WBE member

Overview Connections to Contracts is a procurement-focused event connecting women-owned businesses with corporations and each other. It features a networking breakfast, corporate roundtable procurement discussions, and a panel discussion on resources available to small businesses. All are welcome to attend. The goal of this event is to provide access to business opportunities between our members that eventually lead to contracts, therefore helping women-owned businesses achieve parity. If you have any questions, feel free to contact WBCS Senior Director of Programs, Elizabeth Garner . Click

Congratulations to our 2022 Connections to Contracts award winners! The Corporate Momentum Award is given to a WBCS Corporate Member who has the highest year over year increase in WBE spend. This year, Lockheed Martin was the recipient for achieving an incredible 150% increase from 2020 to 2021! The award was received by Scott Dobbs, Director of Procurement at Lockheed Martin, who is also a recent addition to the WBCS Board of Directs. Congratulations to Lockheed Martin and thank you for being an example of championing diverse spend. One of the prime missions of the Women's Business Council -

This month we caught up with Angela Hood, CEO and Founder of ThisWay Global, to learn more about her journey to becoming a game changing female founder.

Melinda Zito O’Brien, Founder and Owner of Energy Utility Group, started working in the energy sector after seeing a new opportunity emerge as energy became deregulated in the U.S. And now she’s on a mission to help fellow Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) reduce their energy costs while incorporating sustainability into their operations.

Renee Gilmore is the President of a women-owned and operated firefighter company, Firemans Paving Contractors. Located in Fort Worth, the company proudly services the DFW area and has been WBCS certified for 3 years. Renee serves on our Parade of Stars Gala Committee and was also a 2018 Lillie Knox Recipient. We reached out to her to discuss how certification and the Lillie Knox Investment Award has helped her business grow.

"WBCS is a central place to gain business development insight, focus on your organization’s vision, and surround yourself with positive people." - Chanel Christoff Davis

"The best reason to get certified is to connect with other women-owned businesses. For a small company like Kanti Goods, it is much harder to get your foot in the door at any of the large companies, and so the bigger opportunities for me are with the other WBEs. " - Ernestine Lammers

"From the beginning, the biggest benefit has been the education, inspiration and informal mentoring from fellow WBEs. Although intangible, these have been extremely valuable for my professional development and the long-term success of my business." -Tracy Southers-Parker

Yesterday we looked at the process for creating a compelling pitch. Writing it out is the first step, but once you have it ready to go, what’s next?

Earlier this year Software Professionals, Inc (SPI). was in the market for new company videos for their website and sponsored events. They turned to the WBCS Membership Directory and were able to connect with fellow WBE CM Productions.