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MBE Connect Podcast:
WBENC President Pamela Prince-Eason on WOSB Certification
Following the news that the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) had approved WBENC as a third-party certifier for Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification as part of the United States SBA's WOSB Federal Contracting Program, MBEConnect sat down with WBENC President Pamela Prince-Eason to discuss what being named a third-party certifier means for WBENC, its members and prospective WOSB program participants. | | FASTrac WOSB Certification Program for
Currently WBENC Certified WBEs
ATTENTION WBENC Certified WBEs…
The Launch Pad is Ready and the Time is Ripe!
Entrepreneurship is not for the faint at heart, and that's truer today than ever before. Today's women business owners must be fearless, tenacious, adaptable to the changing environment, and open to seeking new opportunities.
With the recent announcement that the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) approved WBENC as a third-party certifier for the United States SBA's Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program, WBENC is now able to provide a gateway into the government space where new opportunities abound for certified WOSBs who provide services and commodities in the eligible NAICs codes categories. As a result, WBENC will also officially launch its FASTrac WOSB Certification Program for currently WBENC certified Women's Business Enterprises (WBEs). This program will allow for an abridged WOSB certification process that will have WBENC Certified WBEs ready to enter the government arena.
Women owned firms are the sector of the economy that's best poised for growth, and the federal government awards more than $500 billion in contracts annually with a significant share of those contracts specifically allocated to woman owned and small businesses. WBENC is committed to assisting you with being ready for those opportunities by providing education and resources through a new two-part webinar series offered weekly. An email will be sent to WBEs with the link to the webinar, including training dates and registration details.
If you are interested in pursuing WOSB certification, visit www.wbenc.org/government to access the application, obtain a list of required documentation and view the schedule or webinars currently being offered. Once the application is complete and the documentation is gathered you will submit the package to the certifying Regional Partner Organization in your area. The WOSB certification process will take approximately 30 days from the time the completed application and documentation are submitted.
Once WOSB certification has been obtained through WBENC, the United States SBA requires all WOSBs to complete the following steps:
- Register on the Central Contractors Register(CCR) as a WOSB.
- Log onto the United States SBA's General Login System (GLS) to obtain an account if you don't already have one.
- Create an account in the General Login System GLS) and upload/categorize your documents in the WOSB Repository through GLS.
- Represent your status in the Online Registration and Certification (ORCA) systems as a WOSB.
If you have additional questions, contact:
Candace Waterman, Senior Director of Compliance and Alliance Relationships cwaterman@wbenc.org
(202) 872-5515 ext. 8102
Aditi Dussault, Senior Manager of Compliance
adussault@wbenc.org
(202) 872-5515 ext. 8024
LaKesha White, Senior Certification Program Manager
lwhite@wbenc.org
(202) 872-5515 ext. 8021
Back to top | | Leadership Council to Launch New Webinar for WOSB Certification
When the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) approved WBENC as a third party certifier for its new Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification for Federal contracts, the Leadership Council stepped up to the plate to work with WBENC's certification team on ways to educate WBEs on how to use WOSB certification and do more business with the Federal government. Michelle Richards, President of the Women's Business Enterprise Council - Great Lakes, is developing a webinar based on her extensive knowledge of Federal contracting to provide WBENC-certified WBEs with the tools and direction for navigating the Federal contracting system.
"WBENC is not just a certifier – we are the resource of choice for WBEs who qualify for WOSB certification; specifically, and more generally, those who want to learn how to work with the government. We are creating a library and knowledge base around this for the entire WBENC family," Richards said. "We want WBEs to learn how to access Federal contracting opportunities in general – not only the WOSB set-aside opportunities."
Geri Swift, President of the Women's Business Enterprise Council-PA-DE-sNJ and Chair of the Leadership Council, said, "The Leadership Council's Task Force members have brought together their knowledge and expertise to help WBEs participate successfully in the government marketplace. From strategy to training to marketing, our team will make sure that our WBEs understand the opportunities available to them for WOSB certification and the government market in general."
In addition to Swift and Richards, the Leadership Council Task Force includes Susan Rittscher, CEO & President, Center for Women & Enterprise; Blanca Robinson, President, Women's Business Enterprise Council-South; and Debbie Hurst, President, Women's Business Council-Southwest.
Hurst is an enthusiastic supporter of the new educational resources. "This will be critical to our entire foray into government procurement and in helping our WBEs access opportunities with the government. WBEs can not only learn about the system but also identify the next steps they will need to take in marketing themselves to government departments."
WBC-Southwest already has a Memo of Understanding with the State of Texas and has put a process in place to certify women who want to do business with the State of Texas. WBENC and its Regional Partner Organizations will work with other state and government agencies to solidify these kinds of relationships going forward.
