In a first, an Australian-based website has been set up to offer daily deals from businesses committed to supporting the lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender, queer and intersex community (LBGTQI).

Founder Sonja Bertrand said that the QueerDeals website doesn't just cater for the gay community, it is for everyone to express their support for those businesses that are taking a stand for equal rights.

"There's been a lot of talk about focusing on niche markets, what I wanted to do was focus on a specific community," Ms Bertrand told AAP.

"It offers people the opportunity to support businesses who support equal rights."

As brick-and-mortar businesses face increased competition from online retailers, they're turning to social media marketing campaigns to attract new customers.

Ms Bertrand said she was thrilled by the national response from businesses during the initial market research.

"Businesses were excited to become involved, quite a lot actually contacted us when they became aware of our Facebook advertising," she said.

"They get to make people aware of their brand and have the opportunity to develop relationships with their customers.

"We've had no negative feedback at all."

Businesses from the restaurant, jewellery, fashion, homewares and entertainment sectors among others will be represented on the website - though not before passing certain requirements.

Before featuring on the website, the records of businesses are screened particularly for any discrimination against the LBGTQI community.

Apart from offering consumers a wide range of items at discount prices, QueerDeals has promised to donate a percentage of its profits to charity.

The Pinnacle foundation which provides scholarships and mentors to disadvantaged LBGTQI youth, and ACON's lesbian and gay anti-violence project are set to be the major beneficiaries of this new age business plan.

 Source: ninemsn