In today's newsletter:

• Meet the contestants for the WBEC Florida Regional Pitch Competition!
• Register to watch the Virtual Pitch Competition live on Friday, August 15
• You're invited: Go for the Greens 2025 business conference Sept. 25-27
• Celebrating our newest WBE Sponsor, Terri Hall of Doubletake
• Register to become a possible PGA Championship vendor!
• Entrepreneurial Women of Impact Awards deadline is August 5
• Sign up for our Certification 101 webinar on Thursday, August 14

Thank you to everyone who submitted an entry to compete in the annual WBEC Florida Regional Pitch Competition!

Our committee had a difficult time narrowing down the entries to only 10 because we received so many amazing videos from candidates. In the end, the women pictured here stood out for their ability to tell the story behind their businesses. You'll hear more about them soon!

The next step: They will appear before a panel of judges to compete for 4 slots to pitch on a national level with WBENC. See below for details on how you can watch the live competition.

Congratulations, ladies!

Lisa Rigoli

Element of Change

Erica Bethe Levin

Globowl

Christine Speedy

Greater Good Tech

Alexandra Baker

In the Kitchen with Alexandra

Jessica Walther

Itivate

Kasha Smith

KandleS by PerfectionKS

Amanda Mihnovich

Mihnovich Consulting

dba Private Label Staff

Sandra Ximena Diaz Hoyos

Smart Network Solutions

Irene Arshad

Wise Owls Education LLC

Massiel Villanueva

YUJ Granola

Come Cheer on the Contestants in Our Virtual Pitch Competition

Register Today for

PGA VendorMatch!

The 2026 Senior PGA Championship is coming to Bradenton, Florida, next April, and the PGA of America is inviting local businesses to participate!

Register for PGA VendorMatch to be considered for possible sourcing opportunities in support of this major spectator championship.

Deadline to register: August 12, 2025

How PGA VendorMatch Works:

1. Suppliers register online.
2. Selected suppliers will be contacted to schedule meetings with the PGA or its Prime Suppliers to occur in October.
3. After the meetings, the PGA or its Prime Suppliers will notify vendors who have been selected to provide goods and/or services.

Here are the 21 categories needed:

2025 Entrepreneurial Women of Impact Deadline is Tuesday, August 5

This distinguished award, presented by the Women Presidents Organization (WPO) and Women Elevating Women (W.E.W.)™, honors and celebrates the remarkable professional achievements and community service of entrepreneurial women of color in North America. 

Applications close August 5, 2025

Qualifications:

• CEO/President of privately held, for-profit business
• Identify as a woman of color
• Based in North America
• At least $500,000 in revenue in 2024
• Not a previous recipient of the award

Eight winners will be selected in each of 3 revenue categories:

• $500,000 to $1 million
• $1 million to $10 million
• $10 million plus

Certification 101 with WBEC Florida:

Understand the Application Process

Next Session: 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14

If you’re applying for certification or considering joining WBENC as a certified women’s business enterprise (WBE), this session is for you! Learn how you can become authorized to use the Women Owned logo.

WBEC Florida Certification Director Lisa Roblejo will walk you through the process of applying and help guide you on the next steps of using your credentials.

Join us on the second Thursday of each month from 2 to 3 p.m.This session is free of charge.

Future sessions: Sept. 11, Oct. 9, Nov. 13, Dec. 8

Sign up today! And be sure to tell your friends who are women business owners.

WBENC Onboarding with WBEC Florida:

Learn How to Use Your New Certification

Next Session: 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21

Now that you're certified, let us introduce you to the world of WBENC from a regional perspective. Learn about:

• How and where to use the branding, including the Women Owned logo, to let others know about your new credentials.
• How the WBEC Florida region supports you and your business through events, communications and other activities.
• Our corporate partners and helpful resources.

WBEC Florida Certification Director Lisa Roblejo will be your guide. Join us on the third Thursday of each month from 2 to 3 p.m. This session is free of charge.

Future sessions: Sept. 18, Oct. 15, Nov. 20, Dec. 18

Sign up today!

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.