Purpose:
The WBC Connect series is offered monthly and designed to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among Women’s Business Centers nationwide. Led by WBCs and driven by AWBC member input, these sessions highlight best practices, innovative strategies, and key insights to strengthen the collective impact of the network.
Why volunteer to host a WBC Connect session?
- Showcase Expertise – Position your WBC as a leader in the national network by sharing successful programs, strategies, and innovations that have made a difference in your community.
- Increase Visibility – Gain recognition among peer WBCs, potential partners, and AWBC leadership, elevating your WBCs reputation within the network.
- Strengthen the Network – Contributing to the WBC Connect series helps foster collaboration and collective growth, ensuring that best practices and valuable insights are shared across the entire ecosystem.
- Build Relationships – Engage with other WBCs, exchange ideas, and open the door for future partnerships, mentorships, or joint initiatives.
- Professional Development – Presenting in a WBC Connect session enhances your team’s public speaking, training, and leadership skills while positioning them as thought leaders.
- Shape Future Conversations – Hosting a session allows your WBC to influence key discussions, address challenges, and introduce innovative solutions that can benefit the broader WBC community.
Sample topics:
- How to maximize a WBC membership program
- How to build an impact one page for your center
- How to appeal to stage 2 entrepreneurs
- How to use AI for your WBC
- Launching a retail incubator for your WBC clients
- Best Practices in Hosting a Pitch Competition for your WBC Clients
- Finding good coaches and growing your WBC coaching program
- Building a Small Business Holiday Guide: What Works and What Doesn’t
- How to Apply for National SBA Awards for your WBC and Clients
Key Benefits of Attending the WBC Connect series:
- Access to Best Practices – Learn from fellow WBCs about successful programs, innovative strategies, and effective solutions that can be adapted to strengthen your own WBC.
- Stay Informed – Gain insights on best practices, industry trends, policy updates, and funding opportunities that impact WBCs and the entrepreneurs they serve.
- Peer-to-Peer Learning – Engage in meaningful discussions with other WBC leaders, exchanging ideas and solutions for common challenges.
- Networking & Collaboration – Build relationships with other WBC directors and staff, opening the door for partnerships, mentorship opportunities, and joint initiatives.
- Professional Development – Enhance skills in areas like program management, marketing, grant writing, and advocacy through expert-led sessions.
- Amplify Your Impact – Take what you learn and apply it to improve services, expand outreach, and better support the women entrepreneurs in your community.