In This Edition
• WBEC-East Desserts & More Event
• Finding Your Funding Webinar
• Next Gen Power Hour: Using AI
• Cocktails & Conversations Event
• WBEC-East Webinars and Events
• Welcome Newly Certified WBE's
• SBA Update and Event
• CEO Access Network Application
• SHARE Pittsburgh Rivers Casino Event
• KNow Research Grant Opportunity
• Local & National HBCU Events & Opportunities
WBEC-East Dessert & More Annual Event
Wednesday, October 11th
5:30 - 9:00 PM
Held at the Vie by Cescaphe
600 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia PA
 
Join us for THE social event of the year for women entrepreneurs!

Desserts & More is a celebration that brings together women entrepreneurs, corporate sponsors, supplier diversity professionals, and valued community partners for a fun opportunity to mix, mingle and build relationships.

At this annual event we proudly showcase WBEC-East’s successful business owners, honor our year's awardees, and raise funds to ensure we can continue our mission to increase opportunities and eliminate gender barriers in the entrepreneurial marketplace.
Looking for an opportunity to showcase your product or services?
 
Businesses who provide samples for our desserts buffet and/or our raffle baskets will be compensated with a free ticket to Desserts & More!

Please let us know about your donation by Friday, September 8th to be included in promotional materials.
Finding Your Funding
Tuesday, September 26, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

This two-hour workshop will provide valuable information on how to access capital to help your business grow. This is appropriate for existing business owners seeking growth funding or those within six months of launch looking for startup funds.
 
The financial options discussed will include loans, micro-loans, lines of credit, leasing, as well as alternative financing. Our panel includes lenders from local financial institutions and loan funds to present the information you need to understand to get funding for your business.
Next Gen Power Hour: Easy Ways to
Use AI for Your Business
Thursday, September 28, 1:00 - 2:00 PM

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, integrating AI can seem daunting, but this session is designed to demystify the process and empower you with practical insights. Discover how AI can revolutionize customer interactions, streamline operations, and supercharge decision-making. Learn from real-world examples of small businesses that have harnessed AI to drive growth and innovation.

Whether you're new to AI or seeking to deepen your understanding, our experts will introduce new tools that you can start using immediately. Join us to uncover the untapped potential of AI and chart a course for your small business toward a future of unparalleled success.
Cocktails & Conversation – Presented by the
WBEC-East Women of Color Committee
Wednesday, October 4, 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Join WBEC-East during Minority Enterprise Development Week (MED Week) at City Winery for an evening of cocktails and conversation, presented by the Women of Color (WOC) Committee!

The Women of Color Committee was created to address the unique issues that women of color owned businesses face. What better time to commemorate this initiative than during MED Week and National Hispanic Heritage Month?!

This networking event is focused on women of color entrepreneurs. Come join us at City Winery to meet new people in our region and build valuable business connections. Your ticket includes 1 complimentary drink, small bites, and charcuterie will be provided. Space is limited! Please register to hold your spot.
WBEC-East Webinars & Events
September 12, 2:00 - 3:00 PM

Learn about Giant Eagles's supplier diversity and procurement initiatives.

Giant Eagle wants to engage with WBEs like you to discuss potential procurement opportunities.
September 16, 10:00 - 11:30 AM

If you’re just starting out on your business journey or have always dreamed of owning your own business, this free workshop is for you! We'll introduce you to all WBEC-East has to offer to help you on the entrepreneurial journey.
September 22, 1:00 - 2:00 PM

We'll show you how to gain the prestigious Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) certificate and use it to build your business!
September 26, 2:00 - 3:00 PM

Whether you’re newly certified or have been for years, we'll show you how to make the best of your certification and grow your business.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact Liz Walsh via email at ewalsh@wbeceast.com to make arrangements.
Welcome Newly Certified WBES!
Certified July 2023
• BCG Contracting Services, Inc.
• Boaz Holdings LLC
• Bortz Bookkeeping LLC
• Crow & Mrazik LLC
• EARTHBORNE Equipment and Service Company
• Hall's Family Academy, LLC
• HAMPTON PROPERTY MAINTENANCE INC.
• HOPKINS-TAYLOR & ASSOCIATES, LLC
• KeyPoint Construction LLC
• KRTERRA, LLC
• Lesura Strategies, LLC
• Mazer Consulting LLC
• MCS Strategies LLC
• MEDICAL LEGAL REPRODUCTIONS, INC.
• Merit Project Solutions LLC
• Mindset Strategies, LLC
• Perry Co Excavating & Paving LLC
• PMG, Inc.
• Rachel Caesar Business Consulting
• Sky's The Limit Communications LLC
• TECH PALS GROUP LLC
• UNITED DRILLING INC
SBA Update
Do you have questions on SBA services, resources and programs?

The U.S. Small Business Administration Eastern Pennsylvania District Office invites entrepreneurs and small businesses to bi-monthly exclusive virtual Q&A sessions focusing on the various services, resources and programs offered by SBA.

Whether you’re starting a business, growing a business, or in recovery mode, we can offer guidance on our Resource Partner Network, loan programs, government contracting and certifications, and more!
Partner Opportunities
CEO Access Network Application
Apply by October 5th, 2023

The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia is seeking small business owners from underrepresented populations (disability-, LGBTQIA+-, minority-, veteran-, and women-owned businesses) to join this year’s cohort class. Match with C-suite executives from its member companies for a mutually beneficial partnership focused on advice and counsel, as well as networking and business development opportunities. 
SHARE Pittsburgh Event at River’s Casino
October 18th, 2023 |
2:30 - 6:30 PM ET

Bringing together the region’s top corporations and institutions, connecting them with Diverse suppliers to expand opportunities and increase growth for the region’s businesses.

For a contribution of $5,000 as an event sponsor, we will include your company logo on the invitations, flyers, registration website, programs, presentations, and press releases.
KNow Research Female Founder Grant Opportunity
Apply by September 15th, 2023

The Market Research Institute International (MRII) and KNow Research announce the launch of a program that will award grants to female founders in the insights industry.

The grants, which are being awarded in commemoration of KNow Research’s 20th anniversary, are open to women owned businesses in operation for 5 years or less, based in the United States.
Local & National HBCU Events & Opportunities
2023 Women of Color Incubator Application
Apply by September 3rd, 2023
 
Do you know aspiring female entrepreneurs at Howard University, Florida A&M University, North Carolina A&T State University, or University of Maryland Eastern Shore? Encourage them to apply to the 2023 Women of Color Incubator for a chance to win $25,000!
Breaking Barriers Like a Boss!
September 19th, 2023 |
4:00 - 5:30 PM ET
 
WBEC-East, in partnership with ASSETS Lancaster, Cheyney University, Lincoln University, and Delaware State University, presents a panel of equally experienced and relatable entrepreneurs who have started their own companies!

Join us as we discuss what it takes to empower yourself, grow your entrepreneurial mindset, and how to work it as your own boss!

Funded in part through Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact Liz Walsh at 215-936-9392 or ewalsh@wbeceast.com