Amplify Mastermind 2024: Understanding the WBENC Network
2024-04-10 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
April 10th, 2024 | 10am to 11:30am EST | Virtual

Amplify is a Mastermind program uniquely designed to engage and support Women of Color in maximizing supplier diversity access to WBEs can scale the business. Participants in Amplify Mastermind have access to industry experts, masterclasses from Supplier Diversity Sponsors, and Amplify mentors to guide them through the journey of breaking through equity gaps and barriers.
Amplify is intended for Certified WBEs who identify as Women of Color-owned, are experiencing barriers related to the racial equity gap, and are seeking support, peer accountability, and a community to grow with.
Applications for Amplify Mastermind Program open in February. For more information, please go to wbecnydmv.org/programs/amplify

Advocacy & Policy News
2024-04-10 17:00
Wednesday, April 10th, 2024
5:00pm ET | 4:00pm CT | 2:00pm PT
Join WIPP’s dynamic government affairs team on April 10th at 5:00 pm ET for an engaging Advocacy and Policy News Update. Dive deep into one of our top policy priorities outlined in our groundbreaking Economic Blueprint: Building a Better Tax Code for Women Business Owners. As tax provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 sunset, the nation is abuzz with discussions on U.S. tax policy in 2024 and 2025. Despite uncertainties about future administrations, women business owners must stay ahead and be prepared.
In addition to this exciting discussion, our GA team will unveil the latest legislative developments in Washington, covering crucial topics like government funding, upcoming hearings, and new legislation. Don’t miss out—register now and be part of this informative session! Click here to secure your spot.
Click here for more information!

Why and How to Get Certified
2024-04-11 13:00 - 14:00
Why and How to Get Certified
April 11th, 2024 | 1pm to 2pm EST | Virtual Session

If you’re a 51% women-owned or operated company, you’re just a few steps away from becoming a WBENC-Certified women’s business enterprise (WBE)!
At WBEC Metro NY & Greater DMV, fueling local economic growth through the empowerment of women business owners is our primary mission. We provide WBENC certification—the gold standard in diversity certification—at the regional level and serve as an advocate for certified women-owned businesses by providing our WBEs with resources, programming, network opportunities, and recognition.
Do you want access to supplier diversity and procurement opportunities, networking events with like-minded women entrepreneurs, leadership development programs, and exclusive resources to grow and scale your business?
Join us for a 1-hour webinar and learn why the benefits of Certification go far beyond a Certification seal and the steps you can take to start your Certification process right away.
In this session, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of WBENC Certification, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, the application process, and local opportunities within your region and the larger ecosystem.
You’ll also have the opportunity to address your specific questions with our WBEC Metro NY and Greater DMV staff.

Reserve your spot today!
Register Here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwsfuqqrTktH9K6yBqyctRRILO_tIC06Ppu
The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council’s (WBENC) mission is to fuel economic growth globally by identifying, certifying, and facilitating the development of women-owned businesses. They work to accomplish this by focusing on their CORE platform — Certification, Opportunities, Resources, and Engagement.

Lunch With the Experts: How to Maximize Marketing & Branding with a Minimal Budget
2024-04-16 12:00 - 13:00
Lunch with the Experts: How to Maximize Marketing & Branding with a Minimal Budget
April 16th, 2024 | 12pm to 1pm ET | Virtual Session

Join WBEC Metro New York and TorchLight for an engaging Lunch With the Experts during which we’ll explore strategies and techniques WBEs can use to amplify your marketing efforts without a major budget. In this session, WBEs will learn ways to establish a strong brand presence and reach target audiences even with limited resources.

Julie Rutherford, Former Senior Director of Marketing, TorchLight
Julie is passionate about helping build effective marketing programs and teams for entrepreneurial organizations large and small. Julie has extensive experience in all facets of B2C and B2B marketing. Most recently, Julie served as Senior Director of Marketing for marketing recruiting firm TorchLight Hire and was responsible for marketing strategy, branding, lead generation, content, and digital platforms.
Prior to TorchLight, she worked for the interactive divisions of several large publishers including the Paris-based International Herald Tribune and Washington Post Digital, as well as for a global educational travel company. She currently provides marketing services for a number of small start-up clients. Julie has a B.A. in English Literature and French and an M.A. in English, all from the University of Virginia. She currently lives in Charlottesville with her husband and two sons.

