In This Edition

Applications Now Open for Spring FastTrac

Apply by Friday, March 13th!

10 Sessions: March 24 – May 29, 2026

Tuesday evenings, 6:00 – 9:00 PM | Virtual

The Kauffman FastTrac® series is an educational program, created by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, which is designed to help you evaluate and perfect your business concept, as well as complete a comprehensive business plan. Whether you’re starting a food truck or a factory, a construction company or a consulting firm, this 10-week series can help you create your plan.

Wednesdays, February 4-25th| 12:00 - 1:00 PM

Free, Virtual Series

WBEC-East is partnering with Ariana Digital LLC to deliver a four-part series on Artificial Intelligence (AI) + Digital Media. You will explore the basics of different platforms and how you can leverage them to benefit your company!

Ariana Digital LLC is a digital consulting agency helping businesses create value through solutions that blend design, data, emerging technology (AI). They focus on talent building and delivering exceptional customer experiences from strategy through execution.

Doing Business with South Jersey Industries

Tuesday, February 10th | 2:00 - 3:00 PM

Free, Virtual Session

Are you interested in doing business with South Jersey Industries (SJI)?

Then please join us for an informative webinar to learn about SJI's supplier sourcing and procurement initiatives. You’ll hear about their company’s mission, supplier goals, and steps to connect with their team. Come with questions and be ready to engage with fellow WBE’s who may be looking to do business with you, too!

We are honored to announce that Dr. Lee Lewis, Jr. of Highmark Health will serve as Chair and Lawrence B. Wooten of American Water will serve as Co‑Chair of our WBEC-East Council Leadership team.

Dr. Lee Lewis, Jr. currently serves as Director of Strategic Business Development at Highmark Health in Pittsburgh, where he leads efforts to build and expand partnerships with small and disadvantaged businesses that enrich and empower communities. He brings over two decades of experience in strategic supplier development and partnership acquisition leadership, including managing award‑winning programs and supporting business inclusion initiatives across industries. Dr. Lewis holds advanced degrees including a Doctor of Ministry and has been recognized for his advocacy for women‑owned and small business enterprises. 

Lawrence B. Wooten serves as Director National Supplier Diversity at American Water, where he leads the company’s supplier diversity strategy and champions meaningful opportunities for diverse suppliers across the business. With over 30 years of experience in supply chain and diversity roles, Mr. Wooten has built a reputation for driving measurable impact in supplier inclusion, supporting small and diverse businesses, and advocating for equitable participation in corporate procurement across the company’s national footprint. He has been recognized by industry organizations for his leadership in supplier diversity and continues to advance inclusion as a strategic priority within American Water’s operations.

In their new roles as Chair and Co‑Chair, Dr. Lewis and Larry Wooten will help guide our council’s mission to strengthen cross‑sector collaboration among all council partners.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Lee Lewis, Jr. and Lawrence B. Wooten on their leadership roles! 

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 December 2025

Small Business Legal Clinic

February 10th from 3:00 - 5:00 PM | Philadelphia, PA

Philly small business owners: Join Philadelphia VIP for a free one-hour legal consultation with a pro bono attorney! ou may be eligible to participate if: The business is located in/based out of Philadelphia; and household income of the business owner(s) is less than 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Citizens Small Business Community Champion Award

Apply by February 10th

Tell us how your small business supports your community, and you can be one of 20 customers to receive $10,000

and a 1-year Luminary membership for access to resources, tools, and networking.

Pitch Perfect Competition

Apply by February 20th | Wilmington, DE

The DEBCC is thrilled to host the 2026 Pitch Perfect Competition on March 18th, 2026, a dynamic opportunity for entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses and compete for cash prizes to fuel their growth.

2026 WBENC National Conference

June 15th - 18th | Salt Lake City, Utah

The WBENC National Conference is a powerful gathering point for connection, collaboration, and growth across the network. Each year, the WBENC National Conference creates opportunities to forge new relationships, strengthen existing ones, and share unforgettable experiences that drive impact and innovation. Secure your hotel today!