WBEC FL Signature Event: Meet Corporate, Government

and Nonprofit Representatives

Join WBEC FL for a half-day in-person event for corporate and government meet-and-greet roundtables, informative panel discussions and plenty of networking with other business owners! Network and learn with organizations including CHEP, Travel + Leisure, the University of Florida, VyStar Credit Union and others.

When: 8:30 a.m. 1 p.m. Friday, March 21, 2025

Where: National Entrepreneur Center, 3201 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32803 (Fashion Square Mall)

Cost: $100, which includes breakfast buffet and parking.

Meet-and-Greets: Corporate and government representatives will host roundtables for three rounds. Each table will have the name of a corporation or government agency host. Timekeepers will allow 90 seconds for small business owners to make an introduction. Attendees will switch tables every 25 minutes.

Agenda: Includes a panel on Opportunities in Corporate and Government Contracting; meet-and-greet roundtable sessions; a panel on Following Up for Maximum Results; networking; and prize drawings.

Sponsorship opportunities for this event are available for as low as $500. Contact us if you want maximum exposure for your company! Sponsorships include stage time, logo on signage, and personal introductions to our partner organizations.

June 23-26, 2025

Sell Your Products at WBENC National Conference!

Apply to Operate a Demo Station or Pop-Up Shop

The 2025 WBENC National Conference will include Women Owned Demo Stations during the Expo on Wednesday, June 25, and Thursday, June 26. The conference will also include Pop-Up Shops during the evening event on Tuesday, June 24. As a participant, you would be required to book your hotel room and register as a Full Conference Attendee for the 2025 National Conference. Selection as a Women Owned vendor does not provide ANY Conference registrations or access for additional assistants for set-up.

For more on this great opportunity or to apply, click here.

Hurry! The deadline to apply is March 17.

Take Time for Health

You might not know there is a direct correlation between health challenges and decreased productivity. If you and your team members are not taking care of your personal health, your business might be suffering.

Here are some tips to keep your health on the front burner:

• Set an alarm and move every 50 minutes. Sitting for prolonged periods of time can put your health at risk.
• Try a desk or computer stand that lets you work from a standing position.
• Consider "walk and talk" meetings that allow you to get outside or at least walk around in the building.
• Have a "no eating at your desk" policy.
• Set up a company-wide fitness challenge.
• Buy new office chairs that offer better support.
• Lead by example! Your team members will follow suit.

Want to learn more? Read other tips from Chapter #6 in The Decision to Start: 25 Tips for a Second Career as a Woman Business Owner by our President and CEO, Nancy G. Allen. All proceeds from the book go back to WBEC Florida to support small businesses.

Get Financially Fit with 3-Part WBENC LIFT Program

Program: WBENC LIFT Entrepreneur Financial Readiness Series

When: Wednesdays in April 2025 | 2-3:30 PM ET

April 2 | Identify the Right Capital Sources

April 16 | Build an Effective Finance Team

April 23 | Cultivate Key External Relationships

Where: Virtual sessions

Cost: Complimentary

This series will equip you with knowledge for making strategic financial decisions that propel your business forward. You'll learn how to: 

• Identify the right capital sources. Learn how to align your funding strategy with your business goals and navigate the complexities of debt financing. 
• Build an effective finance team. Discover how to structure your finance team for optimal performance, whether you're just starting out or growing a larger organization. 
• Cultivate key external relationships. Understand how to leverage the expertise of bankers, accountants, insurance agents and lawyers to support your company's financial health and growth. 

Nominate a Woman Veteran

as Entrepreneur of the Year

From Our Partners at the National Veteran-Owned Business Association

Deadline: April 1, 2025 | 5 p.m. EST

The National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA) is proud to work with our friends at WBENC to recognize the 2025 Women's Veteran’s Business Enterprises® of the Year, a prestigious honor bestowed annually to an elite selection of America’s veteran business owners working as supplier partners to NaVOBA’s Corporate Allies.

Successful awardees will be honored at the WBENC National Conference June 23-26 in New Orleans and will receive a complimentary registration to attend the conference.

Nominate Here

Grow Your Business and Increase Your Sales Through Exporting

Hosted by: SCORE Broward County

When: Wednesday, March 5 | 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Cost: Complimentary

Nearly 95% of the world’s population lives outside the United States, which means additional sales growth is likely from exporting. Among the advantages:

• Exporting is a business that can be started by anyone with a good idea and product.
• There is a limitless market (the main advantage of exporting).
• Foreign markets can offer higher prices and better margins.
• There are government benefits available for exporters.
• Payments can be received faster in exporting than in the local market.

Learn More and Register Here

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.