The webinar will be available in September; and Richards will send a direct email to WBEs with the link to the Webinar, including notification of the date so that they can register. WBEs may also check with their Regional Partner Organizations.
For additional questions on WOSB certification, contact:
Candace Waterman, Senior Director of Compliance and Alliance Relationships cwaterman@wbenc.org
(202) 872-5515 ext. 8102
Aditi Dussault, Senior Manager of Compliance
adussault@wbenc.org
(202)872-5515 ext. 8024
LaKesha White, Senior Certification Program Manager
lwhite@wbenc.org
(202) 872-5515 ext. 8021 | |
Government Expo Provides Access
to Federal and Corporate Decision Makers
Women's Business Enterprises (WBEs) seeking to learn more about access to Federal procurement opportunities can immerse themselves in both information and contacts at the 2011 MacDill Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB/VOSB) and Small Business Conference & Expo December 7-8 at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida. Featured on MacDill's upcoming Women and Small Business Procurement panel, WBENC President and CEO Pamela Prince-Eason will address more than 1,500 attendees representing all types of business and government entities, along with experts such as Tracey L. Pinson, Director, Office of Small Business Programs, Department of the Army; and Ann Sullivan, President of Madison Services Group, Inc., which provides government relations services to organizations including Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP).
The MacDill SDVOSB Conference & Expo will give WBEs – as well as veteran-owned and many other small businesses – access to Federal and Corporate decision makers for Tiers 1, 2, and 3 contracts. "During this conference, WBEs will see the tremendous possibilities in Federal contracting, learn about best practices, and meet companies that can become mentors or partners," Prince-Eason said.
The MacDill Air Force Base and Tampa Small Business Team has increased small business spend in the last quarter alone from 6 ½ percent to 11 percent and would like to see women's, service disabled, veteran's and other small businesses seize a larger portion of this spend; as well as the spend from other Federal contractors. "We want to maximize the opportunities for all small businesses because we know they are creative, mission and performance oriented, and focused decision makers," said Mr. Nelson Escribano, Small Business Specialist, Department of Air Force.
Nancy Allen, President and CEO, Women's Business Development Center of Florida, added, "We are proud to partner with this terrific coalition and we are very excited to bring a national focus to this opportunity for WBEs across the country to come in and examine the many government opportunities that can be available to them here."
The conference is hosted by the 6th Air Mobility Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in partnership with the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM); University of South Florida, Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC); The Tampa-St. Petersburg (Pelican) Chapter of the Armed Forces Communications; Electronics Association (AFCEA); the National Contract Management Association (NCMA); the National Defense Industry Association (NDIA); the Florida Federal Contractors Association (FFCA); and the United States Small Business Administration of Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville and Miami, Florida. To register, visit www.macdillsdvosb.net/.
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Apply Now for America's Top Corporations for WBEs Recognition
Due October 7
WBENC is currently seeking the leading corporations who will earn the recognition of America's Top Corporations for Women's Business Enterprises. This annual list is the only national award honoring world-class corporate programs that create level playing fields for WBEs to compete for corporate contracts. In fact, last year's 20 Top Corporations collectively represented an impressive spend with WBEs exceeding $80 billion.
WBENC's National Corporate Members are eligible for this recognition and must submit their applications by October 7 (note date change). Whether you are a Corporate Member that is committed to fueling our economy by partnering with WBEs and have achieved excellence in this area, or have an up-and-coming supplier diversity program that requires a barometer for how you are doing with WBEs, WBENC wants to hear from you.
For more information, contact Betty Cole, Sr. Director of Programs, topcorporations@wbenc.org. Back to top 
Top Corporations
Application Webinars
September 13 and 16 at 1:00 p.m. EDT
WBENC National Corporate Members who are interested in applying for America's Top Corporations for WBEs recognition are invited to participate in a new webinar designed to share tips for completing the application and have the opportunity to ask questions about the process. For more details on the webinar, click here. | | Call for 2012 Workshop Presentations
Reminder: September 16 Deadline to Submit
 |
The September 16 deadline to submit a proposal for the Call for Workshop Presentations is fast approaching. If you are a content expert and speaker with information to share with WBEs, supplier diversity professionals or procurement staff, then WBENC wants to hear from you.
WBENC's programming theme for 2012 is Celebrating 15 Years: Vision, Progress, and Opportunity. WBENC will use this theme for both the Summit & Salute to Women's Business Enterprises in Baltimore, MD (March 21-22) and the WBENC National Conference & Business Fair in Orlando, FL (June 19-21).
