In today's newsletter:

• Winning Strategies: Learn How to Turn Contacts into Contracts
• Time to Recertify? Read These Tips First for Less Stress
• Register for the WBENC Conference in Salt Lake City!
• WBEC FL Discount for WPO Conference in Hollywood, FL
• WBENC Session on Designing a Funding Readiness Strategy
• Regional Opportunities with Connections for Your Business

Tired of Collecting Contacts

that Don't Lead to Business?

Join Our April Winning Strategies Session

with WBEC FL WBE Jacqueline Whitmore

Mastering Your Mingle-Ability:

Turn Contacts Into Contracts

Guest: Jacqueline Whitmore, The Protocol School of Palm Beach

Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Time: ***New time!*** 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Price: Free for members and nonmembers

Location: Zoom

Bonus: Gain access to Jacqueline's e-book Master Your Mingle-Ability for tips beyond the webinar!

You’re already in the room. You’re meeting the right people and having great conversations. But if those interactions aren’t turning into real opportunities, something is missing.

In this fast-paced WBEC webinar designed for successful business owners, national etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore will show you how to move beyond surface-level networking and build relationships that convert.

You’ll discover how to:

• Decide if networking is truly necessary and how to approach it with intention.
• Make a strong first impression and leave a lasting one.
• Use three key factors of successful communication to connect with confidence.
• Strengthen your presence with your six Presence Power Points.
• Avoid common body language blunders that can undermine your credibility.
• Understand how to overcome seven reasons most people dislike networking.
• Adopt effective pre-meeting strategies so you never walk in unprepared.
• Use the power of storytelling to make your conversations memorable.
• Master the essential mingle-ability dos and don’ts.
• Remember names with ease and confidence.
• Introduce yourself and others in a polished, natural way.
• Turn conversations into opportunities through strategic follow-up.

The real magic doesn’t happen at the event. It happens after.

Ready to stop collecting contacts and start creating connections that count?

Register for this webinar today! And bring your sales and marketing leaders, too!

Connect. Collaborate. Shift.

Position your business for greater visibility, opportunity, and impact.

Save the Date for Our May Winning Strategies Session

Is It Time for Your Business to Recertify?

Make the Process Simple and Stress-Free

Easy Tips for Submitting

Correctly on the First Try

By Gelcy Capote | WBEC FL

Program Development Coordinator

Applying for certification or recertification with WBEC Florida is an important step in staying connected to a powerful network of women-owned businesses — and keeping your business visible for new opportunities.

While the process can feel detailed, most application delays come down to a few common and easily avoidable items. With a little preparation, you can submit your application smoothly and avoid unnecessary back-and-forth.

A few key reminders:

• Take time to read all instructions before getting started.
• Upload all mandatory documents — and clearly note anything that doesn’t apply.
• Double-check your sworn affidavit for accuracy and completeness.
• Ensure your financial statements align with your tax filings.
• Include W-2s or 1099s for all owners (or a signed note if no compensation was received).

These small steps can make a big difference in how quickly your application moves through the review process.

Most importantly, staying recertified keeps you connected — to opportunities, resources, and a community of women business owners who are growing and succeeding together.

For a complete step-by-step guide and an easy-to-follow checklist, visit the Resources section of our website.



A little preparation now can save time later — and help you stay focused on what matters most: growing your business.

Meet Us in Salt Lake City June 15-18

Early Bird Registration Ends May 1

Whether you've attended for years or this is your first time venturing to the WBENC National Conference, you're in for a treat with the 2026 event. WBENC is planning new experiences for attendees to offer even more return on your investment.

Check out the schedule and the "what's new" feature!

Additionally, WBENC has partnered with Delta Airlines this year for special pricing to get members to the event in Salt Lake City. Book your flight today!

You can choose from one of 6 host hotels ... but hurry if you haven't booked your room yet, because 4 other hotel room blocks have already sold out!

After the conference, WBENC has some "stay and play" excursions available for seeing the beauty of the Utah countryside. You can also stay for International Day hosted by WBENC's sister organization WEConnect International.

See you in Salt Lake City!

Apply to Display at the WBENC Conference

If you’re WBENC Certified, there are several ways you can showcase your products and services at the conference:

• Exhibit Hall. Purchase a space at the Salt Palace Convention Center.
• Demo Station. Sign up to be considered for a one-hour demo in the Exhibit Hall.
• Pop Up Shops. Sign up for a chance to exhibit during an evening reception.

WPO Entrepreneurial Excellence Forum

Heads to South Florida May 7-9

Through our partnership with WPO, WBEC Florida is able to offer a discount to our members for the Entrepreneurial Excellence Forum. Use the code WBDCFL2026 for $150 off the WPO nonmember rate.

There's still time to register for the Women Presidents Organization annual Entrepreneurial Excellence Forum. The organization is for owners of businesses that generate $2 million or more in revenue ($1 million for a service business), and you don't have to be a member to attend.

Event: WPO annual conference

Dates: May 7-9, 2026

Location: The Diplomat Beach Resort, 3555 South Ocean Drive, Hollywood, Florida 33019

Cost: See WPO site for pricing

Are You Prepared with a Persuasive Capital Story? 

Learn what it takes to design a funding readiness strategy

Hosts: WBENC Lift CEO Catalyst Program and Entrepreneur Financial Readiness

Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Time: 2 to 3:15 p.m. ET

Location: Virtual

Price: Free to WBENC members

REGIONAL OPPORTUNITY

Event: Strategic Business Exchange

Host: Florida Business Council (previously the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council)

Date: Thursday, April 23

Time: Noon to 3 p.m.

Location: Travel + Leisure Co., 501 West Church Street, Orlando, FL 32805



Price: $70

REGIONAL OPPORTUNITY

Event: LATAM Trade Show 2026

This international expo features a chance to meet companies, government buyers, and investors from Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, and Mexico.

Host: Central Florida International Trade Organization (CFITO)

Dates: May 6-8, 2026

Locations: Tampa and Orlando



Price: Free; registration required

We’re Here to Make Recertification Easy

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.