THURSDAYS | FEBRUARY 2 - MARCH 16
For businesses that have been established for more than 5 years and are ready for procurement opportunities.
WBEA EDGE is a comprehensive six-week virtual program designed to evaluate and elevate current business models for innovation, growth, and scalability. Taking place on Thursdays | February - March 2023, this enriching program facilitates strategic thinking, strengthens management, and enhances business performance. Enrich, elevate, and empower by signing up for WBEA EDGE today.
- Led by subject matter experts and industry thought leaders
- One-on-one coaching with strategic advisors
- Networking engagements
- Corporate led sessions about procurement
The WBEA EDGE program is powered by Comerica Bank with contributing partners including bp America, Chevron, CenterPoint Energy, and Port of Houston Authority. This program is offered to WBEs via scholarships provided by the aforementioned organizations.
Program Dates: Thursdays | February 2 - March 16
FORMAT: HYBRID
Participant Criteria
- MUST BE AN ACTIVE WBENC CERTIFIED WBE
- Must be the business owner
- The business must be at least 5 years old and profiitable
- Must be able to attend all sessions
Apply today to make positively improve your leadership and improve your bottom line!
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83% of graduates gained a new skill or practical knowledge
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85% of graduates revised their business or growth plan upon completing WBEA EDGE
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91% of graduates felt more equipped to pursue new business relationships with corporates and/or primes
The application deadline is Monday, January 23rd! APPLY NOW
WBEA EDGE program testimonials
“I truly enjoyed the program, instructors, and participants. This program has allowed me to think strategically for my business in 2021 and beyond. This is a great program at any stage in your business.” - Cohort 1 Graduate
“WBEA EDGE was such a valuable program. I gained far more business education than I had anticipated, thanks to the high-quality instructors and program materials. Specifically, I was able to improve my business plan and marketing strategy. This wasn't just a sit-back-and-listen program, it was an active immersive experience with powerhouse business owners and industry experts. The pitch practice sessions were invaluable! Lastly, the group of professional women gathered as part of the cohort were such an additional, and unexpected, benefit of the program! The lasting relationships, support, and accountability of the program is great!” - Cohort 2 Graduate
“The great cohort - we have stayed in touch and given one another referrals. I really like the size of the smaller group.” - Cohort 1 Graduate
“I really appreciate the new relationships that were formed in the group and the connections that have been kept subsequent to the ending of the program.” - Cohort 2 Graduate
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Week 0: Thursday, February 2 | Orientation
- Time: 9:00 am – 10:30 am
- Location: Virtual
Week 1: Wednesday, February 8 | Evaluating for Growth & Making Strategic Decisions
- Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Location: Virtual
- Facilitator: Jewel Smith, Business Growth, Procurement and Resiliency Coach, WBEA
Week 2: Thursday, February 16 | Brand and Marketing Development
- Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Location: Virtual
- Facilitator: Brenda Boral, Marketing Strategist, CMO Boral Agency
Week 3: Thursday, February 23 | Charting Financial Performance; Navigating the Procurement Pipeline
- Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Location: In-Person (Houston, TX)
- Facilitator: Ervin Hughes, Jr., President, American Credit Assurance, LLC
- Navigating the Procurement Pipeline - a procurement panel featuring reps from the sponsors
Week 4: Thursday, March 2 | Managing Operations for Growth; Leading the Organization
- Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Location: In-Person (Houston, TX)
- Facilitator: Dr. April Day, President, WBEA
Week 5: Thursday, March 9 | Perfecting Your Pitch; Crafting Capability Statements
- Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Location: Virtual
- Facilitators: Dr. April Day, President, WBEA; Jewel Smith, Business Growth, Procurement and Resiliency Coach, WBEA
Week 6: Thursday, March 16 | Final Presentations & Graduation
- Time: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
- Location: In-Person (Houston, TX)