WBENC
Overview
The Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the success of women-owned businesses. Established in 1997, the WBENC is recognized as one of the largest certifiers of women-owned enterprises in the United States. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and was founded by Susan Phillips Bari. WBENC has raised substantial support and built partnerships with major corporations, aiming to certify women-owned businesses and facilitate their access to key corporate and government markets.
Recent Developments
In 2024, WBENC continued to champion women-owned businesses through a series of high-profile events and initiatives:
- March 2024: WBENC hosted its annual National Conference in Denver, Colorado. This event, titled "AMPLIFY!", was noted for being the largest gathering to date, drawing over 4,500 attendees, including women entrepreneurs and corporate representatives. The conference focused on networking, educational sessions, and celebrating entrepreneurial successes.
- WBENC Collegiate Accelerator: Continuing its efforts to foster new talent, WBENC announced the latest cohort of its Collegiate Accelerator program in March 2024, spotlighting emerging women entrepreneurs and providing them with resources and mentoring.
- Partnerships and Collaborations: WBENC expanded its network by collaborating with organizations like Chase for Business to offer curated coaching sessions for women entrepreneurs, as highlighted in their June 2024 updates.
- Celebrating Leaders: Throughout the year, WBENC recognized outstanding women entrepreneurs and corporations through various accolades, such as the WBE Stars awards and the Top Corporations for Women-Owned Businesses.
- WBE Certification: WBENC continued to streamline its certification process, ensuring its renowned certification remains the "Gold Standard" for women-owned businesses seeking market access and growth opportunities.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 1997 |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C. |
| Founders | Susan Phillips Bari |
| Key Investors | Corporate sponsors, partners |
| Industry | Non-profit organization |
| Number of Employees | Information not available |
Early History
The WBENC was founded in 1997 with the mission to foster women’s economic empowerment by providing a certification program deemed the "Gold Standard" for confirming women-owned businesses in the United States. The organization quickly became integral to corporate supply chain diversity programs. Initial efforts focused on establishing a comprehensive certification process, developing a robust network of regional partner organizations, and building relationships with Fortune 500 companies. This foundational work set the stage for WBENC to become a key player in promoting and supporting women entrepreneurs across various sectors.
Company Profile and Achievements
WBENC operates under a membership model, consisting of over 500 corporate members, including many of America’s top corporations. These corporate members rely on WBENC certification as a vital measure for improving supply chain diversity:
- Certification Process: WBENC’s rigorous certification involves a multi-step review process, ensuring businesses majority-owned and managed by women are recognized accordingly.
- Networking Opportunities: Through its annual national conference and other events, WBENC provides platforms for women entrepreneurs to meet corporate buyers and develop meaningful business relationships.
- Strategic Initiatives: Programs such as the Collegiate Accelerator and the WBENCPitch competitions serve to encourage innovation and empower the next generation of women business leaders.
- Educational Resources: WBENC offers a variety of tools and resources, from executive education programs to financial readiness workshops, helping women-owned businesses prosper in competitive markets.
Current Operations and Market Position
WBENC remains an influential entity in promoting diversity within corporate supply chains. It facilitates networks among thousands of certified women-owned businesses and offers collaborative platforms that lead to substantial business contracts. WBENC’s events, like its National Conference, draw significant participation from major corporations and entrepreneurs.
- Market Influence: WBENC's certification helps businesses tap into supplier diversity programs of major corporations.
- Global Reach: While primarily focused on the U.S., WBENC collaborates with international organizations to support women's business growth globally.
- Recent Initiatives: In light of a growing emphasis on corporate social responsibility, WBENC has aligned itself with strategic partnerships focused on sustainability and inclusive business practices.
Conclusion
Since its inception, WBENC has provided critical infrastructure for women entrepreneurs, empowering them through certification, skill development, and strategic business connections. As it continues into 2025 and beyond, WBENC’s role is expected to expand with increasing collaboration efforts and innovative programs focused on sustaining and elevating women’s entrepreneurship globally. Through its initiatives, WBENC not only advances women-owned businesses' growth prospects but also contributes to a more inclusive economy.