Certification Opportunities Resources Sponsor Events About Us 25 Years

Events to foster connections that build business. 

We partner with top companies

Our events are offered in partnership with organizations that are committed to growing businesses. We focus on 6 areas key drivers of business success. 

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2025 NBIC Unity Week

When: Nov. 17-19, 2025

Where: Online

Cost: Complimentary

NBIC Unity Week is online this year! The annual conference that celebrates diversity, opportunity, equity, and collaboration is co-hosted by WBENC and will include:

  • Opening Session: Powering a New Era of Unity
  • WBENC Pitch Competition Finals
  • Advancing Collective Impact
  • Navigating the Corporate Maze: Breaking Down Barriers Between Small Businesses and Large Enterprises 
  • Branding for Impact: Purpose, Position, and Promise
  • Cross-Segment Matchmakers
  • Best of the Best Awards Program
Learn More and Register

Watch the WBENCPitch Finals and Cheer on Our WBEC FL Contestant

A national panel of judges has chosen Denise Merritt, CEO and founder of Merritt Business Solutions in Central Florida, as one of 24 contestants to move forward in the national WBENCPitch finals! Denise happens to be our WBEC Florida 2025 WBE Star, and you can read more about her here. 

The finals are virtual, so you can tune in from  anywhere if you sign up for the free 2025 NBIC Unity Week conference. Contestants will vie for two grand prizes of $25,000: one for a service business, one for a product business. Good luck, Denise!

Date: Monday, November 17, 2025

Time: 1:30 to 4 p.m. ET

Registration: Complimentary

 

Learn More and Register

Starting Strong: 

Clarity. Courage. Consistency. 

When: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. ET Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Where: Online via Zoom

Cost: Free

Start 2026 with intention and momentum at Starting Strong, a dynamic session designed to help women business owners and leaders launch the year with focus, purpose, and renewed confidence. WBEC Florida President and CEO Nancy Allen will lead us through this workshop where together we’ll set clear goals, align them with what matters most, and build simple strategies to stay consistent.

Highlights:

  • Experience guided reflection, practical planning tools, and inspiring discussion.
  • Identify your top priorities.
  • Connect with a supportive community.
  • Leave with a clear roadmap for success.

A Zoom link will be provided after registration.

Learn More and Register

Manifest Your Mantra

Learn how to choose your own motivating catchphrase that will help you start 2026 with intention and purpose.

As we enter the new year, you might be wondering what 2026 has in store for you ... and how to approach it for the best possible results. How about choosing a mantra ... a word or phrase that holds special meaning for you. This will help you start the new year with intention and purpose.

Nancy Allen, president and CEO of the Women's Business Development Council of Florida and the Women's Business Enterprise Council of Florida, will lead this one-hour webinar.

When: 11 a.m. to noon ET Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Where: Online via Zoom

Cost: Free

A Zoom link will be provided after registration.

Learn More and Register

Powering Growth: Advancing Small Businesses and Unlocking Opportunities with Goldman Sachs

When: 2 to 3 p.m. ET Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Where: Online

Cost: Complimentary

 

Are you looking to break into the corporate supply chain? Join Selina McCole, Managing Director at Goldman Sachs and Global Head of Sustainable Operations, in collaboration with WBENC LIFT, for a dynamic session designed to help you understand what it takes to become a competitive supplier to large corporations.

In this session, you’ll gain insights to help you:

  • Evaluate your company’s readiness to work with large corporate clients.
  • Understand how corporate procurement cycles work—and how to align with them.
  • Navigate supplier application processes with greater confidence.
  • Leverage certifications, capital, and networks to open doors and grow strategically.

Whether you're just starting to explore corporate partnerships or looking to strengthen your approach, this session will provide practical strategies to help you take the next step!

Learn More and Register

Coffee with a Corporate: Meet. Sip. Connect. Repeat. 

Join us for a monthly virtual conversation with supplier development and procurement professionals who open doors for suppliers like you.

Coffee with a Corporate is your opportunity to sit down — virtually — with supplier development and procurement professionals from leading corporations and government agencies.

Each month, we’ll host featured guests who share insights about how their organizations work with suppliers, information on what they look for in new partners, and practical tips to help your business get noticed.

30 minutes of conversation, 30 minutes of Q&A and networking, and one powerful hour of connection.

Upcoming dates:

  • Feb 11, 2026
  • Mar 11, 2026
  • Apr 8, 2026
  • May 13, 2026

Time: 10 to 11 a.m. ET

Registration: Complimentary

Learn More and Register

Certification 101

WBEC Florida Certification Director Lisa Roblejo walks you through the process of applying for certification and helps guide you on the next steps of using your credentials.

When: 2 to 3 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month 

Where: Online via Zoom

Cost: Free

Upcoming session: Nov. 13

WBEC FL Onboarding

Now that you're certified, let us introduce you to the world of WBENC from a regional perspective. Learn how and where to use the branding, including the Women Owned logo, to let others know about your new credentials. Understand how the WBEC Florida region supports you and your business through events, communications and other activities. Learn about our corporate partners and helpful resources. WBEC Florida Certification Director Lisa Roblejo will be your guide.

When: 2 to 3 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month 

Where: Online via Zoom

Cost: Free

Upcoming sessions: Nov. 20, Dec. 18

Certification 101

WBEC Florida Certification Director Lisa Roblejo walks you through the process of applying for certification and helps guide you on the next steps of using your credentials.

When: 2 to 3 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month 

Where: Online via Zoom

Cost: Free

Upcoming session: Dec. 8