Women Business Collaborative’s (WBC) 3rd Annual Women's Capital Summit
2025-05-21 - 2025-05-22
Wells Fargo is pleased to invite you to the Women Business Collaborative’s (WBC) 3rd Annual Women’s Capital Summit.
The WBC Women’s Capital Summit will provide valuable insights into the world of capital, offering a deep understanding of its dynamics, strategic relevance at different stages of a company’s growth, and the effective utilization of capital resources. The summit will bring together women entrepreneurs and capital investors to build meaningful connections and increase funding for women-owned businesses.
The conference is designed for women CEOs and presidents.
During the summit attendees will have the opportunity to:
Build meaningful connections among entrepreneurs and capital providers.
Engage in robust dialogue on the framework of capital with other attendees.
Gain insight into what type of capital is right for businesses and when the time is right to engage in capital conversations.
The deadline for entrepreneurs to apply to attend the summit is Wednesday, April 30, 2025, however, registration is ongoing until full. Businesses will be notified of their application status for the summit closer to the event. Registration for investors is now open.
Click here for more information!

Making the Most of the WBENC Conference
2025-06-05 14:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York)
June 5, 2025
2:30pm to 3:30pm EST
The WBENC National Conference is a thrilling and jam-packed week of connections, opportunities, and community – and preparing is a crucial step toward ensuring a productive and impactful experience.
WBEC Metro NY and Greater DMV invite you to attend this one-hour virtual panel session to learn from our corporate members and seasoned WBEs as they share their insights on how to prepare, what to expect, and how to make the most of your time at the WBENC National Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Learn more about maximizing your time, identify effective strategies for connecting with corporate professionals and fellow attendees, and insights from multi-year attendees of the WBENC National Conference.
SPEAKERS

Dawn Wells is a seasoned supply chain leader with a passion for public health. As Assistant Vice President of Supply Chain at Northwell Health—New York’s largest healthcare provider—she oversees operations for over 830 ambulatory care sites. A strong advocate for diversity and equity, Dawn founded Northwell’s Supplier Diversity Council and serves on the Diversity and Health Equity Council and CSR Committee. Since joining Northwell in 2003, she has played a key role in integrating shared services across the organization. Dawn also serves on the board of the NYNJ Minority Supplier Development Council and holds a B.S. in Business and an MPH from Adelphi University.

Liz Whitehead is the CEO of 12PointFive, a consultancy that helps diverse businesses grow by leveraging their certifications through strategic coaching, consulting, and facilitation. She is also the co-founder of Diversity Masterminds®, an online program guiding certified businesses toward success. Liz previously led certification and partnership initiatives at WBEC Greater DMV and WEConnect International, where she launched the first WEConnect Academy. A sought-after speaker and advocate, Liz serves on the WBENC National Forum and chairs three local Women Presidents Organization chapters. Her accolades include the WBENC WBE Star Award and recognition as a Top WBE CEO by WE USA.

Geraldine Keogh is an accomplished entrepreneur who moved from Ireland to the United States 40 years ago. She is the co-founder and co-owner of three thriving businesses: The Dessert Ladies, Biens Chocolate Centerpieces Inc., and Bien Buddies Inc. Known for creating exceptionally delicious custom desserts and edible gifts, Geraldine has earned five patents in design and utility for food products. A passionate advocate for small business growth, she actively mentors and supports other entrepreneurs in their journey. She also chairs a foundation dedicated to helping children in foster care, combining her business acumen with a deep commitment to community service.

Register Now!

WBENC National Conference
2025-06-23 - 2025-06-26
Mark your calendars! Join us in New Orleans, LA, from June 23-26, 2025, for the 2025 WBENC National Conference!
At the 2025 WBENC National Conference, where thousands gather to do business, all united by a shared drive to uplift and elevate women-owned and small businesses, connections become collaborations, insights turn into innovations, and big dreams meet limitless possibilities. hashtag#WBENCConf
Register Now!

Convergence 2025 Supplier Expo and Career Fair
2025-09-09 09:30 - 14:30 | Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 N 3rd St, Richmond, VA, 23219
Join Convergence 2025, hosted by Dominion Energy, a dynamic supplier expo and career fair bringing together over 65 exhibitors from across industries. This is your chance to connect with leading companies, explore upcoming business opportunities, and build valuable relationships. Whether you’re a small, local, or diverse business looking to grow, or a job seeker ready to make your next move, Convergence 2025 offers direct access to decision-makers, career insights, and the future of innovation. Opportunities await—don’t miss it!
Register now!

2025 Supplier Diversity Webinar Series: Online Communications & Your Small Business
2025-10-07 15:00 - 16:00
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.
Unlock the power of online communications for your small business! In this lecture, we’ll discuss the importance of establishing a strong online presence. Additionally, we’ll look at social media and newsletters as potential avenues to reach your customers. We’ll explore how to effectively engage with your online audience, introduce some AI tools for marketing, and discuss newsletter platform options. We’ll also go over considerations to help you choose the right tools to boost your business.
Register today and take your business to the next level!

2025 Supplier Diversity Webinar Series: AI & Your Small Business
2025-10-14 15:00 - 16:00
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.
Curious about how artificial intelligence (AI) can help your small business thrive? In this lecture, you’ll learn about the many things AI can do and how they relate to small business. We’ll introduce a framework to help you explore how you can start using AI in your own day-to-day work. We’ll also cover tips for choosing AI tools and best practices for using AI safely. Whether you sell products, offer services, or run a home-based business, this lecture will help you discover how to take advantage of AI in your business today. Note: This lecture is best suited for people who are already familiar with AI chatbots.
Register today and take your business to the next level!

27th Annual SDDC Conference
2025-10-16 08:30 - 15:30
Register now!

2025 Supplier Diversity Webinar Series: Essential Tech for Running Your Small Business
2025-10-21 15:00 - 16:00
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.
In this lecture, we’ll explore easy-to-use software tools that can help small business owners manage everyday tasks, stay organized, and plan ahead with confidence. This session will introduce tech options that make managing your business easier, such as file organization, bookkeeping, and scheduling. We’ll also go over some tips on how to choose software that’s right for you.
Register today and take your business to the next level!

2025 Supplier Diversity Webinar Series: Digital Payments & Your Small Business
2025-10-28 15:00 - 16:00
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