Stephanie Ranno, Senior Vice President, Growth, TorchLight
Stephanie Ranno, SVP, Growth TorchLight – With nearly 20 years of experience in marketing recruiting, Stephanie is dedicated to supporting marketing leaders and their work – either with team building, contract resources, or marketing services. Based on her professional and personal experiences, Stephanie regularly appears on podcasts and webinars and guest blogs on a variety of topics including marketing staffing, inclusion and neurodiversity in the workforce, and career development in marketing and communications. Stephanie cares deeply about access to meaningful work for all who seek it. With three children, two of whom are neurodivergent, she wants a work world ready for them and their beautiful gifts and unique challenges.

Register here!

WBEC Greater DMV SAGE Advice Day 1
2024-04-17 09:00 - 17:00
WBEC Greater DMV SAGE Advice Day 1

SAGE Advice is a collaborative partnership between Capital One and WBEC Greater DMV and Metro NY, established to develop and enable small business owners to grow through customized sessions delivered by successful women business owners and Capital One associates.
Through six, two-day in-person and virtual sessions held over six months, participants will dive deep into their business, their strategies, and their goals.
Applications for the 2024 cohort of SAGE Advice are closed. For more information, and to join the waitlist for 2025,
please visit our website: wbecnydmv.org/programs/sage-advice

EngageHER
2024-04-17 14:00
EngageHER

Wednesday, April 17th, 2024
2pm ET | 1pm CT | 11am PT
The event will be held on Zoom and you will receive your login information
via email by the close of registration.
Click here for more information!

Role of AI in Digital Workforce Strategies (WEBINAR)
2024-04-17 14:00 - 15:00
Role of AI in Digital Workforce Strategies (WEBINAR)
Learn how AI is shaping the future of digital workforce strategies in this informative webinar!

Join us on Wednesday, April 17th, for an insightful webinar delving into the Role of AI in Digital Workforce Strategies. Gain valuable insights into how AI is revolutionizing business operations, driving digital transformation, and boosting productivity. Led by industry experts, this session offers practical strategies and firsthand experiences on leveraging AI to stay ahead in today’s fast-paced tech landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills in AI.
Registration is free but seats are limited, so secure yours now!
Click here for more information!

WBEC Greater DMV SAGE Advice Day 2
2024-04-18 09:00 - 14:00
WBEC Greater DMV SAGE Advice Day 2

SAGE Advice is a collaborative partnership between Capital One and WBEC Greater DMV and Metro NY, established to develop and enable small business owners to grow through customized sessions delivered by successful women business owners and Capital One associates.
Through six, two-day in-person and virtual sessions held over six months, participants will dive deep into their business, their strategies, and their goals.
Applications for the 2024 cohort of SAGE Advice are closed. For more information, and to join the waitlist for 2025,
please visit our website: wbecnydmv.org/programs/sage-advice

Lunch with the Experts: Conflict to Innovation, Managing Conflict at Work to Increase Employee Engagement
2024-04-23 12:00 - 13:00
Lunch with the Experts: Conflict to Innovation, Managing Conflict at Work to Increase Employee Engagement
Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024
12:00pm–1:00pm ET

Conflict at work costs the U.S. over $400 billion a year. What is it costing you and what can you do about it?
This workshop will dive into the details of conflict costs as well as best practices to turn conflict into innovation. Walking participants through a case study of a performance management issue, Gina will lay out the conflict warning signs, impacts on teams, and ways to manage people while building trust, fostering an innovative culture, and increasing employee engagement.
Especially geared to team leaders and business owners employing more than 20 people, this highly interactive workshop will also offer participants an opportunity to think through their own approaches to conflict and meet fellow participants to pool ideas and strategies.

