GWBC®: Powering Women Entrepreneurs and Fueling Economic Growth in North Carolina
The Greater Women's Business Council® (GWBC®) is a dynamic nonprofit organization committed to championing women-owned businesses (WBEs) across North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. As a regional affiliate of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), GWBC® is the go-to resource for WBENC's gold-standard certification, which provides women business owners with the national credibility and visibility needed to compete for business with major corporations. GWBC® currently has approximately 1,600 certified women owned businesses with revenues totaling $11.4 billion and 50,000 employees in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. North Carolina and particularly the city of Charlotte, has emerged as a hotbed for women-owned business growth, with women entrepreneurs contributing significantly to the region's economic vitality. GWBC®, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, plays a critical role in accelerating this momentum by connecting certified WBEs with corporations and government, providing strategic business education and offering access to resources and meaningful networking and matchmaking opportunities. GWBC®'s mission is simple but powerful: to advance, promote and advocate for women business owners through certification, mentoring, education and corporate partnering. Certification That Opens Doors For many corporations, supplier inclusion is a business imperative. Most Fortune 1000 companies actively seek partnerships with unique and innovative businesses, including women-owned enterprises. However, gaining access to these opportunities often requires vetting, and that's where WBENC certification has its true value. This robust verification process ensures that a business is at least 51% owned, controlled, operated and managed by a woman or women. While certification alone doesn't guarantee contracts, it's a powerful marketing and business development tool. Certified WBEs are given a seat at the table, but it's up to them to use that seat wisely by building relationships, attending events and staying engaged with both corporate partners and their fellow business owners. GWBC® provides a thriving ecosystem where this level of engagement and growth can happen. North Carolina's Women-Owned Business Landscape North Carolina ranks among the top states for the fastest-growing number of women-owned businesses, and Charlotte stands out as a hub of entrepreneurial activity and corporate engagement. GWBC® has been instrumental in nurturing this environment by aligning women-owned businesses with some of the nation's most well-known corporate brands interested in actively partnering with certified WBEs to solve business issues. Through these partnerships, WBEs are given the opportunity to grow their operations, create jobs and contribute meaningfully to the regional and statewide economy. Whether it's a Charlotte-based marketing agency securing a Fortune 500 contract or a tech startup in Raleigh breaking into the national supply chain, the ripple effects of certification are transforming North Carolina's business landscape. The Power of Partnering June 10 One of GWBC®'s most impactful initiatives is its annual 'Power of Partnering' or POP North Carolina event, which will take place in Charlotte on June 10 (early registration ends May 16). This high-energy, half-day event brings together certified WBEs, corporate partners, community stakeholders and business advocates to connect, collaborate and celebrate collaboration in business. Designed to create meaningful engagement through networking and matchmaking, the event offers subject matter experts and one-on-one meetings with buyers. A centerpiece of this year's POP NC event will be the Perfect Pitch competition, a thrilling opportunity for North Carolina-based women-owned businesses to present their company's product or service to a panel of corporate buyers and judges. This Shark Tank-style pitch competition is designed to help WBEs hone their business storytelling, elevate their visibility and possibly walk away with new business opportunities and $1,000. It's more than a competition — it's a platform for visibility, growth and inspiration. The winner and runner-up will then advance to the national stage at the WBENC Perfect Pitch competition in the fall for a chance to win $25,000. Building a Stronger Future—Together Women bring a powerful spirit of collaboration and partnership to the business world—and that spirit is helping shape the future in cities like Charlotte. By certifying women-owned businesses and creating strategic pathways to opportunity, GWBC® is empowering entrepreneurs, strengthening supply chains and driving inclusive economic growth. GWBC® continues to champion not only women in business but also broader collaboration across communities. By engaging other champions of commerce and economic development, GWBC® is working together to create a stronger, more inclusive future for all.
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