Spring is a time for growth, not just for the flowers, but for ourselves as well. And the best way to start growing is by connecting with new people and learning new things.

Food for Thought: Now Open!
  • April 16: Breakfast in Pittsburgh
  • April 26: Lunch in Philly
  • May 16: Breakfast in Pittsburgh
  • May 31: Lunch in Philly

We heard you when you said you wanted more informal networking events. If you're a newly certified WBE, an experienced entrepreneur interested in certification and making connections, or a future business owner seeking camaraderie, come join us! Keep an eye out as we explore new locations and dates.
Events & Workshops
Business Websites 101
Tuesday, April 9, 6 – 8 PM
WBEC-East Training Center, Philadelphia
Designed for non-technical entrepreneurs, this workshop will help you access easy-to-use online tools to launch or improve your website.
Orientation
Saturday, April 13, 10:00 – 11:30 AM
Wednesday, May 1, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
WBEC-East Training Center, Philadelphia
If you're just getting started on your journey of entrepreneurship or want to know more about us, this is where you start!
How to Hire Your First Employee
Tuesday, April 23, 6 – 8 PM 
WBEC-East Training Center, Philadelphia 
Is it time to start delegating so you can focus on growing your business? Your first hire is a key employee. Our panel of experts will review the legal, financial, and administrative requirements for employers, plus best practices for recruitment.
Food for Thought Networking Lunch
Friday, April 26, 12:00 – 1:30 PM
WBEC-East Training Center, Philadelphia
Our new informal networking opportunity for, corporate professionals, certified WBEs and WBEs in process! This lunch is a BYO brown bag, but we'll provide some great company.
Marketing Your Business Online
Tuesday, May 14, 6 – 8 PM 
WBEC-East Training Center, Philadelphia 
A strong online presence is essential to ensure clients and customers find you. This workshop will review best practices for branding, search engine optimization, and social media to up your online marketing game.
Food for Thought Networking Breakfast
Thursday, May 16, 9:00 – 10:30 AM
WBEC-East Western Office, Pittsburgh
Our new informal networking opportunity for, corporate professionals, certified WBEs and WBEs in process! Come enjoy a light breakfast and meet new contacts around western PA.
Online Ed2Go Courses
6-Week Long Programs
Sessions Begin April 17 & May 15
We get it. Being a business owner can make it hard to make in-person workshops. Check out our convenient online courses, from the comfort of your own home or office!

Topics Include:
Accounting Fundamentals
A to Z Grant Writing
Using Social Media in Business
Introduction to Microsoft Excel
Start Your Own Online Business
Business Finance for Non-Finance Personnel Fundamentals of Supervision & Management
Keys to Effective Communication
News From WBEC-East
Scenes from the Women's History
Month Luncheon
"You can never underestimate the talent, ability and the grit of women, and if you give her the opportunity instead of holding onto old myths or rumors or theories... if you can see forward, then you have the opportunity to not only let that woman continue on her own path, but also to benefit your organization." - Francine Thornton Boone, on employers empowering women to lead.

Thank you to all of the amazing women who made this year's luncheon a huge success. If you missed out, make sure to watch the recorded live stream of our visionary speakers for some end-of-week inspiration!
Welcome Newly Certified WBEs!
January 2019
Agapi Lab Solutions
ALL Ways Safe, LLC.
Battlefeild Enterprises LLC
BBLM Architects
Bear Supply, LLC
Choice Careers LLC
DiGregorio Contractors Inc
Diverse Supply Solutions, LLC
Downes Designs, LLC
GeoTrek Environmental and Surveying
Halperin Butera
J.B.C. Associates, Inc.
Keystone State Testing, LLC
L.J. Milo Enterprises, Inc.
MENSCO, INC.
Mike Kobithen Roofing & Insulation Inc
My Mother's Delicacies
Preferred Case Management Services
Raindrop to River Consulting
Ross Contracting LLC
Studio x and Smoochie Paper
TCG Advertising & Design
Tri Vet Contracting Company Inc
Willow Accounting & Consulting, Inc Zeyon, Inc.
February 2019
Abel Brothers Towing
Anar Gourmet Foods
C&J Catering
Callowhill Capital Advisors LLC
Castle & Associates, LLC
Cheshire Law Group
CRS Contracting LLC
Technovvo
Morais Law
Moore Smeal and Associates, LLC
March 2019
Aldamlouji & Parker Architects LLC
American Energy Supply Corporation
Americare Staffing of Western Pennsylvania, Inc.
Believe to Fruition Bakery Ltd.
Brandywine Stormwater, LLC
CoTech Solutions Inc
Crossroad Constuction LLC
Dale Carnegie
Downfall Demolition LLC
Everest Care Management, Inc.
J & I Services LLC
Kimberly Sellers Solutions, LLC
LSI Specialties Inc
MaGrann Construction
McGinley Consulting Group, Inc.
McGuire Electrical Contracting Inc.
Moonstone Environmental LLC
Mossi Construction Inc
Natural Care LLC
Profero Group
Quantum Phoenix, LLC
South Jersey Sedan and Limousine Service LLC
SteelFusion Clinical Toxicology Laboratory, LLC
WBE Spotlight: Dr. Laura Sicola
Congratulations to one of our WBEs on her new book launch! Speaking to Influence: Mastering Your Leadership Voice will be available on April 16.