This is the workshop for you if you’ve witnessed:
• Managers afraid to address critical issues, from chronic lateness to ignoring mission-required documentation;
• Team members refusing to acknowledge each others’ contributions – or trying to take credit for others’ work;
• Blatant arguing in front of leaders and customers; or
• Physical violence erupting at work due to senior leaders ignoring mounting stress and overwhelming workloads.
In just one hour, you’ll walk away armed with:
• A better understanding of how to account for the impacts of conflict on your business’s bottom line;
• The knowledge of which types of conflict are best handled by a neutral third party;
• And, best practices to foster trust and innovation while calming down disputes.

Gina D’Andrea Weatherup believes we spend too much time working to not be happy at work. Building a happier workplace pays dividends in employee engagement, team dynamics, and innovation – that’s why this former nonprofit professional turned mediator founded Chantilly Mediation and Facilitation (CM&F) in 2018. As the CEO of CM&F, Gina leads clients through conflict, creating stronger, happier, more engaged workforces. Gina holds a Master of Arts degree in Women’s and Gender Studies from The George Washington University, and a Professional Certificate in the Science of Happiness at Work. Gina is a member of the Virginia Mediation Network and serves as the Treasurer of the Mid-Atlantic Facilitator Network (MAFN).

Click to register!

Sustainability Accelerator Module 1 Workshop 2
2024-04-23 13:00 - 15:00
Sustainability Accelerator
Module 1 — Creating Your Sustainability Roadmap
Workshop 2 – What to Do

April 23rd, 2024 | 1pm to 3pm EST | Virtual

Sustainability is a business imperative for corporate partners.
Come join WBEC Metro NY and Greater DMV and program partners, The Fehlig Group, for the 2024 Sustainability Accelerator, an accessible and actionable program to help you understand the basics and application of sustainability.
Consisting of three modules running over nine months, it includes four interactive workshops and six optional drop-in clinics per module to provide expert advice on the unique needs of your business as you embed sustainability into your operation.
Module One: Creating Your Sustainability Roadmap

Understand the environmental, social and economic basics of sustainability, and the language that speaks to your contribution to corporate partners’ value chains.
Discover the value of sustainability from the perspective of a respected stakeholder/customer.
Learn how to implement measurable sustainability actions and start embedding them in the business (via a guided action plan).
Create a plan that articulates your business’ commitments, actions and impact.

In Module 1: Workshop 2 – What to Do, you will understand sustainability from the perspective of a valuable stakeholder/customer.
Register Here!
See more information here: Sustainability Accelerator | WBEC NY & DMV (wbecnydmv.org)

Amplify Mastermind 2024: Navigating the Supply Chain
2024-04-24 10:00 - 11:30
Amplify Mastermind 2024: Navigating the Supply Chain

April 24th, 2024 | 10am to 11:30am EST | Virtual

Amplify is a Mastermind program uniquely designed to engage and support Women of Color in maximizing supplier diversity access to WBEs can scale the business. Participants in Amplify Mastermind have access to industry experts, masterclasses from Supplier Diversity Sponsors, and Amplify mentors to guide them through the journey of breaking through equity gaps and barriers.
Amplify is intended for Certified WBEs who identify as Women of Color-owned, are experiencing barriers related to the racial equity gap, and are seeking support, peer accountability, and a community to grow with.
Applications for Amplify Mastermind Program open in February. For more information, please go to wbecnydmv.org/programs/amplify

Vendor Connection Summit
2024-04-25 09:00 - 12:00
Vendor Connection Summit

The Montgomery County Office of Procurement is hosting a “Vendor Connection Summit” outreach event. Meet with more than 50 prime contractors, government agencies and local resources at this expo-style event.
April 25, 2024 from 9am – 12pm
Silver Spring Civic Building
One Veterans Place
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Click here for more information.

