In This Edition

Desserts & More 2025 Recap + Photos

We continue to celebrate and advocate for women business owners and entrepreneurs today and every day. If you were able to attend Desserts & More on Thursday, October 16th, 2025, thank you! We are happy you were able to join us to celebrate 30 years of sweet success in assisting women entrepreneurs. 

Thank you to our sponsors, scholarship donors, speakers, raffle basket and dessert buffet donors, all of the event staff, our Awards committee and Desserts & More committee, and to all of the WBEs who offered their services and helped make this event possible. Check out photos at the button below. Until next year!

Succession Planning: Investing for Retirement

Monday, November 3rd | 12:00 - 1:00 PM

Whether retirement is imminent or years away, it's always a good time to plan for future financial security. Join Mckenzie Frankel of Entrust Financial LLC for a strategic session on post-exit financial planning.

We’ll Explore:

• Investment fundamentals for business owners nearing transition

• How ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans) can support succession and

retention

• Options to build long-term wealth and opportunity for yourself and employees

• Financial pathways that align with your values, goals, and legacy

South Jersey RISE: Espresso Exchange (with paws!)

Thursday, November 6th| 8:30 - 10:30 AM

Start your morning off with a fresh cup of coffee and some morning zoomies from the ready-to-adopt animals at the AWASJ shelter. Please consider bringing a goody bag of donations for the shelter. They are always in-need of the supplies listed on their website here: Donate Supplies For Homeless Pets | Animal Welfare Association NJ.

What’s Your Ask?: Be prepared to participate in a dynamic, interactive activity designed to spark meaningful conversations and intentional connections. Whether you're seeking a new collaborator, client leads, or marketing tips, this is your moment to speak up and let the community support you.

Philly RISE: Unlocking Growth Through Channel Partnerships

Wednesday, November 12th | 5:00 - 7:00 PM

This session explores how strategic channel partnerships can serve as a powerful lever for business growth. Attendees will gain insights into proven frameworks for identifying, nurturing, and scaling partner relationships that drive revenue, expand market reach, and enhance customer value. Through real-world examples and actionable strategies, the presentation will highlight how organizations can unlock new opportunities by aligning with the right partners and optimizing their channel ecosystem.

Liberty Hill Dress Code: Smart or Business Casual attire is required.

• For men: collared, tucked shirts or turtlenecks (blazers optional), slacks, khakis or dark dress denim are welcome.

• For women: dresses, blouses, sweaters, skirts, slacks, khakis or dark dress denim are welcome. 

• Kindly avoid sneakers, ripped clothing, hats, and T-shirts.

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 September 2025

Capital One Catapult Program!

Catapult Application Due Date Nov 5, 2025.



This is an intensive, six-month transformational learning journey designed to enable companies to innovate and disrupt by developing new solutions to business challenges. CEO/President/Owner must attend all sessions.

Voices of Business Speaker Series: Women Entrepreneurs Making a Difference!

November 19th from 9:30 - 11:00 AM | Pittsburgh, PA



Let’s Celebrate Women’s Entrepreneurship Day. Join the Center for Women's Entrepreneurship and WBEC-East for a dynamic panel of women entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of our region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Spark Bowl Networking Event

November 20th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM | Doylestown, PA



Delaware Valley University's Small Business & Entrepreneurship Center (SBEC), the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce (CBCC), and Startup Bucks hosts Spark Bowl, a “shark-tank” - like competition. Meet with the Spark Bowl contestants and other start-up businesses and organizations in the community. Refreshments will be provided.

WBENC LIFT in the Community

Thursday, November 6th from 3:00 - 6:30 PM CST | Nashville, TN

Join us for an inspiring afternoon in Nashville designed to uplift and empower entrepreneurs while strengthening the local small business ecosystem. In collaboration with WBEC South and supported by Fifth Third Bank, this event brings together entrepreneurs, capital providers, and corporate and community leaders to foster growth, resilience, and meaningful connections.