WBEC-East will continue its mission of supporting women entrepreneurs – providing resources, education, networking, and access to the WBENC Certification. While we are women-focused, our programs, resources, and workshops are open to ALL. Our organization is committed to the economic development of small businesses and local communities, and we are happy to welcome individuals of all races, genders, and backgrounds.

the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that it would waive most upfront fees for small manufacturers in fiscal year 2026. With the fee burden reduced, the SBA will empower more small manufacturers (NAICS 31-33) with the capital to increase hiring, growth, and production – and to reshore jobs, supply chains, and national security. For 7(a) manufacturing loans of up to $950,000, the upfront fee will be 0%. For all 504 manufacturing loans, the upfront fee and annual service fee will each be 0%. These new fee structures will be effective from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

WBENC Certification is a pathway to new business opportunities. The WBENC Certification gives you access to a national database of corporations and government entities with responsible sourcing programs who are seeking to do business with certified women-owned businesses. Learn all the benefits of the of the WBENC certification below!

A guide to understanding executive actions, their impact on small businesses, and how to monitor, interpret, and respond to new policies. Topics include regulatory freezes, trade policies, workforce impacts, and supplier sourcing changes.