Programs
To fuel success for women-owned businesses, WBEC South offers multiple programs and opportunities designed to support business development and growth, from pitch competitions to executive education programs.
Power Hours
Our Power Hour sessions provide expert-led discussions on essential business topics, from financial management to leadership development. These virtual workshops are designed to empower women business owners with the knowledge and tools to grow and succeed.
Are you an industry expert with valuable insights to share? Apply to be a Power Hour speaker and showcase your expertise to our network of women entrepreneurs. Inspire, educate, and connect with WBEC South’s dynamic community.
Pitch Competition
Ready to take your business to the next level? Apply for the WBEC South Pitch Competition! This exciting opportunity is open exclusively to certified WBEs and winners from our regional round will advance to the WBENC National Pitch Competition, where they’ll compete for a chance to win up to $25,000 in funding.
Stay tuned for more details and 2026 application info!
Matchmaker Events
Connect directly with corporate buyers and decision-makers at our Matchmaker Events. These exclusive networking events help WBEs build relationships, learn about upcoming opportunities, and position their businesses for success in corporate supply chains.
Pre-Certification Webinars
Thinking about becoming a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE)? Our monthly Pre-Certification Webinars are the perfect place to start! These free sessions walk you through the WBENC certification process, eligibility requirements, and the benefits of certification through WBEC South.
Whether you’re just starting to explore certification or you’re ready to apply, our team will answer your questions and help you feel confident every step of the way.
Post-Certification Webinars
You’re certified—now what? Our Post-Certification Webinars help WBEs maximize their certification by providing strategies for leveraging corporate relationships, marketing your certification, and accessing business growth resources.
Vendor Opportunities
WBEC South hosts marketplaces at events across our region, giving attendees the chance to shop and support WBEs. If you’re a women-owned business looking to showcase your products, apply to join our vendor pool! You’ll be notified when a marketplace is coming to your area, providing you with opportunities to connect with new customers and grow your brand.
SheConnects Forum
SheConnects Forum is our flagship networking series designed to bring certified businesses together in an intentional setting that fosters meaningful relationships and business opportunities.
Supplier Showcase
Supplier Showcase is a monthly virtual pitch experience designed to connect WBEC South suppliers directly with corporate members and procurement decision-makers in a structured, lunch-and-learn format. Each live showcase takes place on the first Thursday of each month at 11 AM CST and features focused supplier presentations highlighting their products, services, and capabilities, and concludes with corporate Q&A.
Supplier Ready Academy
Applications Close April 15
Our Signature Events
Annual WE Summit & Awards
The WE Summit & Awards is WBEC South’s signature annual event, bringing together women entrepreneurs, corporate partners, and business leaders for two days of networking, learning, and recognition. Celebrate the achievements of women-owned businesses and gain valuable insights to elevate your success.
Annual Meeting & Business Symposium
A dynamic day of business development, networking, and strategic matchmaking held each December.
This event provides:
- Educational programming
- WBEC South’s SheConnects Forum
- Holiday marketplace featuring certified businesses
- One-on-one matchmaker meetings between corporate buyers and suppliers
- An awards ceremony recognizing outstanding businesses and corporate champions
This is where relationships are strengthened, and deals are made.