December 19, 2025

In today's newsletter:

Register today for our Jan. 7 "Starting Strong" webinar
Set the tone for 2026 with our "Manifest Your Mantra" session
Meet VyStar Credit Union in our "Coffee with a Corporate" series
Donate to WBENC and WBEC Florida funds at year-end
Save the date for the WBENC Annual Conference in June!

Give Yourself the Gift

of a Strong Start in 2026

Event: "Starting Strong" Webinar

Date: Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026

Time: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Cost: Free for members and nonmembers

This time of year is filled with celebrations, deadlines, family commitments, and a seemingly endless to-do list.

But this moment — right now — is actually one of the most powerful times to pause and set yourself up for success in 2026.

Why rush into the new year carrying the same habits, overwhelm, and unclear priorities that plagued you at times during a stressful 2025? Instead, take a proactive step. Register today for our free "Starting Strong" webinar.

During "Starting Strong," you will:

Clarify your top priorities for 2026.
Align your goals with your values and purpose.
Create a focused plan for the first quarter.
Gain a Quarterly Tracking Tool to help you stay accountable, measure progress, and adjust your goals throughout the year.
Build momentum you can carry through the entire year.
Connect with a supportive community of leaders like you.

WBEC Florida is here to help you make 2026 your best year ever!

See details on our WBEC Florida Events page

Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones!

Your WBEC Florida team

Events

How Will You Set the Tone for a Productive 2026?

Event: "Manifest Your Mantra" webinar

Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Time: 11 a.m. to noon

Cost: Free for members and nonmembers

As we enter the new year, you might be wondering what 2026 has in store for you ... and how to approach it for the best possible results.

How about choosing a mantra? Adopting a word or phrase that holds special meaning for you will help you start the new year with intention and purpose. Nancy Allen, our president and CEO, will lead this popular one-hour seminar.

Coffee with a Corporate: Featuring VyStar Credit Union

Event: Monthly Coffee with a Corporate webinar

Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Time: 10 to 11 a.m.

Cost: Free for members and nonmembers

Guests:

Willie Johnson, Vice President Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, and Economic Development
Keith McDuffie, Procurement Manager

Each month, we’ll host featured guests who share insights about how their organizations work with suppliers, information on what they look for in new partners, and practical tips to help your business get noticed.

Join us for 30 minutes of conversation, 30 minutes of Q&A and networking ... and one powerful hour of connection!

Be sure to mark your calendar for these upcoming dates:

March 11, 2026 — Guest TBA
April 8, 2026 — Desiree Hanson, Moffitt Cancer Center
May 13, 2026 — Guest TBA

Announcements

Winning Strategies Coming Soon!

We're excited to share that we had an enthusiastic turnout in response to our call for WBEC Florida members to apply to be presenters for our upcoming "Winning Strategies" series. We can't wait to help our members share their expertise with our world starting in February! Watch for dates and topics on our Events page.

Tax-Deductible Contributions for Year-End

WBENC Legacy Fund

To honor the memory of WBENC President and CEO Pamela Prince-Eason, who passed away in June, the WBENC Legacy Fund was established to ensure that her bold vision for economic empowerment continues to thrive. This fund supports the growth, inclusion, and long-term success of women-owned businesses, small and medium-sized businesses, and entrepreneurs across the nation, fueling opportunity and impact. Contribute here.

WBEC Florida Scholarship Fund

You also might consider a tax-deductible donation to the WBEC Florida Scholarship Fund. Contact us here for details.

We appreciate your support for our efforts to help businesses thrive all year long!

Opportunities

NATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

2026 Virtual Open House:

Impact Your Business

Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Time: 2 to 3 p.m. ET

Kick off the calendar year with the national WBENC team, which will share key information and dates for initiatives designed to help your business.

NATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

What's Your Company's Economic Impact Story?

WBENC is featuring powerful Economic Impact Stories in its newsletter, social media, programs and more!

EVERY business owner has a valuable impact story to tell, whether it's about new products or services, market expansion, community giving, job development or other factors.

Submit your story today!

Learn More Here

WBENC ANNUAL CONFERENCE

If you're like us, you've already starting marking your 2026 calendar with important dates. Remember to put this one in!

The national WBENC conference takes place June 15-18 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

If you've attended before, you know it's a "don't miss" event. If you haven't, then now's your chance. Start planning today ... and we will see you there!

Visit Our Website

Missed some past issues? See our Newsletter Archive.

Looking for events? Visit and bookmark our Events Page.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

WBEC Florida and WBENC Anti-Discrimination Policy

As a community of entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and economic development thought leaders, WBENC and the WBEC Florida Regional Partner Organization are committed to the elimination of discrimination in all areas of business and the provision of equal opportunity when accessing capital, contracts, and contacts. In compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, we do not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status in any of our policies, procedures, or practices. This anti-discrimination policy covers admission and access to, and treatment, in all programs and activities.

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