What does the above theme mean? It means that WBENC will not only commemorate its past but also celebrate its future guided by WBENC's Roadmap to 2020, which promises to deliver increased value to corporate and government entities. It also includes a focus on WBENC's world-class certification to support the procurement requirements of corporate and government entities looking to do business with women business enterprises; and enable our WBEs to better access procurement opportunities in both markets.
Proposals may include workshop or general session topics that can be delivered in 90 minutes. To submit a proposal, complete this form and submit it to speakers@wbenc.org by Friday, September 16. | | | WBEs: Last Chance to Attend the October
Tuck-WBENC Executive Program
A few seats are still available for the Tuck-WBENC Executive Program,
brought to you by IBM on October 2-7, 2011 in Palisades, NY. Don't miss this opportunity to grow your business. Participating WBEs will experience a week of learning in an intimate environment with not only Tuck faculty and WBEs, but with IBM representatives who will be on site "IBM has been the proud presenting sponsor of the Tuck-WBENC Executive Program since its inception in 2003. This program clearly demonstrates our commitment to WBENC and to the WBE community," shared Michael Robinson, IBM Program Director, Global Supplier Diversity Integrated Supply Chain. IBM is a founding partner in this program, and WBENC appreciates their continued support of the Tuck program through 2014.
For information to attend the program, contact bcole@wbenc.org or call 202-872-5518 before seats are filled! Click here for more information. Back to top | | 2011 Dorothy B. Brothers Executive Scholarship Awardees Announced Congratulations to the following 2011 Dorothy B. Brothers Executive Scholarship Awardees. Each recipient is granted a scholarship of up to $11,000 to attend an executive education program of her choice.
Terena Bell, CEO, In Every Language
Beth Brodovsky, President, Iris Creative Group
Suzette DiMascio, Chief Technical Officer, Career Solutions International
Poonam Gupta-Krishnan, President & CEO, Iyka Enterprises, Inc.
Christine Hammerlund, President, Assured Healthcare, LLC
Sharon McRill, President, The Betty Brigade
Maureen Monacelli, President, Advanced Indoor Air Quality Care, Inc.
Maureen Mulvihill, President & CEO, Piezo Resonance Innovations, Inc.
Jennifer Naughton, President, Radiant Resources
BJ Pfeiffer, President & CEO, Enterprise Solutions Technology Group, Inc.
Judith C. Seraphin, CEO, Global Wrap® LLC
Kimberly Slezak, Vice President, Data Access, Inc.
Sekinat Uiyoshioria, President, AU & Associates
Denise Wilson, President, Desert Jet  | | Dorothy B. Brothers |
WBENC extends a special thanks to Sharon Brothers Parker, the daughter of Dorothy B. Brothers, and her family. Sharon's commitment to being involved with WBENC and this rewarding program is a true reflection of her mother's passion for providing opportunities to WBEs. Dorothy saw the need for providing capacity development education and brought the opportunity to WBEs in what is now a WBENC signature program. Back to top | |
Celebrate Our 15th Anniversary in 2012! Plan Now to ParticipateNext year is WBENC's 15th anniversary, and WBENC will recognize those entities and individuals who have been an integral part of its success while serving an important role in planning the organization's next steps to achieve the vision for the organization's future.
Be a part of this important milestone by attending, exhibiting or sponsoring WBENC's key 2012 events. Sponsorship details are now available for Summit & Salute, and sponsorship as well as exhibitor information is available for the WBENC National Conference & Business Fair. See below for more information.  | Summit & Salute to Women's Business Enterprises:
March 21–22, 2012, Baltimore, MD
Presenting Sponsors:
Accenture, Ernst & Young, LLP
Click here to view Summit & Salute sponsorship opportunities. Sponsor pledges are being accepted now.
Online registration will open in October at
www.wbenc.org/summit-salute | | | WBENC National Conference
& Business Fair:
June 19-21, 2012, Orlando, FL
Co-Chairs:
Avis Budget Group, Accel, Inc., ICON Information Consultants
Click here to view Conference sponsorship opportunities. Pledge now to be a sponsor. For Exhibitor Package pricing, please contact Paige Adams at padams@wbenc.org.
Online registration opens in mid-November at
www.wbenc.org/wbencconf.
|  |
Become an event or program sponsor. Sponsorship is an outstanding way to support WBENC and its RPOs; and, at the same time, offers tremendous visibility in front of a large, diverse audience consisting of Fortune 1000 representatives, government/nonprofit agencies, and many women business owners. To learn more about becoming a sponsor, contact Paige Adams, Director of Development, at padams@wbenc.org.
