GWBC® Empowering Women-Owned Businesses in the Southeast

Business Journals

21-04-2025

In the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship, women-owned businesses continue to reshape industries, economies and communities through collaboration and connection. Leading this transformation is the Greater Women's Business Council (GWBC®), a nonprofit dedicated to the certification, development and success of women-owned businesses across Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. With a mission to advance and advocate for women business owners through certification, education, mentoring and corporate partnerships, GWBC is a trusted catalyst for growth celebrating its 25th year. As a Regional Partner Organization of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the most respected national certification body for women-owned businesses, GWBC plays a pivotal role daily in the future of female entrepreneurship. The Power of Certification At the core of GWBC®'s impact is WBENC certification, a gold-standard credential that opens doors to large corporations, partnerships and programs. Certification provides: • Access to matchmaking events and pitch opportunities • Visibility to corporate and government buyers • Eligibility for targeted funding, education and training programs • Enhanced credibility and competitiveness GWBC® believes in nurturing long-term success by providing tools and connections that go beyond paperwork. We foster collaboration among women and invite others who champion inclusive commerce to join our growing community. A Community of Certified Excellence As of April 17, 2025, GWBC® supports more than 1,600 WBENC-certified women-owned businesses, generating more than $11.4 billion in revenue and employing more than 50,000 people in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. GWBC® WBEs are sparking innovation and creating jobs in the Southeast's most competitive markets. More importantly, they are trusted collaborators and key partners in building thriving communities. Innovation at Work: The WBE Collaborative In 2024, GWBC® launched The WBE Collaborative, a visionary co-working space in Atlanta's Bank of America Plaza. Designed as a hub for certified WBEs, women entrepreneurs and corporates can gather to connect and collaborate at The WBE Collaborative. The space offers a high-profile setting that enhances credibility and visibility, with thoughtfully designed workspaces conducive to productivity and interaction. Whether a women business owner needs a polished client meeting space, a quiet work area or a venue for training, The WBE Collaborative delivers. This unique space reflects GWBC®'s commitment to supporting both start-ups and scalable businesses with the resources they need to flourish in every phase of their entrepreneurial journey. By combining physical workspace with programming, The WBE Collaborative fills a critical gap in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, especially for women navigating early-stage challenges or transitioning to growth phases. Monthly and day rates provide flexibility for various business needs. Engaging, Educating & Elevating GWBC® hosts a full calendar of programs across its tri-state region designed to connect WBEs with the ideas, resources and networks needed to succeed, including: • Workshops and Peer Cohorts • Webinars and Speaker Series • Networking Events These offerings help WBEs gain visibility, sharpen skills and build authentic relationships. Championing Inclusive Growth Through Partnership GWBC®'s reach is amplified by its 33+ corporate and government members, which are interested in working with vetted suppliers that can offer new solutions to their ongoing issues. These corporate partners help to create a dynamic ecosystem where WBEs can grow and compete at the highest level. Sponsorship with GWBC® offers: • Increased visibility in the women-owned business community • Connections with powerful and vetted women-led companies GWBC believes that when women connect, everyone wins. By fostering collaboration, expanding opportunity and championing inclusivity, we're not only strengthening individual businesses—we're driving regional prosperity. Empowering Progress Through Collaboration At GWBC®, we believe lasting success is built through connection, collaboration and community. That's why everything we do is rooted in the power of partnering. Through certification, education and advocacy, we support women-owned businesses while working alongside corporations, community leaders and economic development partners to foster inclusive growth. The journey to business success looks different for everyone but with strong partnerships, innovative thinking and shared goals, we're creating pathways that uplift businesses, strengthen communities and drive sustainable impact. Whether you're a woman entrepreneur exploring certification, a corporate partner seeking suppliers or a community leader committed to economic advancement, GWBC® invites you to be part of a collective effort that is shaping the future of business. Learn more at www.gwbc.org.