WBEC Metro NY And Greater DMV: I'm Certified, Now What?
2024-04-25 13:00 - 14:00
“I’m Certified, Now What?”
Maximizing Your WBENC Certification
April 25th, 2024 | 1pm to 2pm EST | Virtual Session

WBENC Certification can be an amazing tool to help open doors and uncover business opportunities to take you from where you are to where you want to be. To fully unlock the extensive benefits of the WBENC network, we highly encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities and resources available to you – both locally and nationally. Attend this session to learn more about the core components of our network and the steps you can take today to make the most out of your certification. Participation is recommended for all newly certified and recertified WBEs, as well as WBEs who wants to stay up to date on what’s happening in the network.
Reserve your spot today!

Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIodOytrzIoGdTSsXX77DzfPTvDKS9Xkiif
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Supercharge Your Content Process: Leveraging AI for Business Growth
2024-04-27 10:30 - 12:00
Supercharge Your Content Process: Leveraging AI for Business Growth

Join us in this second installment of our AI series to supercharge your content process and get one step closer to financial freedom. In an era where every dollar counts and every moment is precious, we understand the hurdles you face. Labor rates soar, marketing expenses skyrocket, and your ideal customer seems increasingly out of reach daily. That means speeding up your content creation process isn’t just a nice to have; it’s a need to have. Join us in this second installment of our AI series to supercharge your content process and get one step closer to financial freedom.
You’ll leave with:
A crystal-clear content creation process, including unique opportunities to outsource
and optimize
A comprehensive resource sheet giving you your roadmap to AI-driven content mastery
Our exclusive secret hack for effortless content repurposing
Click here for more information!

WBEC Metro NY & Greater DMV SAGE Advice Day 1
2024-05-01 09:00 - 17:00
SAGE Advice is a collaborative partnership between Capital One and WBEC Greater DMV and Metro NY, established to develop and enable small business owners to grow through customized sessions delivered by successful women business owners and Capital One associates.
Through six, two-day in-person and virtual sessions held over six months, participants will dive deep into their business, their strategies, and their goals.
Applications for the 2024 cohort of SAGE Advice are closed.
For more information, and to join the waitlist for 2025, please visit our website: wbecnydmv.org/programs/sage-advice

WBEC Metro NY & Greater DMV SAGE Advice Day 2
2024-05-02 09:00 - 17:00

The (Re)Connect
2024-05-02 18:00 - 20:00
Celebrate National Small Business Week with Us at the (Re)Connect
Join the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif) as we celebrate National Small Business Week! The (Re)Connect is an opportunity for networking, strategy building, and community building.
Hear from entrepreneurs from Wacif signature program initiatives
Learn how Wacif can support your small business
Network with representatives from institutions that support small businesses
Click here for more information!

SHOW ME THE RESOURCES!
2024-05-03 09:00 - 13:00
Friday, May 3, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Rowan College at Burlington County – Votta Hall
300 College Circle, Mt Laurel Township, NJ 08060
Drop in at any time to talk to NJEDA staff members about programs ranging from small businesses, clean energy, arts and culture, the booming film industry, and more!
In celebration of National Small Business Week, info sessions will also be presented, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Programming agenda is listed below,
9:30AM: Grants and Loans for Small Businesses from NJEDA
10:00AM: Grants and Loans from NJEDA (presentado en español)
10:30AM: Resources and Advocacy for Small Businesses from NJBAC
11:00AM: Taxation & Treasury – Registering your Small Business & Business Certifications (MBE/WBE)
11:30AM: Free Technical Assistance and Education for Small Business Owners from NJSBDC
12:00PM: Introduction to Lending for Small Businesses with SBA & CDFIs
Click here to register!

Virtual Mega Matchmaker: Day1
2024-05-07 10:00 - 15:00
Virtual Mega Matchmaker: Day 1

Hosted by

Day 1 | Tuesday, May 7th, 2024 | 10am to 3pm EST
Our Virtual Mega Matchmaker brings together WBEs and procurement professionals from our corporate and alliance partners to build connections and foster meaningful, strategic relationships. Over two days, utilizing an exclusive online platform, WBEs can take advantage of valuable one-on-one meetings with buyers, corporate representatives, and prime contractors to ask questions and learn about unique opportunities to expand their businesses. At the same time, procurement professionals can easily and quickly source products and services to fill gaps in their corporate supply chains.
WBEs will receive a Save The Date and invitation to the platform, where they will be able to register and be invited to meet with buyers.
All certified WBEs in Metro NY and Greater DMV will receive weekly emails directly from My Business Matches with reminders to register and complete your profile. If you have not received an email, please contact: info@mybusinessmatches.com to request a registration link.

