Join Your WBEC Florida Team, the SBA and WIPP

at This Free Educational Event in South Florida

Date: Tuesday, Dec 3

Time: 8 AM Registration | 9 AM-4 PM Sessions | 1 PM-4 PM Matchmaking | 11:45-12:45 PM Lunch

Location: Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, 3030 Holiday Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 

Come say hello to us at our WBEC Florida table at the event! Meet influential people from the U.S. Small Business Administration and Women Impacting Public Policy.

ChallengeHER works specifically with Women-Owned Small Businesses to assist in leveraging federal awards, learn the federal procurement process, and connect with the right people. With this knowledge, you are much better positioned to grow your business and increase your revenue.

Featuring:

• Basic Training for Emerging Federal Contractors
• High-Level Track for Experienced Federal Contractors
• Networking with Primes, Agencies, and other WOSBs
• Contract Connections (MatchMaking)

For details and the schedule, visit the WIPP ChallengeHER site

Seating is limited! Sign up today

Post-Hurricanes Survey

Here is a list of tips and resources we've compiled for you.

From Our Partners at the National Entrepreneur Center in Orlando

Join us at the first-ever "Connect with Canada" Event in Orlando! The Canada Florida Chamber of Commerce (CFCC) Central Florida is inviting you to a unique networking event. Together with the Central Florida International Trade Office, we're bringing the best of Canada and Central Florida together for an afternoon of meaningful discussions, connections and collaborations.

Date: Tuesday, December 3

Location: National Entrepreneur Center, 3201 E. Colonial Drive, Suite a20, Orlando, FL 32803

Agenda:

3-4 PM: Gathering

4-5 PM: Panel Discussions

5-7 PM: Social and Networking

Panelists:

• Zafir Rashid, CEO, Everest Group
• Marty McAndrew, Managing Director and Florida Market Executive, BMO Bank
• Brent Centlivre, Global Group Sales, Cirque du Soleil

Price:

Members $20

Non-members $40

Whether you're expanding your network or exploring Canada-U.S. partnerships, this is the place to be! Space is limited, so don’t miss out — join us for a memorable and impactful experience.

From Our Partners with Florida Blue

Boost Your Chances of Winning with Florida Blue!

When: Thursday, December 12, 11am to Noon EST

Where: Virtual event 

Join us for our Q4 Training and Development Session: "Tips and Best Practices for Florida Blue Proposals." Led by two seasoned procurement specialists, this interactive session will equip you with expert advice on submitting a winning proposal. Plus, get your questions answered by our sourcing SMEs during the Q&A session. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your proposal game and increase your chances of success with Florida Blue!

Nominations Open for SBA Small Business Week Awards

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched a call for nominations for the 2025 national and district Small Business Week Awards, including the Small Business Person of the Year. Partners, stakeholders and small businesses who know of a small business with exceptional innovation, growth, community engagement, or resilience, may put them in the spotlight by submitting a nomination.

The SBA Awards given in May 2025 will include the following:

• Small Business Person of the Year (National and District)
• Small Business Exporter (National and District)
• Minority Small Business Owner
• Veteran Small Business Owner
• Woman Small Business Owner
• Rural Small Business Owner
• Small Business Advocate of the Year
• Small Business Community Partner of the Year

To be nominated and receive one of the following awards, the nominee must fit within the category of the award, demonstrate success in business, and complete and submit the required nomination package information. Incomplete packages will not be accepted.

Visit the SBA’s dedicated website at www.sba.gov/nsbw to download forms, criteria, and guidelines for submitting a nomination. Florida nominations are being accepted in both the South Florida and North Florida Districts.

For South Florida submissions

For North Florida submissions

All nominations must be received by electronic submission no later than 4 p.m. EST on December 5, 2024.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!