The Women's Business Development Center and The Women's Business Enterprise Council of PA, DE, sNJ are now: WBEC-East!

We do it all:
  • Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification
  • Business workshops for all stages, from first-time entrepreneurs to successful, experienced business owners
  • One-on-one counseling
  • Celebrations and networking for women entrepreneurs
  • National conferences & opportunities through our parent organization WBENC
  • Partnerships and business opportunities between our women owned businesses and corporate buyers
Events & Workshops
FastTrac Entrepreneurial Prep Course
10 weeks, Starting March 14, 6 - 9 PM
WBEC-East Training Center, Philadelphia
FastTrac® 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. This course is for entrepreneurs who have a basic understanding of business essentials and are ready to begin the process of starting a new business. Includes one-on-one counseling with a coach!
Finding Your Funding
Wednesday, March 20, 6 - 8 PM 
WBEC-East Training Center, Philadelphia 
A panel of local lenders will be on hand to explain loans, micro-loans, lines of credit, and other forms of financing to help you launch or expand your business. This small event will ensure you walk away with valuable contacts with lenders.
Celebrating Women’s History Month: Executive Leadership Luncheon
Friday, March 22, 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Valley Forge Casino Resort
This annual highly-attended luncheon celebrating visionary women is open to all! The Executive Leadership Luncheon links women business entrepreneurs with women business executives, supplier diversity leaders, and purchasing professionals to gain access to opportunities and to build social and power networks. Attendees will hear the stories of established business women who exemplify this year’s National Women’s History Month’s theme of “Visionary Women: Champions of Peace & Nonviolence.”

At this event we will also be collecting gently used business attire and accessories to benefit the Career Wardrobe of Philadelphia, a non-profit supporting women (and men!) entering or reentering the workforce.
Cyber Security for Small Businesses
Tuesday, April 2, 9:00 - 11:30 AM
The Federal Reserve, Philadelphia
The laws and technology surrounding privacy and security are always changing. Our experts will help you understand your obligations.
Listening To Your Business
Thursday, April 4, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM 
WBEC-East Training Center, Philadelphia 
This hands-on, highly-rated workshop will take experienced business owners through a journey where you'll take a critical look at where you are now and leave with an action plan for where you want to be in 3 years.
Business Websites 101
Tuesday, April 9, 6 - 8 PM
WBEC-East Training Center, Philadelphia
Designed for non-technical entrepreneurs, this workshop will help you access easy-to-use online tools to launch or improve your website.
Online Ed2Go Courses
6-Week Long Programs
Sessions Begin March 13 and April 17
We get it. Being a business owner can make it hard to make in-person workshops. Check out our convenient online courses, from the comfort of your own home or office!

Topics Include:
Accounting Fundamentals
A to Z Grant Writing
Using Social Media in Business
Introduction to Microsoft Excel
Start Your Own Online Business
Business Finance for Non-Finance Personnel Fundamentals of Supervision & Management
Keys to Effective Communication
News From WBEC-East
Introducing Our Pittsburgh Office
We are proud to announce the opening of our Pittsburgh office and our newest staff member, Jamie Anewalt. "Since joining WBEC-East in December, I have enjoyed most meeting WBEs and Corporate Resource Partners. As a resident of the Pittsburgh area, I am eager to serve women here and bring them access to solutions and networking opportunities." Keep an eye out for Jamie around the western portion of PA as she builds WBE connections, processes certifications, and visits with our amazing women entrepreneurs!
Congrats to Barb Bosha, WBE Star
We are thrilled that WBENC has presented the 2019 Women’s Business Enterprise Star to our very own WBE Barb Bosha, president and founder of Bosha Design+Communications! 

The WBE Star award recognizes women entrepreneurs who are leaders, mentors and innovators in their respective communities. Barb and the 13 other WBE Star recipients from across the U.S. will be honored at the 2019 WBENC Summit & Salute on March 11-13 in Houston, an event that gathers 1,800+ entrepreneurs for three days of networking and learning opportunities.
National Events
Summit & Salute
March 11 - 13, 2019
Houston, Texas 

For three days and from all across the country, women entrepreneurs, corporate representatives, and diversity and inclusion experts will gather for networking and learning, including the wildly anticipated interactive business labs. Check out this can't-miss event! 
2019 National Conference & Business Fair 
June 27 - 27, 2019 
Baltimore, MD 

We are so excited! The National Conference is coming to our region. Save the date now so WBEC-East can show up and represent! 

This is truly THE event of the year for women business owners. Join thousands of WBEs for festive receptions, innovative learning workshops, and game-changing opportunities to pitch to supplier professionals from some of America's most prestigious brands. 
1:1 Matchmaker at the National Conference

This exclusive WBE benefit allows corporate and procurement professionals who are interested in your services the opportunity to schedule a one-on-one meeting with you. WBEs must be registered for the conference by April 2  to be eligible!
From Our Partners
Tory Burch Foundation
Fellows Program Deadline: March 12 

Selected women entrepreneur fellows will receive: 
• $5,000 grant
• 4 days of workshops at Tory Burch offices
• 1-year fellowship with the peer network
• A select group of fellows will have a pitch day with industry influencers

Apply by March 12
Technology Solutions for Every Business
March 5, 8:00 – 10:00 AM
The Free Library, Philadelphia
 
This morning workshop is geared towards business owners & decision-makers who are seeking advice and solutions for a variety of tech needs, including analytics, security and web development. This is the perfect time to network directly with diverse tech suppliers, and get your questions answered!
R.O.A.R Conference
March 19
Pittsburgh
 
Calling all WBEs in Pittsburgh! Expect a full day of B2B matchmakers, corporate roundtables, dynamic speakers, targeted workshops, and much more.
LawWorks Small Business Legal Clinics
March 6 or May 15, 5 - 7 PM
Center City Philadelphia 
 
These clinics are an opportunity for small business owners to meet one-on-one with an attorney for no cost, to ask about contracts, employees, leases and property, and other legal issues. After the clinic, eligible entrepreneurs may be matched with volunteer attorneys for counseling. 
JOC Program Small Business Construction Opportunities
March 12 - 21 (see event for specific date for each city)
Events in Harrisburg, Cheyney, Scranton, Pittsburgh, Erie, and Boalsburg
 
The PA Department of General Services (DGS) has extended an invitation to WBEs to participate in upcoming Job Order Contracting (JOC) Networking Fairs from March 12 - 21. The JOC program will provide prime and subcontracting opportunities in construction (all disciplines) and professional design for agencies undertaking construction, renovation and maintenance projects with a total value up to $300,000.
Diversity & Inclusion Conference Philadelphia
March 25 - 26
The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia
 
The Diversity & Inclusion Conference is a multi-industry and education summit dedicated to the exchange of insights and concepts about Diversity & Inclusion best practices. Our goal is to provide a learning forum to discuss strategies that can influence corporate social responsibility and broaden cross-cultural understanding, producing critical dialogue and exchange of information for effective tactics.