Virtual Mega Matchmaker: Day 2
2024-05-08 10:00 - 15:00
Virtual Mega Matchmaker: Day 2

Hosted by

Day 2 | Wednesday, May 8th, 2024 | 10am to 3pm EST
Our Virtual Mega Matchmaker brings together WBEs and procurement professionals from our corporate and alliance partners to build connections and foster meaningful, strategic relationships. Over two days, utilizing an exclusive online platform, WBEs can take advantage of valuable one-on-one meetings with buyers, corporate representatives, and prime contractors to ask questions and learn about unique opportunities to expand their businesses. At the same time, procurement professionals can easily and quickly source products and services to fill gaps in their corporate supply chains.
WBEs will receive a Save The Date and invitation to the platform, where they will be able to register and be invited to meet with buyers.
All certified WBEs in Metro NY and Greater DMV will receive weekly emails directly from My Business Matches with reminders to register and complete your profile. If you have not received an email, please contact: info@mybusinessmatches.com to request a registration link.

Why and How to Get Certified
2024-05-09 13:00 - 14:00
Why and How to Get Certified
May 9th, 2024 | 1pm to 2pm EST | Virtual Session

If you’re a 51% women-owned or operated company, you’re just a few steps away from becoming a WBENC-Certified women’s business enterprise (WBE)!
At WBEC Metro NY & Greater DMV, fueling local economic growth through the empowerment of women business owners is our primary mission. We provide WBENC certification—the gold standard in diversity certification—at the regional level and serve as an advocate for certified women-owned businesses by providing our WBEs with resources, programming, network opportunities, and recognition.
Do you want access to supplier diversity and procurement opportunities, networking events with like-minded women entrepreneurs, leadership development programs, and exclusive resources to grow and scale your business?
Join us for a 1-hour webinar and learn why the benefits of Certification go far beyond a Certification seal and the steps you can take to start your Certification process right away.
In this session, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of WBENC Certification, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, the application process, and local opportunities within your region and the larger ecosystem.
You’ll also have the opportunity to address your specific questions with our WBEC Metro NY and Greater DMV staff.

Reserve your spot today!
Register Here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAtduqtpjkvHNQ2tGqwbfrO8D3QAxjdtKo5
The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council’s (WBENC) mission is to fuel economic growth globally by identifying, certifying, and facilitating the development of women-owned businesses. They work to accomplish this by focusing on their CORE platform — Certification, Opportunities, Resources, and Engagement.

SCALEit Masterclass
2024-05-09 13:00 - 14:30
SCALEit Masterclass

May 9th, 2024 – 1pm to 2:30pm EST – Virtual

BY INVITATION ONLY
A lot of business owners get stuck at 7 and 8 figures and cannot get beyond that, even when they’re working non-stop and sacrificing time, health and sanity… for years. Even with a team, you, the CEO, may still need to be the hero; always rescuing projects, deadlines and clients. It’s time for you to extricate yourself from the day-to-day and build a scalable model that does not depend on you. In this powerful presentation, Allison Maslan, CEO of Pinnacle Global Network, Founder of 10 of her own companies, and Wall Street Journal Best Selling author of the book, Scale or Fail, will show you how.
SCALEit is for Certified WBEs who have reached at least $500K in annual revenue, and are looking to build their dream team, explode their business growth, and gain tools to scale their company.

