CenterState CEO and OUT Syracuse Launch New Partnership to Expand LGBTQ Business Leadership and Economic Opportunity

CenterState CEO and OUT Syracuse announced a new partnership to deliver a business‑development and leadership series designed to strengthen economic mobility for LGBTQ+ professionals and entrepreneurs across Central New York. The collaboration creates a new coordinated effort between a major economic development organization and an LGBTQ+ business network, signaling a growing recognition that inclusive growth is a competitive advantage for the area.

The initiative will offer four dynamic, free sessions for LGBTQ+ majority‑owned OUT Syracuse members, facilitated by Michael Sgro Leadership Coaching and hosted at CenterState CEO’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub, focused on:

• Leadership and Sales, May 12
• Stress and Agility, July 14
• Social Entrepreneurship Marketing, Sept. 8
• Building and Leveraging Partnerships, Nov. 10

This series is designed to provide the participating Business Resource Group practical tools, peer connections and expert guidance to strengthen their leadership, build resilience, and grow sustainably in today’s evolving marketplace.

“We created this series because economic inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community is not just the right thing to do — it’s a strategy for regional growth,” said Michael Sgro, CPBC, PMP, CEPA, founder and managing director of OUT Syracuse. “By partnering with CenterState CEO, we’re creating a new opportunity for LGBTQ+ leaders and business owners to advance their leadership development, grow their businesses, and help shape the future of Central New York. It’s an empowering environment where LGBTQ+ business owners can gain knowledge, share experiences and build a stronger foundation for long-term success.”

“CenterState CEO is proud to join in partnership with OUT Syracuse to host this new bimonthly leadership series. CenterState is committed to building an economy where every business and every resident have the opportunity to thrive,” said Nora Spillane, senior vice president of Inclusive Growth at CenterState CEO. “This partnership strengthens that mission by ensuring LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and professionals have access to the tools, networks and support they need to succeed.”

The sessions are open to LGBTQ professionals seeking to build more inclusive practices. Sessions dates are Tuesdays, May 12, July 14, Sept. 8 and Nov. 10; 9 to 11 a.m. Registration is required by Sunday before each session (no same day registrations). Registration details are available at: OUTSyracuse.com.

OUT Syracuse members that complete all four workshops receive a certificate of completion.