Women's Business Enterprise National Council - WBENC

Women's Business Enterprise National Council - WBENC Corporate Members must also demonstrate a commitment to actively conduct business with WBENC certified women business enterprises (WBEs).
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The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is a national leader in business development for entrepreneurs and small and medium businesses, and the largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the U.S. Major corporations that pay membership fees and have an active Supplier Diversity program or will have one, within 12 months of membership, are classified as Corporate Members. Women-

owned business entities that apply for and are granted WBENC certification, and have paid all relevant fees are classified as WBENC certified WBEs. WBENC certified WBEs are not classified as members of WBENC, but are classified as Beneficiaries. The collective interests of WBENC certified WBEs are represented by the Women's Enterprise Leadership Forum composed of a group of WBEs elected as a Governing Committee. A select group of government entities also share Member status as they meet the same criteria as Corporate Members. WBENC and its RPOs are working to increase acceptance of WBENC certification by federal, state, and local government entities throughout the country. In compliance with a designation agreement with WBENC, 14 Regional Partner Organizations (RPOs) administer WBENC certification and recertification standards to women owned businesses throughout the U.S.

As excitement builds for the 2026 WBENC National Conference, happening next week in Salt Lake City, Utah, this year’s IM...
06/12/2026

As excitement builds for the 2026 WBENC National Conference, happening next week in Salt Lake City, Utah, this year’s IMPACT theme sets the tone for a powerful and purpose-driven experience.

We are excited to share insights from our WBE Co-Chairs, a dynamic group of trailblazing women whose leadership, innovation, and vision are driving meaningful change across industries. These influential leaders embody the spirit of IMPACT, bringing both bold ideas and a deep commitment to empowering others to spark meaningful change.

Get inspired by their insights: https://www.wbenc.org/news/2026-wbenc-conference-hear-from-the-wbe-co-chairs/

Driving IMPACT | Meet 2026 WBE Star, Lauren RakoltaMeet Lauren Rakolta, Chairperson & CEO of DFM Solutions, with the Gre...
06/11/2026

Driving IMPACT | Meet 2026 WBE Star, Lauren Rakolta

Meet Lauren Rakolta, Chairperson & CEO of DFM Solutions, with the Great Lakes Women's Business Council Regional Partner Organization. Lauren is a visionary executive and driving force in the facilities management industry. A high-performing leader, Lauren is recognized for delivering innovative solutions and executing strategic initiatives that fuel sustained business growth. As the leader of DFM Solutions, she has built a reputation for excellence across automotive, manufacturing, aviation, utilities, and commercial sectors. With a sharp focus on business development and operational excellence, Lauren has successfully expanded market reach, strengthened partnerships, and elevated service delivery. She has driven significant growth by securing new business opportunities, improving profitability, and streamlining operations—positioning her organization for long-term success. In her role, Lauren oversees 400 employees, 20+ US locations.

Get inspired by Lauren’s insights: https://www.wbenc.org/news/2026-wbe-stars-driving-impact-meet-lauren-rakolta/ 🔗

📣 LAST CALL TO ATTEND! Join us for IMPACT at the 2026 WBENC National Conference next week in Salt Lake City!This is your...
06/10/2026

📣 LAST CALL TO ATTEND! Join us for IMPACT at the 2026 WBENC National Conference next week in Salt Lake City!

This is your last call to register, as online registration closes tonight, June 10th at 11:59 PM PT. From inspiring keynote speakers and dynamic educational sessions to unmatched networking opportunities, the conference offers something for every stage of your business journey. Secure your spot today and be part of the energy, innovation, and community that make this event unforgettable.

Learn more and register at WBENC.org/Conference 🔗

Creating Impact Together: Salt Lake City Startup & NextGen MixerWBENC invites Salt Lake City’s startup and NextGen entre...
06/08/2026

Creating Impact Together: Salt Lake City Startup & NextGen Mixer

WBENC invites Salt Lake City’s startup and NextGen entrepreneurial community, along with those who support their growth, to join us for an evening of meaningful connection and collaboration at Church & State.

