2025 Supplier Diversity Webinar Series: Digital Payments & Your Small Business
2025-10-28 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
Presented by AARP and Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP
This collaborative series from AARP Supplier Diversity and OATS reflects AARP’s commitment to supporting a supply chain that is representative of the communities we serve. Each webinar is designed to strengthen operations and expand the digital capabilities of 50+ small business owners.
Expanding the types of payments your business accepts can open doors to new customers and opportunities. But how do you know which digital payment is right for your business? This lecture introduces different ways to accept digital payments, including via P2P apps, online marketplaces, and PayPal. We’ll also cover payment processors and important security best practices to protect your business and customers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to modernize, this lecture offers practical insights to help you accept digital payments.
Register today and take your business to the next level!

2026-02-26 08:30 - 09:30 | Hart Senate Office Building, 120 Constitution Avenue, RoomSH-902, Washingon, DC, 20002, United States
Commonwealth Coffee Honoring Black History Month
Senator Mark R. Warner and Senator Tim Kaine cordially invite you to a Commonwealth Coffee honoring Black History Month. The Senators will be joined by Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan. This is an opportunity for faith leaders, government officials, community organizers, civic engagement groups, and community service organizations, to speak with the Senators, the Congresswoman, and members of their staff.
Please feel free to share this invitation with any other interested parties.
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., registration opens at 8:00 a.m.
Location: Hart Senate Office Building, Room SH-902, 120 Constitution Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
Please use the visitor’s entrance on the east side of the building on Second Street NE between C Street NE and Constitution Avenue NE. Once inside, take the North Elevator bank to the 9th floor. Please allow up to 20 minutes for security screening.
RSVP: Space is limited. Please RSVP here by Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Transportation and Parking: Metro accessibility is available with the closest metro stop at Union Station on the Red Line. Street Parking in the area is limited; parking is available at Union Station (approximately four city blocks from the Capitol Visitor Center). Depending on the length of your stay, parking can cost between $11 and $24.
Accessibility: For visitors needing accessible parking, there are a limited number of available spaces located in the parking lot on the corner of First and C Streets NE. These spaces cannot be reserved and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. They are available to visitors displaying a placard for people with disabilities. A full map of accessible visitor parking is available here. Individuals with disabilities who require assistance should use the “contact organizer” button on the registration page or email projects@warner.senate.gov.

WBEC NY DMV and TAP Present: AI For Small Businesses Webinar
2026-04-21 11:00 - 12:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FDlNWYwRRmSoMXvEEXh4OA
In this beginner-friendly webinar, WBEC NY DMV and The Acceleration Project (TAP) will explain key AI terms, introduce general-purpose AI chatbots, and help you choose the right tool for your needs. Presenters Cynthia Ashworth and Joshua Schwartz will also share practical examples of how small businesses can use AI, from creating inventory lists from photos to writing social media posts and turning business data into actionable insights.

Register Now

Cynthia Ashworth is a seasoned marketing executive with over 25 years of leadership experience across media, technology, and consumer goods. She specializes in brand strategy, digital marketing, and partnerships that drive innovation and growth. Most recently, she was SVP of Creative Partnerships at NBCUniversal, leading digital transformation and advanced marketing initiatives, with prior senior executive positions at DocuSign, Univision, and Dunkin’ Donuts. Cynthia is a regular presenter on AI for small business for TAP. She holds a BA from the University of Toronto and an MBA from the UVA Darden School of Business.

Joshua Schwartz is a seasoned general management and operations strategy leader with over 15 years improving efficiency and driving results in complex environments. He is a Senior Policy Analyst for the Assistant Secretary of Cyber, Infrastructure, Risk and Resilience, assigned to the AI and Emerging Technologies portfolio. He works with private companies, military branches, and government partners on cyber and AI strategy, legislation, and policy. Previously, he served as Product Manager for an AI startup and Assistant Professor at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, teaching Organizational Behavior, Marketing, and Finance. He holds a B.S. from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.

2026 WBENC National Conference
2026-06-15 - 2026-06-18
WBENC National Conference
Join us for the 2026 WBENC National Conference!
June 15 – 18, 2026 | Salt Lake City, Utah
The WBENC National Conference is a powerful gathering point for connection, collaboration, and growth across the network. Each year, the WBENC National Conference creates opportunities to forge new relationships, strengthen existing ones, and share unforgettable experiences that drive impact and innovation. Join WBENC as it celebrates and carries out its mission.
Join Forces. Succeed Together.
Register Now!

