In today's newsletter:

• Prepare to Pitch webinar by WBEC Florida next Wednesday, June 18
• Attend WBENC Pitch Academy for tips on national competition
• Register to Watch the WBEC Florida Virtual Pitch Competition Live
• June 18: Last Chance to Register for WBENC National Conference!
• Can't attend? Support virtually by wearing orange on LinkedIn!
• WEConnect International Day now offering reception-only ticket
• GROW FL taking applications for Florida Companies to Watch
• Entrepreneurial Women of Impact Awards applications now open

Dhomonique Murphy of Sarasota (left) won one of the national competitions in 2024, presented at the national conference by WBEC Florida President and CEO Nancy Allen (center) and WBENC President and CEO Pamela Prince Eason.

Are you ready to join three other WBEC Florida members who have won the national WBENC Pitch in recent years? There's only one way to do that: Get your pitch ready!

We're here to help you get out of your comfort zone and jump into the competition!

Event: Prepare to Pitch webinar

Host: WBEC Florida

Date: Wednesday, June 18

Time: 11 a.m. to noon

Where: Zoom

Cost: None!

Want More Pitch Preparation?

Try These WBENC Sessions

Participating in WBENC pitch sessions can do more for your business than help you win big prize money. They can also polish your skills for approaching corporations and government organizations as a potential supplier. And they're a great way to boost your confidence!

Accelerate Your Story

July 25 | Virtual | Noon - 2pm

Build Your Impact Statement

Aug. 8 | Virtual | Noon - 2pm

Watch the Pitches at Our Regional Event

June 23-26, 2025

in New Orleans

We look forward

to seeing you there!

Not Attending the Conference

But Still Want to Support?

You can be part of the fun by being with us in spirit!

Just wear our region's designated color of orange or sport our regional mascot, the monarch butterfly, during the week of June 23-26. Post a photo of yourself on LinkedIn and tag us! We will make you an honorary member of The Order of the Monarchs.

We're glad you're part of our WBEC Florida family, and we will miss seeing your smiling face ... until next time!

GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch

Is Now Taking Applications

GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch recognizes second-stage companies in Florida that are making a significant impact. To qualify, your company must show a track record of innovation, growth and community involvement that makes you a contender for this prestigious award.

Applications close June 30, 2025

Qualifications:

• Privately owned.
• Headquartered in Florida. 
• Between 6 and 150 full-time equivalent employees in 2024. 
• Between $750,000 and $100 million in annual revenue or working capital from investors or grants in 2024. 
• Not a past recipient of this award.
• Intention and capacity to grow.

2025 Entrepreneurial Women of Impact Awards Applications Are Now Open

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

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.