About WBEC ORV
The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is the largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners and entrepreneurs. Major corporations and government agencies utilize the WBENC organization as a clearinghouse for women suppliers seeking procurement opportunities. Women’s Business Enterprise Council Ohio River Valley (WBEC ORV) provides WBENC certification to women owned companies in Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. WBEC ORV is one of 14 Regional Partner Organizations (RPOs) authorized to administer this world-class certification across the United States.
While certifying women owned businesses is the foundation of our mission, WBEC ORV also offers development opportunities to scale businesses to compete in the marketplace, connections with corporations across the country for real time business opportunities, and networking with other WBEs for partnering and purchasing opportunities.
Our Vision
To be the premier resource for women-owned business development.
Our Mission
WBEC ORV is leading through an innovative, collaborative and engaged group of Corporates, Government, WBEs and Advocates. We are a catalyst for growth and sustainability by adding more Corporate Members & WBEs in the Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia region.
Our Story
WBEC ORV is an organization for women business owners interested in promoting, developing and maintaining business relationships with other women business owners, major corporations and governmental agencies. Our charge is to certify women-owned businesses and to promote the activities directed at the development, expansion and encouragement of businesses owned by women. The organization was established as Ohio River Valley Women’s Business Council (ORV~WBC) in March 2009 and has now rebranded as Women’s Business Enterprise Council Ohio River Valley (WBEC ORV) to align with the branding of the national WBENC organization.
WBEC ORV is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 2009, WBEC ORV began with seven corporate members and 348 certified WBEs. Today, there are nearly 1,100 certified WBEs and over 70 Corporate Members.
WBEC ORV Non-Discrimination Policy
As a community of entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and economic development thought-leaders, WBEC ORV is committed to the elimination of discrimination in all areas of business and the provision of equal opportunity when accessing capital, contracts, and contacts. In compliance with state and federal laws and regulation, we do not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, race, religion sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status in any of our policies, procedures, or practices. This non-discrimination policy covers admission to, access to and treatment at all programs and activities.