Partner Program: CRMSDC MBEIC Summer Series Happy Hour #2
2026-07-08 17:00 - 19:00
CRMSDC – MBEIC Happy Hour #2
July 8 I 5 to 7 pm EST In Person

Join the Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council, Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee and WBEC NY DMV for an evening of networking, great conversation, and community! It’s the perfect chance to mingle, network, and unwind in person with fellow professionals and entrepreneurs. Bring your energy, enjoy some great conversations, and make new connections in a relaxed setting. Don’t miss out on this fun, casual meetup to expand your network and share ideas!
Location: Mix and Mingle Coffee Lounge, 8923 Woodyard Road, Clinton, MD, 20735, United States
Register Now

WEtalks: Nobody's Ever Heard of You and It's Costing You Big Contracts with Stephanie Scott-Bradshaw
2026-07-15 12:00 - 13:00
July 15 | 12 to 1 pm EST | Virtual
This virtual session is designed to speak directly to Certified women business owners who are leaving revenue on the table because their brand story, visibility, and communications strategy isn’t working for them. As CEO and Communicator in Chief of First and Last PR, Stephanie Scott-Bradshaw works with brands that need to be seen by the right people at the right time. In this session, she’ll break down why visibility is the missing piece in most growth strategies and what to do about it. Attendees will leave with a clear framework for building credibility, showing up in front of corporate buyers, and turning their Certification into a communications asset.
Participants will gain:

An understanding of how visibility, brand positioning, and communications strategy influence access to corporate buyers, contract opportunities, and business growth.
Practical strategies to build credibility, communicate value propositions effectively, and position businesses as qualified supplier partners.

Attendees will also leave with a practical framework to increase visibility among corporate buyers and supplier diversity leaders, identify gaps in their brand story and messaging, and knowledge of how Certification can be integrated into marketing and communications efforts to support procurement readiness, supplier visibility, relationship-building with corporate partners, and revenue growth.
Register Now

Stephanie Scott-Bradshaw serves as the CEO and Communicator-in-Chief of First and Last PR, an award-winning public relations and digital marketing agency that focuses on beauty, wellness and healthy lifestyle, and also serves on the Board of Directors for the Public Relations, Society of America, New Jersey Chapter. A lifelong storyteller, innovative strategist and detail obsessed creator who understands the business, Stephanie leads an amazing team to implement strategies that grow global brands across a multitude of sectors in their portfolio. For more information, please visit: www.firstandlastpr.com.
About WEtalks
Women Enterprise Talks (WEtalks) is a virtual series that amplifies the voices of certified WBEs from across the WBEC NY DMV network. Through delivering a one-hour WEtalks presentation, WBEs can:

Reinforce thought leadership through sharing real business perspectives and expert advice with a broader audience of fellow women CEOs.
Strengthen credibility through contribution, not promotion.
Maintain visibility within the network.

Apply here to become a WEtalks speaker!

Joint Program: Founders First Capital Partners and WBEC NY DMV Present The CEO Capital Activation Experience
2026-07-30 10:00 - 18:30
July 30 | 10 am to 6:30 pm EST | Buffalo, NY
The Capital Activation Experience connects growth-ready small business CEOs with capital providers, corporate partners, and ecosystem leaders – through structured, facilitated engagement that leads to real funding conversations, supplier opportunities, and long-term partnerships.
This high impact, invite only event is designed to connect revenue-generating founders with capital providers and strategic partners. It brings together a curated group of founders, connecting them with funders advisors and ecosystem partners actively deploying capital.
There are two levels of experience, and you apply once for both. Founders First reviews every application personally.
Level 1 – Fireside Chat & Reception is where every member starts. It is a high-energy evening with funders, speakers, and founders who have built what you are building. You will get curated funder introductions, access to the Partner Focus Zone, and a fireside chat with founders who have crossed $10M. It is free.
Level 2 – VIP Luncheon is selective. Founders First reviews every application personally and invites capital-ready founders to a small, structured brunch with six facilitated one-on-one rotations with lenders who can actually move the needle. Being a member of WBEC NY DMV puts you in the strongest possible position to be considered. The Capital Activation VIP Luncheon gives selected founders six structured one-on-one rotations with lenders who are actively deploying capital.
One application. Two possible outcomes. Both worth showing up for.
Request Your Invitation

2026 Dominion Convergence Conference and Supplier Expo
2026-09-15 09:30 - 14:30
September 15 | 9:30 am – 2:30 pm | Richmond, VA
Convergence 2026, hosted by Dominion Energy, is a supplier expo with more than 80 exhibitors participating. During Convergence 2026, small, local, and diverse businesses can learn about upcoming opportunities and develop relationships with each participating company.
Event Details
When: September 15, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Where: Greater Richmond Convention Center
Register Now

How to Do Business with Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) Event
2026-09-30 08:00 - 12:00
September 30 | 8 am to 12 pm EST | Hughesville, MD
In partnership with WBEC NY DMV and CRMSDC, this supplier engagement event is an opportunity for Certified diverse suppliers to connect with SMECO’s procurement team and SMECO stakeholders. Held on September 30 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Hughesville, MD, the event will include: information on how to do business with SMECO and upcoming sourcing opportunities, networking and matchmaking, and a light breakfast.
Attendance at this event is by invitation only.

Capital One Envision Summit
2026-10-20 12:30 - 2026-10-21 15:30
October 21-22 I Richmond, VA
Capital One Envision Summit is dedicated to creating an inclusive supply chain and empowering businesses through education, meaningful connections, and strategic alignment.
Attendees will gain valuable insights into procurement trends, connect with Capital One leaders and partners, and engage in discussions aimed at driving economic growth for businesses.
Register Now
