Why view the WBENC Certification network with a 360-degree perspective, finding value in every direction?

 The majority of WBENC Certification Corporate Members are either current or potential WBE customers, and every market service is represented in the WBENC America's Top Corporations for Women's Business Enterprises. We are a part of no other organization that has this amount of market variety. While there may not always be an immediate need or connection when we engage with a corporate, the importance of long-standing relationships in the Supplier Diversity network can sometimes give a framework for doing business with each other when things change.

WBE to WBENC Certification partnerships are beneficial in more ways than one might think at first. Other WBEs can be helpful suppliers, offering creative answers to problems we could encounter. We've also discovered that getting to know each other's businesses is crucial to making meaningful introductions. There is always someone with a need out there, and there is always a WBE who can fill that need! We've been able to make introductions for other women-owned businesses and have also been the receiver of these introductions. Working with other WBEs to serve our customers has proven to be quite beneficial, as it allows us to offer a broader choice of services, a wider geographic reach, and even the ability to complete more complex tasks.

There is always someone with a need out there, and there is always a WBE who can fill that need!

At the regional level, Regional Partner Organization (RPO) leaders and their incredible staff are ongoing sources of education, connection, and support. Reaching out beyond my own RPO has shown to be beneficial, particularly to those regions where I may have business or clients.

WBENC's staff is also an important component of our network. To ensure that our network remains sustainable and robust, they are constantly providing information, answering questions, and listening to the needs of all WBENC Certification constituents.

Now let’s put some light on the WBENC 25th Anniversary!

Women-owned and diverse-owned businesses will need our help more than ever in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic has widened the gap between women-owned firms and other enterprises, particularly those controlled by women of color. Women's businesses and occupations were often pushed to the side as they carried the burden of the health issue for their families and loved ones.

As the world prepared to put 2020 behind us, 2021 began with the sobering truth that our country is still deeply divided, and that, despite growing allyship for people of color, much more work has to be done to promote racial and social justice.

Here’s 2021 Annual Report to see a full recap

WBENC Certification 's world-class certification standard, led by our network of 14 Regional Partner Organizations, has opened up even more options for WBEs to engage with Fortune 500 Corporate & Government Members in meaningful ways, as well as give chances and resources to help them expand.

Our large-scale #BuyWomenOwned campaign centered on "Make One Switch" to replace, not add, at least one (and more if they can) of an ordinary item during National Women's Small Business Month in October and during the fall giving season. The popular Women-Owned Gift Guide, a magazine-style curated guide full of presents from WBENC-Certified WBEs, and the Women-Owned Directory facilitated Women-Owned shopping.

The Industry Spotlight Series in Healthcare, Energy, and other areas, led by our Industry Advisory Boards, highlighted potential WBE suppliers and highlighted opportunities for WBEs to work with the companies.

The Women & Pride Peer Group and the WBENC Allyship initiative brought together WBEs and Corporate Members to work on creating inclusivity that fosters innovation, opens doors, and builds economic connections. In January and December 2022, there will be two more Allyship sessions.

If asking about the WBENC Certification network's worth the response is always from a 360-degree view, because we discover value in every direction we look.