Allison Maslan, CEO of Pinnacle Global Network, was recently named “One of the 10 Women Entrepreneurs to watch in 2023”, by Forbes Magazine. She is the Wall Street Journal Best Selling Author of, Scale or Fail, which is endorsed by Daymond John and Barbara Corcoran of Shark Tank. Allison’s built 10 successful companies over the last 40 years. For the past 14 years, she and her team of business mentors have helped over 150,000 Founders scale their businesses, fast-track their success and create a more meaningful life through her company, Pinnacle Global Network, one of the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies. Allison has shared the stage with noted business leaders such as Richard Branson and Magic Johnson; and has been featured in Inc., Success, Fortune, Fast Company, and Forbes Magazines, is a regular contributor to Entrepreneur Magazine and a featured expert on ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, and Fox across the US. She is also the host and producer of The SCALEit Method Podcast and the Women Who Own It Podcast brought to you by WBENC.

Lunch With the Experts: KPMG Corporate Connections
2024-05-14 12:00 - 13:00
Lunch with the Experts: KPMG Corporate Connections
May 14th, 2024 | 12pm to 1pm ET | Virtual Session

Please join WBEC Metro New York and Corporate Member KPMG for a Corporate Connections session. KPMG will be discussing upcoming procurement opportunities, how to engage with KPMG procurement professionals, and what WBEs need to know to be procurement ready.

Keith Hines, Director, Supplier Diversity
Keith Hines is the Supplier Diversity and Sustainability leader for KPMG. Keith has extensive experience at Fortune 500 companies. He has over 20 years of experience in Supplier Diversity. He has expertise managing in large and complex business operations. In addition to KPMG, he led the Supplier Diversity programs at Mars, PwC, and Altria. While at Altria, the company was selected as the Corporation of the Year for Supplier Diversity by the NMSDC. Keith has also led procurement operations for PWC and Cushman & Wakefield.
He is an active member on Supplier Diversity boards and committees and a frequent speaker on Supplier Diversity. He has served on the executive boards of the leading Supplier Diversity organizations: WBENC and the NMSDC. He is a past president of The Institute of Supply Management, New York. He currently serves as the co-chair of the Conference Board Supplier Diversity Committee, a membership corporate thought leadership group. Keith is also a member of the Professional Services Industry Group that focuses on Supplier Diversity with the Big Four Accounting firms.

Register here!

Sustainability Accelerator Module 1 Workshop 3
2024-05-14 13:00 - 15:00
Sustainability Accelerator
Module 1 — Creating Your Sustainability Roadmap
Workshop 3 – Implementation

May 14th, 2024 | 1pm to 3pm EST | Virtual

Sustainability is a business imperative for corporate partners.
Come join WBEC Metro NY and Greater DMV and program partners, The Fehlig Group, for the 2024 Sustainability Accelerator, an accessible and actionable program to help you understand the basics and application of sustainability.
Consisting of three modules running over nine months, it includes four interactive workshops and six optional drop-in clinics per module to provide expert advice on the unique needs of your business as you embed sustainability into your operation.
Module One: Creating Your Sustainability Roadmap

Understand the environmental, social and economic basics of sustainability, and the language that speaks to your contribution to corporate partners’ value chains.
Discover the value of sustainability from the perspective of a respected stakeholder/customer.
Learn how to implement measurable sustainability actions and start embedding them in the business (via a guided action plan).
Create a plan that articulates your business’ commitments, actions and impact.

In Module 1: Workshop 3 – Implementation, you will understand and be ready to implement sustainability and start embedding it into your organization.

Register Here!
See more information here: Sustainability Accelerator | WBEC NY & DMV (wbecnydmv.org)

Amplify Mastermind 2024: Growth vs. Scaling
2024-05-15 10:00 - 11:30
Amplify Mastermind 2024: Growth vs. Scaling

May 15th, 2024 | 10am to 11:30am EST | Virtual

Amplify is a Mastermind program uniquely designed to engage and support Women of Color in maximizing supplier diversity access to WBEs can scale the business. Participants in Amplify Mastermind have access to industry experts, masterclasses from Supplier Diversity Sponsors, and Amplify mentors to guide them through the journey of breaking through equity gaps and barriers.
Amplify is intended for Certified WBEs who identify as Women of Color-owned, are experiencing barriers related to the racial equity gap, and are seeking support, peer accountability, and a community to grow with.
Applications for Amplify Mastermind Program open in February. For more information, please go to wbecnydmv.org/programs/amplify