Held in conjunction with the 2026 WBENC National Conference, this complimentary networking event will bring together startup founders, NextGen business owners, experienced CEOs, and corporate professionals for purposeful conversations designed to foster new relationships, share insights, and create opportunities for growth.

Whether you are launching a new venture or scaling an established business, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and industry leaders who are committed to advancing business success.

Date: Wednesday, June 17
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM MT
Location: Church & State | 370 S 300 East, Salt Lake City, UT

REGISTER NOW: https://airtable.com/appvgQP5MOGt36oCM/pagBTs1W9jp1VbyDi/forEm

06/05/2026

The WBENC National Conference is headed to Salt Lake City in just over a week, and the energy is building! Hear from 2026 Host Committee Member, Mary Kariotis, President and CEO of Merrimak Capital Company, as she shares her excitement for this year's Conference!

Join us! Learn more and register at WBENC.org/Conference 🔗

A huge thank you to the WBENC network whose generosity is helping bring this initiative to life!
05/27/2026

A huge thank you to the WBENC network whose generosity is helping bring this initiative to life!

Apply by May 29 to Be Part of the Walmart Road to Open Call 2026 at the WBENC National Conference!Each year, Walmart’s O...
05/27/2026

Apply by May 29 to Be Part of the Walmart Road to Open Call 2026 at the WBENC National Conference!

Each year, Walmart’s Open Call brings their commitment to U.S. manufacturing to life — connecting entrepreneurs with the opportunity to scale their products and their impact. Walmart is kicking off the Road to Open Call 2026, and the journey to October 6-7, 2026 starts now. Walmart’s Road to Open Call is taking several stops in 2026, including Salt Lake City at the WBENC National Conference! At each stop, Walmart will connect with founders who have big ideas and shelf-ready products, made, grown or assembled right here in the U.S. If you’re ready to take your product to the next level and get in front of Walmart merchants, this is your moment!

Apply Today! https://corporate.walmart.com/suppliers/investing-in-american-jobs/events/annual-open-call/open-call-2026

Driving IMPACT | Meet 2026 WBE Star, Glenda S ThomasMeet Glenda S. Thomas, President and CEO of Electra Grid Solutions, ...
05/26/2026

Driving IMPACT | Meet 2026 WBE Star, Glenda S Thomas

Meet Glenda S. Thomas, President and CEO of Electra Grid Solutions, with the Women's Business Enterprise Council South Regional Partner Organization. Glenda is a trailblazing leader in the energy sector, recognized for breaking barriers and advancing innovative solutions. As the esteemed President and CEO of Electra Grid Solutions and Electra Lines, Glenda brings over two decades of indispensable experience from her tenure leading supplier diversity and sustainability programs at Southern Company, one of the Southeast’s largest utility firms. Glenda holds a BS in Accounting from Alabama A&M University and a Master of Science in Project Management from George Washington University.

Get inspired by Glenda's insights: https://www.wbenc.org/news/2026-wbe-stars-driving-impact-meet-glenda-s-thomas/

05/26/2026

Hannah Kain’s answer to “Why attend the WBENC National Conference?” is simple: it’s all about the connections. Join us at Conference and start building yours—register now at WBENC.org/Conference 🔗

Join WBENC Pride & Allies on the upcoming Community Social Hour: Creating IMPACT through Connection!Engage in authentic ...
05/22/2026

Join WBENC Pride & Allies on the upcoming Community Social Hour: Creating IMPACT through Connection!

Engage in authentic small group conversations with those who support the LGBTQ+ business community as you prepare to travel to Salt Lake City for the 2026 WBENC National Conference!

This session is open to all; we encourage LGBTQ+ and Allied business owners and corporate professionals to attend WBENC Pride & Allies programming.

Register Now: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/WxYn-XXoRAKDE7CHWmg7Tg

Address

Washington D.C., DC

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