals are part of the nearly $1 trillion-dollar LGBTQ market in the U.S.

·        Since 2009, the Blue Ridge Pride Festival has continued to grow and attract attendees from across the Southeast, typically 10,000 to 15,000 attendees.

·        LGBTQ populations are loyal to businesses that support them. 55% of LGBT consumers will choose to do business with companies that are committed to the diversity/equal treatment of the LGBT community. 70% of LGBT adults said they would pay a premium for a product from a company that supports the LGBT community. 78% of LGBT adults and their friends, family and relatives would switch to brands that are known to be LGBT- friendly.