The Bronx borough president's office, along with the Third Avenue Business Improvement District, hosted an event with the goal of helping LGBTQ+ businesses Friday.

LGBTQ+ Business Convening started in a bar with about 15 small business owners. Now, it has grown to having 400 attendees and over 20 regulatory agencies, and it's hosted at the Metropolitan College of New York's Bronx campus.

"You will be able to network with like-minded individuals, receive thoughtful advice from experts in the field and be able to leave here with real-time resources to help you build or scale their business," says Michael Brady, of the Third Avenue BID.

Derrick Reyes runs a digital health company for the LGBTQ+ community and gained some knowledge for the event.

"I just learned that there are so many funds available from the state, the city and federally for small businesses so I am really excited to explore more of that.," says Reyes.

Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. says the event sends a strong signal to the city and state.

"We are showing that it works and we are sending a loud message to city and state agencies that as they make decisions, as they dole out resources, that they should not ... we will not let them forget LGBTQ entrepreneurs and small businesses," says Diaz Jr.