The guiding theme for 2012 is Celebrating 15 Years: Vision, Progress and Opportunities. You are needed to make this theme a reality! | | Greater Women's Business Council
Generates Business and Encourages Sustainability
The Greater Women's Business Council (GWBC) brought together hundreds of Georgia's top corporations, government agencies and WBENC-certified Women's Business Enterprises (WBEs) at its annual POP Marketplace Event in Atlanta. The event's dual themes were how WBEs could generate new business by accessing corporate and Federal decision makers, and how to stay competitive and sustainable in the current business environment.  | | Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer and Principal of Patriarch Partners, LLC |
Providing a powerful perspective on these themes was keynote speaker Lynn Tilton, Chief Executive Officer and Principal of Patriarch Partners, LLC, a private equity firm with over $8 billion in annual revenues. Tilton is a passionate proponent of saving American manufacturing jobs by saving American companies and since 2000 has bought more than 150 companies and saved over 250,000 jobs.
Attendees also had the chance to speak individually to WBENC President Pamela Prince-Eason who met with WBEs throughout the day at "Pam's Corner" at the Trade Fair. There she listened to WBEs' most pressing issues and offered them her insights and ideas for using resources available through WBENC and GWBC to address those problem areas.
"This year's POP Marketplace is focused on sustainability," said GWBC Executive Director Roz Lewis. "Our WBEs have to bake into their business plans innovative initiatives that will support the sustainability of both their own businesses and that of their customers. Another aspect of this theme is finding ways to reduce all of our carbon footprints." GWBC made a surprise announcement introducing its new iPhone App and that the Blackberry app will be available by October, creating more opportunities for its WBEs and Corporate Members to stay connected and engaged.
Companies attending included Accenture, Aflac, AT&T, BMW, Comcast, Delta Air Lines, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia Power, GE Energy, Spherion, The Coca-Cola Company, The Clorox Company, Turner Broadcasting System and UPS. Patriarch Partner companies that participated in POP included: American LaFrance, Best Textiles, emag Solutions, Hartwell Apparel, and Xpient, all WBENC-certified and located in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
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Initiative for a Competitive Inner City Presents
a Double Call for Applications
Applications are due September 30, 2011
WBENC continually strives to present certified WBEs with resources that will provide greater access to the marketplace and increased opportunities for growth. By partnering with organizations such as the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC), WBENC is able to raise awareness of highly beneficial programs such as the ones described below. The ICIC is a non-profit research and strategy organization and the leading authority on U.S. inner city economies and the businesses that thrive there. Through their access to capital initiatives, they are working to strengthen the economy by reaching out to key entrepreneurs.
Inner City 100. The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) offers several premier executive education opportunities including the Inner City 100, which is a national ranking of the 100 fastest-growing companies located in America's inner cities. The Inner City 100 showcases the successful businesses and the entrepreneurs who are helping to transform the community by creating wealth for local residents. "These are incredibly successful businesses with products that are crucial to today's and tomorrow's economy, and with business models that are run efficiently and well," says Mary Kay Leonard, the president and CEO of the ICIC. By leveraging the advantages of their inner city, winners have created 71,000 new jobs and employed nearly 100,000 people, 40 percent of which are inner city residents.
In 2011, the following WBENC-certified WBEs were recognized in the Inner City 100: Inner City 100 Benefits: - Receive national and local media coverage
- Participate in a free executive education summit at Harvard Business School (stimulate strategic and operational effectiveness)
- Gala dinner attended by more than 600 influential business and civic leaders
- Establish new business contacts and extend professional networks (increase
top-line growth)
To qualify for the 2012 Inner City 100, a company must: - Be an independent, for-profit corporation, partnership, or proprietorship.
- Be headquartered in or have 51 percent or more of its physical operations in an economically distressed urban area of the U.S.
- Have 10 or more full-time employees in 2010.
- Have a five-year operating sales history (2006-2010) that includes:
- An increase in sales from 2009 to 2010
- Sales of at least $200,000 in 2006 and at least $1 million in 2010.
To self-nominate or to nominate another company for the Inner City 100 program, click 2012 IC100 Nominations Form and follow the instructions. Multiple nominations can be sent in an Excel spreadsheet that includes the company name, address, city, state, zip code, email address and phone of the nominated companies to Hyacinth Vassell (hvassell@icic.org) of the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City. Nominations must be received by September 30, 2011. Contact Hyacinth if you have additional questions at (617) 297-3120 or are not sure if your company is located in an inner city area.
Inner City Capital Connections. Looking for options to obtain capital for your growing business? The Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) is a free annual national program that educates companies about debt, equity and other sources of capital and matches them with investors to grow their businesses and create jobs. The program culminates in an event where companies have the opportunity to connect one-on-one with investors. Nearly 300 companies have participated in ICCC and have raised $372 million in capital.
