In This Edition

Shop Women-Owned This Holiday Season!

We continue to celebrate and advocate for women business owners and entrepreneurs today and every day. If you're looking to do the same, then use the Women Owned directory to find gifts for your loved ones this holiday season!

Here you’ll find a directory of Women Owned brands with consumer-facing products, as certified by WBENC in the U.S. or WEConnect International. Products range from clothing & accessories to beauty & spa, travel & entertainment, and so much more. So what are you waiting for? Use the link below to shop Women Owned Today!

Plus, take a look at our 2025 Holiday Gifting Guide, so you can impress your employees and clients with products from small & local businesses.

The Opportunity Ambassadors - Session 4: Q&A

Tuesday, December 2nd | 1:00 - 2:00 PM

Free, Virtual Session

Join EMSDC and WBEC-East for the fourth and final session of our masterclass in Corporate Engagement.

This 60-minute panel discussion, Unfiltered Q&A: Direct Access to the Experts, is dedicated for attendees to ask any question regarding navigating the business inclusion landscape and improving their chances of securing contracts.

*Please note* This webinar will not be recorded. Attendees must join live.

Doing Business with American Water

Tuesday, December 9th | 2:00 - 3:00 PM

Fee: $15

Are you a Women Owned Business looking to grow and connect with new procurement opportunities? American Water wants to do business with YOU.

Join us for this informative session to learn:

✔️How to become a registered supplier

✔️What procurement opportunities are available now and in the future

✔️How the County supports small and local businesses

Now they want to enhance that mission by working with businesses like yours. Register now and take the first step toward becoming a supplier for American Water!

This December 2nd, Giving Tuesday, be a part of our 30th Anniversary campaign to ensure we can continue supporting the dreams of small business owners for the next 30 years, and beyond!

Your gift fuels results like these: 

• 40,000+ entrepreneurs served through programs, counseling, & certification 

• 500+ small businesses launched, creating 12,000 local jobs 

• 1,800+ Women Business Enterprises certified across PA, DE & NJ 

• 740+ FREE training workshops delivered  

• 1,000+ hours of one-on-one consultation provided 

• 820 scholarships awarded, totaling $346K+ in direct support 

That’s why we’re asking for $30 for our 30th Anniversary this Giving Tuesday. Together, we can multiply generosity and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Tips From The Staff/Board | Understanding the

Recent DBE Changes

Effective October 3, 2025, the US Dept of Transportation issued changes to the DBE program for DOT contracting.

The change eliminates gender and racial qualifiers, and opens the eligibility to a broader “disadvantaged” criteria. Going forward, currently certified DBEs will need to recertify by submitting a narrative explaining how they are disadvantaged, though as of 11/12, no states have yet to open this recertification process.

We’re here to answer your FAQs. Click the link below to learn how you can best navigate these changes, where to follow your state's DOT process, and more!

The Women-Owned Directory features a list of actively certified Women Owned businesses offering consumer products as certified through WBENC and WEConnect International. Interested in joining the Women Owned Directory? Then apply to feature your business at the button below!

Use the Women-Owned Logo! This logo is for those who are based in the U.S. and who are certified through WBENC. The Women Owned Logo is available to be downloaded in WBENCLink2.0. Read more about the Women Owned Logo at the button below.

Share Your Economic Impact Story and get featured on WBENC.org. It is incredibly valuable to share stories from our WBENC network about the immense economic and community impact that our entrepreneurs and small businesses bring. If you would like to share your story and economic impacts, click the button to learn more.

Certified October 2025

The City of Philadelphia 2026 Interest Form



Be a part of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, the 250th Anniversary of America, the MLB All-Star Game, and more. To ensure businesses receive the right RFx (RFP, RFQ, RFI) opportunities directly to their inbox, the city is asking business owners to complete the City of Philadelphia's AI-powered Interest Form.

USDA Tax Security Awareness for Small Businesses

December 2nd from 1:00 - 3:00 PM | Virtual



Tax scams are on the rise and small businesses are often prime targets. Cybercriminals use phishing emails, fake tax filings, and identity theft to steal sensitive information that can cost you time, money, and even your reputation. By staying informed, you can strengthen your defenses and ensure your business remains secure during tax season and beyond. 

From Vision to Victory - Women of Color CEOs Share Their Financial Playbook

Women of Color CRGs & WBENC LIFT Center for Financial Excellence

Friday, Sept. 12th & 19th | 12:00 - 2:00 PM

Ready to transform your financial vision into tangible results? Building on the knowledge of “Fueling Growth Through Cash Flow and Capital,” join WBENC for From Vision to Victory, an exclusive panel featuring successful Women of Color CEOs who will share their personal financial playbooks—the strategies, tools, and tactics they used to build financial strength, access capital, and scale their businesses to new heights.