PROGRAMS & EVENTS

ORVBA

The ORV Business Accelerator is a six-session virtual program (from April to August) designed to help small businesses strengthen their foundation, sharpen their competitive edge, and accelerate growth. Through a combination of pitch practice, expert-led content, and hands-on activities, participants will gain practical skills they can apply immediately to their business.


Each session builds progressively—from clarifying your business foundations to developing brand messaging, sales strategies, financial basics, and legal/IP protections—while integrating innovative topics like AI adoption and supplier diversity opportunities. The program culminates in a Pitch Competition, where participants deliver a polished 3–5 minute business pitch and receive live feedback from peers and judges.


Learn More

ORVBDP

Ohio River Valley’s Business Development Program (ORVBDP) is a comprehensive 7-month business development program designed for women business owners who are building sustainable and scalable companies. Modeled after the Kauffman FastTrac Growth Venture Program and hosted in partnership with corporations such as Victoria's Secret & Co., P&G, L Brands, Marathon, and Fifth Third Bank to name a few, the course is guided by certified facilitators and includes subject matter experts. The highly selective program is limited to 10 participants per class.


Learn More & Apply

Catch The Wave Regional Conference

Catch the Wave provides networking, training, and access to certified women business owners in Kentucky, Ohio & West Virginia and WBEC ORV corporate members. This conference draws over 400 attendees from across the region and includes an opening reception, pitch breakfast, keynote luncheon, awards dinner, corporate and WBE workshops, WBE Showcase and an Opportunity Matchmaker event. Corporate and WBE sponsorships are available.

Industry Events

This is a collaborative approach between corporate members and WBEC ORV to identify WBE suppliers to be included in the proposal/bid process for upcoming targeted spend categories. WBEC ORV will assist corporate partners in identifying WBEs that may have the capacity and capability to participate in upcoming opportunities. These events and workshops can be customized based on the desired outcome for each event. This approach can help produce significant and immediate results in your inclusion and supplier diversity efforts through targeted, invitation only outreach efforts.

WBENC National Conference

Expand Your IMPACT at the WBENC National Conference June 15-18, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah! The WBENC National Conference isn’t just another business event. It is a powerful gathering point for business-building connections, collaboration, and growth that drive impact and innovation. Every year, WBENC raises the bar with fresh, dynamic approaches that spark connections and lead to opportunities. We can’t wait to welcome you as we continue to pursue our shared ethos: Join Forces. Succeed Together.


This year, we’re turning up the momentum with our theme of IMPACT—accelerating growth, unlocking new markets, and building the talent, leadership, and strategic relationships that will define future success. IMPACT is a journey we are all on together that extends beyond numbers, driving progress, sustainability, and community development.

Learn more: https://www.wbenc.org/conference/