Speaking to Influence  is all about helping you understand how the way that you speak has a powerful effect on your ability to influence your surroundings, your relationships, your reputation, and your potential to succeed.

Laura founded Vocal Impact Productions in the beginning of 2013 at the height of an illustrious career teaching intercultural communication. Today she speaks at public and private events, conducts team trainings, and provides one-on-one private coaching. She works primarily with executives, aspiring executives and top management, with the goal of helping them to master what she refers to as the "Three Cs of Vocal Executive Presence": to Command the room, Connect with the audience and Close the deal.
New Procurement Opportunities
WBEC-East, along with our corporate partners, are committed to sharing procurement opportunities with our women business owners. Follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook or regularly check our Opportunities page for new posts:
  • Community College of Philadelphia Foundation Outsourced CIO RFP
  • Bidding Information Meeting April 9- Penn State West Campus Garage and Infrastructure Project, State College, PA
  • Community College of Philadelphia Library and Learning Commons Bids

Please submit any new procurement opportunities to Sherry Nacci
National Events
2019 National Conference & Business Fair 
June 27 – 27, 2019 
Baltimore, MD 

We are so excited! For the first time in 5 years, the National Conference is coming to the mid-Atlantic. Register now so WBEC-East can show up and represent! And stay tuned for an invitation to a special gathering for the WBEC-East crowd during the conference.

This is truly THE event of the year for women business owners. Join thousands of WBEs for festive receptions, innovative learning workshops, and game-changing opportunities to pitch to supplier professionals from some of America's most prestigious brands. 
From Our Partners
Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia
Small Business Month Events
 
Check in all month as the Chamber presents a new campaign to highlight Greater Philadelphia’s commitment to small and growth-oriented businesses.

Kick off event:
Dominating the Marketplace: How Customer Loyalty Brings Corporate Success
April 8, 4:00 – 6:20 PM
VUE on 50, Philadelphia

Discount for WBEC-East followers: Coupon code “loyalty” will allow non-Chamber members to receive $10 off so they can attend at the member rate.
SBA: Doing Business With The Federal Government
April 16, 7:30 – 10:00 AM
Philadelphia
 
Did you know the Federal Government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world? This workshop is tailored towards small businesses interested in learning how you can market your services or goods to the Federal Government.
Women in Business Conference
April 18
Radisson Hotel Philadelphia Northeast
 
The Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce recognizes the contributions of women in all areas of employment/business; this program will bring women together to connect, learn, and grow.
Building Communities: 2019 Philadelphia Construction Mixer
April 25, 5:30 – 8:30 PM
The Enterprise Center, Philadelphia
 
Enjoy light bites and beverages while connecting with participants of Temple SBDC's Construction Management Certificate Series (CMC) and TEC's Construction Consortium.
NAWBO Leadership Conference 2019
April 29
Philadelphia
 
The NAWBO Greater Philadelphia 2019 Leadership Conference will consist of networking, panels, and breakout sessions all focused on creating the balance of building your business while still blooming personally.
LawWorks Small Business Legal Clinics
May 15, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Center City Philadelphia 
 
These clinics are an opportunity for small business owners to meet one-on-one with an attorney for no cost, to ask about contracts, employees, leases and property, and other legal issues. After the clinic, eligible entrepreneurs may be matched with volunteer attorneys for counseling.