In This Edition

Nominations for our 2026 WBEC-East Annual Awards Program are Now Open!

We’re thrilled to announce that nominations and applications are now open for three prestigious awards recognizing outstanding achievement within the WBEC-East community. Help us honor the clients, suppliers, or even your own company that have made a lasting impact.

Supplier Leadership Award

This honor is awarded to an entrepreneur that is certified by and actively participates in WBEC-East programs and activities, and whose leadership, mentoring, business acumen, participation in WBEC-East activities, and community service have contributed significantly to the growth and development entrepreneurs in their community. Desired leadership qualities include Inclusivity, open-mindedness, collaboration and non-authoritarian leadership approaches.

Advocate of the Year Award

This honor is awarded to an individual of a WBEC-East Council Partner organization in good standing who has done the most this year to promote the development of business opportunities for WBEs certified by WBEC-East.

Economic Impact Award | WBEC-East Council Partner

The Economic Impact Award recognizes companies that treat an inclusive supply chain as a competitive advantage — those that intentionally widen the field of qualified suppliers competing for their business and direct measurable economic impact into the regional economy (PA, DE, and Southern NJ).

Submit your nomination or application today!

Business Financial Literacy Series: Business Finance Basics

Thursday, July 9 | 6:30 - 7:30 PM | Virtual

The WBEC-East Business Financial Literacy Series is a free 3-week workshop series that helps entrepreneurs and prospective business owners understand the fundamentals of finance. This series, hosted in partnership with Truist Bank, will prepare you for access to capital and business financial success.

In this first week, we will help you understand the basics of managing your business cashflow, building and expanding your business finances, and financially protecting your business.

Coming Soon: WBEC-East | Regional Round WBENCPitch

WBEC-East Round 1 Opens August 3rd

The WBEC East Pitch Competition is the official regional qualifier for the prestigious WBENCPitch, a signature program of WBENC designed to help women-owned businesses strengthen their pitch skills, gain valuable exposure, and compete for funding to fuel their growth.

Four winners - two in the Product division and two in the Services division - will move on to represent our region in the WBENC Pitch Semi-Finals and, if selected, the Live National Finals.

VSBDR $10,000 National Grant Information

Verizon, in partnership with LISC, will award $10,000 grants throughout the year. Complete any two eligible courses or events to unlock your application. 

Submit it anytime in 2026 to remain eligible all year.

10 small businesses will be selected for grants each month. If you are not selected in a given month, your application will remain eligible for future selections.

How do I apply?

Complete any combination of two eligible courses or events anytime in 2026 to unlock the grant application. Once you submit your application, you’ll remain eligible for $10,000 grants awarded throughout the year.

Small Business Digital Ready (SBDR) is a platform for entrepreneurs and small business owners to access unlimited resources for scaling and growing their business.

Register for free to start exploring the library of online courses, live workshops, hands-on-help from experts, peer-to-peer review sessions, grant funding, and more!

Follow these steps to get access to these free resources:

1. Visit Small Business Digital Ready (SBDR)
2. Register to create a free account
3. Choose 3 topics of interest
4. Complete self-identification
5. Enter ZIP code, email, and password information

Certified May 2026

Creating an Emergency Action Plan for Your Business

July 14th | 10:00 - 11:00 am | Virtual

Preparing before an emergency incident ensures that both employers and workers are trained for emergencies and the likely hazards when an emergency occurs. OSHA will review the regulations and available compliance assistance resources.

Approaching Opportunity with Small Business Certification

July 15th | 12:00 - 1:00 pm | Virtual

Join PennDOT for an informative virtual lunch & learn session focused on small businesses. This one-hour session will spotlight PennDOT’s programs and the many opportunities available to help small and diverse businesses grow and thrive.

2026 CO—100 Top Businesses List

Apply by July 23rd

The CO—100 honors the small businesses doing big things — driving innovation, growth, and impact locally and globally. Apply to earn your place on our list of America’s top small businesses. Enter your business in up to five award categories, from innovation and marketing to global expansion and company culture.

Looking to partner with us? Learn More Here.