WBEC Metro NY Pitch Academy: Prepare to Amplify Your Pitch
2024-05-16 10:00 - 11:00
WBEC Metro NY Pitch Academy: Prepare to Amplify Your Pitch

WBEC Metro NY is thrilled to announce its partnership with WBENC to host the 2024 WBENC PITCH Amplify Competition, sponsored by FedEx and PepsiCo. The theme for this year’s local, RPO Pitch Competition is “Amplify your Intro” where women Business Enterprises (WBEs) will be required to introduce their companies in a creative and compelling way.
Applications for the WBEC Metro NY local RPO Pitch Competition are open May 1 – 22, 2024. All Certified WBEC NY WBEs are invited to submit a video application for a chance to compete in the virtual live local Pitch Competition in August.
To prepare for this year’s competition, please join us for an amazing opportunity to hear directly from the top 3 finalists of the WBEC Metro NY Pitch Competition in a dynamic conversation designed to elevate your pitch game for this year! Don’t miss this chance to connect with past winners to gain the knowledge and inspiration needed to take your pitch to the next level.
Through a lively panel discussion, our guest speakers will share their pitch journey as well as practical tips and strategies to help you:

Gain insights into how to tell your business’ story in an engaging and persuasive manner.
Use varied techniques to improve your delivery and make a more impactful impression on your audience.
Hone your business pitch and maximize your pitching opportunities beyond the Pitch Competition.
Overcome common pitch pitfalls around nerves, preparation, and time management.

Click to register!

Moderated by Darcy Flanders founder and chief brand strategist of BaselineGroupNY

Speakers:
Sheilisa McNeal-Burgess, Owner of Fria Jewelry

Jennifer Willey, Owner of Wet Cement

Maria Marino, Owner of Panic Panties

WBEC Greater DMV Pitch Academy: Prepare to Amplify Your Pitch
2024-05-16 13:00 - 14:00
WBEC Greater DMV Pitch Academy: Prepare to Amplify Your Pitch

WBEC Greater DMV is thrilled to announce its partnership with WBENC to host the 2024 WBENC PITCH Amplify Competition, sponsored by FedEx and PepsiCo. The theme for this year’s local, RPO Pitch Competition is “Amplify your Intro” where women Business Enterprises (WBEs) will be required to introduce their companies in a creative and compelling way.
Applications for the WBEC Greater DMV local RPO Pitch Competition are open May 1 – 22, 2024. All Certified WBEC DMV WBEs are invited to submit a video application for a chance to compete in the virtual live local Pitch Competition in August.
To prepare for this year’s competition, please join us for an amazing opportunity to hear directly from the top 4 finalists of the WBEC Greater DMV Pitch Competition in a dynamic conversation designed to elevate your pitch game for this year! Don’t miss this chance to connect with past winners to gain the knowledge and inspiration needed to take your pitch to the next level.
Through a lively panel discussion, our guest speakers will share their pitch journey as well as practical tips and strategies to help you:

Gain insights into how to tell your business’ story in an engaging and persuasive manner.
Use varied techniques to improve your delivery and make a more impactful impression on your audience.
Hone your business pitch and maximize your pitching opportunities beyond the Pitch Competition.
Overcome common pitch pitfalls around nerves, preparation, and time management.

Click to register!

Moderated by Mary Fehlig, Founder and President, The Fehlig Group

Speakers:
Emmalyne Head, Owner of Southern Belle Cleaners

Jovan Jackson, Owner of Good News Financial & Investment Advisors LLC

Ruth B. Williams, owner of ERITEA.

Dr. Renette Dallas, owner of Life by Dallas Inc

City of Frederick - Vendor Resource Fair
2024-05-23 09:00 - 12:00
City of Frederick – Vendor Resource Fair

Thursday, May 23, 2024
Are you a registered vendor with the City of Frederick? Do you own or operate a business with products or services that our City Government might purchase? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for your business. In an effort to provide access to information and resources that can help your business succeed and become more competitive in the government contracting arena, we are hosting the “Who can help” Vendor Resource Fair on May 23rd.

