Fast Trac Begins Soon!
FastTrac® is created by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs to help you evaluate and perfect your business concept while completing a comprehensive business plan.

If you're planning to launch your business within the next year, or you're in your first year of business and need to make a plan, this program provides the support, expert instruction, and structure to help you make your business goal a reality.

Every year, this course helps women launch their businesses. Are you next?

10 sessions
March 18 - May 20
Thursday evenings, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Paycheck Protection Program Updates!
WBEC-East is excited to share with you the latest enhancements to SBA’s Payment Protection Program (PPP) to ensure equity in the Program. Between Wednesday, February 24th and Wednesday, March 10th, only businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 20 employees can apply for relief through the Program.

Four additional changes have been announced:
  • Allow sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals to receive more financial support by revising the PPP’s funding formula for these categories of applicants;
  • Eliminate an exclusionary restriction on PPP access for small business owners with prior non-fraud felony convictions, consistent with a bipartisan congressional proposal; 
  • Eliminate PPP access restrictions on small business owners who have struggled to make student loan payments by eliminating student loan debt delinquency as a disqualifier to participating in the PPP; and
  • Ensure access for non-citizen small business owners who are lawful U.S. residents by clarifying that they may use Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to apply for the PPP.

Borrowers can apply for the Paycheck Protection Program by downloading the First Draw PPP loan application or Second Draw PPP loan application and working with a participating PPP lender through the SBA Lender Match tool. Click here for the full press release.

Need assistance? Check out our Cares consulting program:
This March, WBENC is celebrating Women's History Month by bringing together their incredible WBENC network of women business owners and those who support them.

You can expect:
  • Networking opportunities with WBENC Corporate Members
  • Executive Education Sessions with subject matter experts
  • Access to a virtual networking and event platform
  • Exciting and inspirational celebratory events!
  • Industry-focused spotlights and panel discussions
  • Conversations on critical topics of importance to WBEs
The virtual event series will take place each week throughout March. Explore the full event schedule, session details, and attendee pricing information.
WBEC-East Webinars
Practice Your Pitch Virtual Workshop
March 10, 11:00 – 12:00 PM

Don’t have a pitch written yet, or looking for more tips? Hear examples from successful pitchers, then join us in small groups as we take turns practicing pitching and providing feedback. 
Prepping For Your Pitch
March 16, 2:30 – 4:00 PM

This educational session will teach you how to design your elevator pitch, craft a message that resonates with your prospective client and revamp your digital presence through your social media & website. 

TOMORROW
Mar. 2, 1:00 - 2:00 PM

Learn about Communications Test Design, Inc's supplier diversity and procurement initiatives.
This Thursday
Mar. 4, 1:00 - 2:00 PM

Learn about AmeriHealth's supplier diversity and procurement initiatives.
Business Financials Boot Camp
March 10 - 24, 6:00 - 9:00 pm

This series is designed for business owners who want a stronger understanding of business record keeping and financials.
Sourcing Opportunity Roundtable
March 23, 3:00 - 4:00 pm

Learn about current and upcoming sourcing opportunities with our corporates as they share information on how you can do business with them in 2021.
Partner Events
Virtual Coffee & Commerce
Department of Commerce
March 3, 10:30 - 12 PM

The Department of Commerce's Office of Business Services is hosting a Coffee & Commerce Virtual event regarding the Have You Heard? How New Philly Tax Rules Support Your Business, on Wednesday, March 3 from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. This free webinar is an opportunity to ask questions about the new Philly tax rules and understand how it can support your business.
Breaking Barriers: Women in Business
Women United
March 25, 5:30 - 6:30 PM

In celebration of Women’s History Month this panel style discussion will celebrate local influential women in business and how they have achieved their success despite any obstacles. This event is free to attend, however there is a minimum suggested donation of $35.

All donations will go towards the Women United Impact Fund which supports programs in early learning, opportunity, employment and entrepreneurship and financial stability. We are excited to offer a special gift to the first 50 people who register for our event! This gift includes wonderful items from our partners Lokal Artisan Foods and Youbodycare.

Register for this event on Friday, March 5th on the Women United Website.