In 2011, the following WBENC-certified WBEs qualified for this program: Program Benefits - Discover a full range of financial options ranging from private equity and venture capital to debt and mezzanine financing
- Learn how to optimize business plans and growth strategies to attract potential investors
- Build networks and strengthen relationships with investors
- Obtain company-specific feedback from seasoned investors about growth plans, business models and investment pitches
To qualify for ICCC: - Companies must be headquartered in or have 51 percent or more of their physical operations in an economically distressed urban area of the U.S. or have 40 percent of their employees located in an economically distressed urban area.
- Companies must be a for-profit corporation, partnership, or proprietorships that have revenues of more than $2M in 2010.
To self-nominate or to nominate another company for the ICCC program, click 2011 ICCC Nomination Form and follow the instructions. Multiple nominations can be sent in an Excel spreadsheet that includes the company name, address, city, state, zip code, email address and phone of the nominated companies to Hyacinth Vassell (hvassell@icic.org). Nominations and applications must be received by September 30, 2011. Please contact Hyacinth if you have additional questions or are not sure if your company is located in an inner city area. | |  2011 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
This calendar includes events hosted by WBENC's Regional Partner Organizations and strategic partners. Visit WBENC's online calendar for more events.
Top Corporations Application Webinars
September 13 & 16, 2011
For WBENC National Corporate Members interested in applying for America's Top Corporations for WBEs recognition. Click here for details.
Women's Business Development Center-Chicago
25th Annual Entrepreneurial Women's Conference, Women's Business & Buyer's Mart
September 14, 2011
McCormick Place - West
Chicago, IL
Click here for more information or visit www.wbdc.org.
Go For the Greens Conference
Business Development Conference for Women Entrepreneurs
September 15-17, 2011
Lake Buena Vista, FL
WBENC-Certified WBEs receive a registration discount. Click here for more information.
WPEO-NY Annual Breakthrough Breakfast
September 16, 2011
The Grand Hyatt New York
New York, NY
Visit www.wpeo.us for more information.
US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
32nd Annual National Convention & Business Expo
September 18 – 21, 2011
Fountainbleau Miami Beach
Miami Beach, FL
Join the USHCC for the largest gathering of Hispanic business leaders in America. Click here for more information.
National Association of Minority and Women-Owned Law Firms (NAMWOLF)
Annual Meeting & Law Firm Expo
September 18 - 21, 2011
The Bellagio
Las Vegas, NV
Click here for more information and registration.
WBEC-West Presents: Understanding Woman-Owned Small Business Programs
September 20, 2011
US Bank Community Room
Los Angeles, CA
Click here for more information.
29th Annual Minority Enterprise Development Week Conference
September 27-30, 2011
Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
Washington, DC
Click here for more information
American Advertising Federation Mosaic Vendor Fair
October 7, 2011
The Roosevelt Hotel New York
New York, NY
Click here to learn more and register today.
Lessons in Success & Survival: An Evening with NBC TODAY's Hoda Kotb
Presented by the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce
October 7, 2011
Hilton McLean Tysons Corner
McLean, VA
WBENC WBEs will receive a $25 discount on admission. Click here for event details and discount information for WBENC-Certified WBEs.
US Business Leadership Network (USBLN)
Annual Conference & Expo
October 16-19, 2011
Louisville Marriott Downtown
Louisville, KY
Visit www.usbln.org for more information and registration.
WBEC-West 8th Annual Strategic Procurement Opportunity Conference & Awards Gala
November 10-11, 2011
Ravella at Lake Las Vegas
Henderson, NV
Click here for more information.
WPEO-DC Annual Access Reception Hosted by Capital One
November 15, 2011
Capital One
McLean, VA
Registration and more information will be available this fall. Please check www.wpeo.us for updated information
WBDC 15th Anniversary Celebration & "Just Desserts"
November 15, 2011
Union League
Philadelphia, PA
Click here for more information.
WBE to WBE Dinner Program
December 1, 2011
MetLife Sky Garden Auditorium
New York, NY
Open to Certified WBEs only. Registration and more information will be available this fall. Please check www.wpeo.us for updated information.
Break Through Luncheon and Business Opportunity Fair
December 6, 2011
Philadelphia, PA
Click here for more information.
2011 MacDill Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB/VOSB) and Small Business Conference & Expo
December 7-8,2011
Tampa Convention Center
Tampa, FL
Click here for more information. Back to top | | | President's Report Archives: August 2011 | July 2011 | June 2011 | May 2011 | More |
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