“One of the marvelous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn’t as individuals.”

Jean Vanier

Events

We are a growing community of like-minded women business owners. What binds us together is a dream. We all seek to change the world in some small way, and to improve the lives of ourselves, our families and our communities. We share the challenges which face all women who strive to compete in the marketplace of ideas, products and services.

In the midst of your busy lives, it’s important to get together with one another to energize your spirit and motivation to continue your journey. Periodically, the WCEC holds panel discussions and other gatherings to allow you to meet and interact with one another in a casual and social setting.

We have no set schedule, and sometimes these events crop up spontaneously.

Sign up below for our emails and follow us on social media.

Cocktails & Connections

October 17, 2022

About

Join us on Monday, October 17th from 6:00pm-9:30pm as Rana Shanawani, WCEC Executive Director, speaks at Cocktails & Connections presented by NJAdvancedMedia. Build your network and learn from established business leaders about how to successfully start or grow your woman-owned business.

Events in The Community

WSJ Jobs Summit

April 12, 2022

About

Join us! The job market has roared back to life with a record number of openings. Hear from the experts on how to turn today’s hot job market into a competitive advantage.

This full-day program will feature interviews and interactive workshops designed to help you succeed in the search. Take away a practical toolkit from navigating your job search to negotiating an offer.

Women In: The Entertainment Industry

March 15, 2022 from 12:00-1:45pm

About

Women at the helm of studios, networks, and creative teams are changing the way we tell stories, consume media and manage entertainment businesses. Join WSJ to hear from the female decision makers shaping entertainment.

Secure your complimentary ticket here.

Use code: WCEC

National Small Business Week

September 13-15, 2021

About

During this year’s National Small Business Week, September 13-15, the U.S. Small Business Administration will spotlight the resilience of America’s entrepreneurs and the renewal of the small business economy as they build back better from the economic crisis brought on by the pandemic. The SBA will share important information about the many services and programs to help individuals start and grow businesses, build resilience, support and retain employees, discover new markets, and join key networks. 

Virtual Summit

The SBA will host a virtual summit on September 13-15 during National Small Business Week. The virtual summit will honor the nation’s 30 million small businesses for their perseverance, ingenuity, triumphs, and creativity. And, the SBA, along with valued small business partners, will share important information about the many programs and services available to help businesses start and grow, build resilience and support, retain employees, discover new markets, and join key networks.

The National Small Business Week Virtual Summit will also include representatives from Fortune 500 companies who will discuss their paths to success and share resources to help businesses on their entrepreneurial journey. Highlights of the summit will include virtual booths to develop one-on-one connections with public and private sector partners to create opportunities for collaboration and information-sharing in real-time.  In addition, small business participants can learn more about new business strategies, meet other business owners, and talk with industry experts.

Registration is free to the public, and attendees can participate in as many events as they want. For more details, visit www.sba.gov/nsbw.

Past WCEC Women’s Business Center Events

From Pandemic to Progress Virtual Conference

Thursday, June 24, 2021

Bringing women business owners in NJ, NY, and PA together to network, share business challenges, and learn strategies to thrive and survive, even during the pandemic. Guest Speakers: US Senator Cory Booker, US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Natalie Madeira Cofield of the SBA Office of Women’s Business Ownership, and Corinne Hodges of the Association of Women’s Business Centers.

Black History Month – Small Business Funding Update

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

In honor of Black History Month, the WCEC hosted a Zoom Meeting focused on current funding opportunities for women and people of color. As impacts of the on-going pandemic continue to suppress companies of all sizes, it is clear that some entities have been hit harder than others. Watch recording here

Small Business Webinar – PPP Loans

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Hosted by the office of Congresswomen Mikie Sherrill, with guest panelists, including WCEC Executive Director Rana Shanawani, to answer questions that New Jersey residents may have about the new round of PPP loans. Watch recording here

Group Business Counseling & Open Networking

Thursday, January 21, 2021

The first hour is facilitated discussion followed by open networking.

We’ll be using the Remo virtual conference platform. Participants can hop from one table to the next, meeting new business owners & networking in a powerful and meaningful way. Conference registration includes a profile to add your photo, LinkedIn profile, Calendar/scheduling service, & more.

Become An Ally:

Entrepreneurs & Racial Equality

Thursday, December 17, 2020

2:00pm-3:30pm

Zoom

Since the death of George Floyd in May, businesses of all sizes have assessed what role to play in our national discussion on racial injustice – Black Lives Matter. As a small business owner, how do you balance your personal values with your business goals to meet this moment?

Join us for an inspiring panel discussion with three NJ small business owners who are BLM allies to hear about choices they’re making to champion change and to build diversity, equity and inclusion into their business practices.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Hester Agudosi, Chief Diversity Officer, NJ Office of Diversity & Inclusion

PANEL

JaLeena Anthony, Owner, Create That Party

South Plainfield, NJ

Kris Ohleth, Owner, Garden State Kitchen

Orange, NJ

Bettina Peets, Owner, Adventures for the Soul

Bloomfield, NJ

Wine, Women & Shoes

Empowering Entrepreneurial Women

For 22 years, the Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC) has worked to support the network of Women’s Business Centers, like the Women’s Center for Entrepreneurship, to secure economic justice by providing training, counseling and mentoring for existing and start-up businesses. This year, they announced a new fundraiser – Wine, Women & Shoes.

This program includes a live auction, entertainment and empowering messages about entrepreneurship, all while supporting the mission of the AWBC.

We’ve partnered with the Wall Street Journal

Women In the Workplace Forum

This year’s Women In the Workplace forum takes place for the first time online, with a renewed focus on actionable advice and insight. Together, senior business leaders will examine how companies and individuals can stay focused on building better, more inclusive, workplaces during this global crisis. They’ll discuss revealing new data from LeanIn.org and McKinsey on how the pandemic has impacted business priorities, then participate in deep-dive group discussions and an interactive town hall that will provide playbooks for the unique challenges and opportunities this critical moment presents for top executives around the world.

September 30, 2020 from 11:00am-8:45pm

30% off Professional Pass with code WCEC30

311 Main Street, Chatham, NJ 07928

(973)507-9700

info@wcecnj.org

Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.