This resource fair will feature exhibitors who can provide services, programs, and information that can put your business in the best possible position to provide services and products not only to the City, but at the County, Sate, and Federal levels as well. You are invited to attend this Resource Fair and meet with the amazing group of exhibitors we have assembled. Some of the resources available will be:
Banks with diverse & business focused lending programs like:
Truist
Fulton Bank
M&T Bank
Woodsboro Bank
Insurance and Bid Bonding Providers like:
Assured Partners
WLR Insurance Solutions
City Departments like:
Purchasing
Economic Development
Certification Agencies like:
MDOT Office of Small, Minority & Disadvantaged Businesses
WBENC
And State Departments like:
MBOC (Maryland Business Opportunity Center)
Comptroller’s Office

Lunch with the Experts: Managing Business Credit presented by Wells Fargo
2024-05-28 12:00 - 13:00
Lunch with the Experts: Managing Business Credit presented by Wells Fargo
Tuesday, May 28th, 2024
12:00pm–1:00pm ET

Join us for an enlightening session with Mame Mbaye, Senior Assistant Vice President and Small Business Relationship Manager at Wells Fargo, and delve into the topic of Managing Business Credit. Gain valuable insights on how credit and lending operate, explore the diverse possibilities of credit financing throughout the credit lifecycle, and discover a myriad of traditional and nontraditional credit opportunities available to business owners.
Additionally, Trung Tieu, Supplier Diversity Program Manager at Wells Fargo, will also briefly share information about the Wells Fargo Supplier Diversity program and how to connect.
This presentation is your gateway to understanding and optimizing business credit for growth and success.

Mame Mbaye, Sr. AVP – Small Business Relationship Manager (LO), Regional Business Relationship Management, Wells Fargo
As the Senior Assistant Vice President and Small Business Relationship Manager in the DMV area for 12 years, Mame Mbaye focuses on building relationships with local business owners and providing tailored financial strategies. Alongside her team, she assists small businesses in maintaining growth and controlling expenses by offering guidance on cash management, finance, credit, and risk management.
Mame also pursued studies at Temple University in Japan, expanding her global outlook. With a strong background in business lending, she specializes in SBA loans, business acquisition financing, commercial real estate lending, practice finance for medical professionals, and business lines of credit.

Trung Tieu, Supplier Diversity Program Manager, Wells Fargo
Trung Tieu is the 2023 Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year, awarded by NYNJ Minority Supplier Development Council. Joining Wells Fargo in 2022 as a Supplier Diversity Manager, Trung has been instrumental in aligning diverse suppliers with sourcing categories and advancing supplier development programs. His previous role at PepsiCo involved promoting the utilization of diverse-owned businesses. Trung’s career began in Quaker Foods & Snacks, focusing on innovation and product development.
An active board member of NYNJ MSDC and contributor to diversity and inclusion initiatives, Trung holds a B.A. and M.A. in Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, with research on identity construction, and is a UCLA Anderson School of Business LGBT Leadership Institute graduate.

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Amplify Mastermind 2024: Sustainability, Amplify Your Value in the Supply Chain
2024-05-29 10:00 - 11:30
Amplify Mastermind 2024: Sustainability, Amplify Your Value in the Supply Chain

May 29th, 2024 | 10am to 11:30am EST | Virtual

Amplify is a Mastermind program uniquely designed to engage and support Women of Color in maximizing supplier diversity access to WBEs can scale the business. Participants in Amplify Mastermind have access to industry experts, masterclasses from Supplier Diversity Sponsors, and Amplify mentors to guide them through the journey of breaking through equity gaps and barriers.
Amplify is intended for Certified WBEs who identify as Women of Color-owned, are experiencing barriers related to the racial equity gap, and are seeking support, peer accountability, and a community to grow with.
Applications for Amplify Mastermind Program open in February. For more information, please go to wbecnydmv.org/programs/amplify
