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History of WBENC

In the mid-1990’s, women business owners were beginning to demand a seat at the supplier diversity table . . .and by November 1996, a business plan is commissioned for the creation of a women’s business certification entity. The contract was awarded to the Nonprofit Management Corporation, led by Susan Phillips Bari. One month later, a coalition of corporations, women’s business organizations and women’s business enterprises met in Dallas, Texas to review and adopt the business plan for what would become the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

1997
Several visionary corporations – American Airlines; EDS; Federated Department Stores; Frito-Lay, Inc.; Ford Motor Company; Fujitsu Network Communications; GTE; JCPenney Company; NationsBank; PepsiCo, Inc.; Southwestern Bell; Sears, Roebuck and Company, Inc.; Texas Instruments, Inc.; Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and the United States Air Force laid the groundwork to form WBENC as a 501(c)(3) organization in the District of Columbia. Four Women’s Business Organizational Partners (WBOPs) begin providing certification on a national basis from their home bases in Illinois, Ohio, Texas and Louisiana.

An integrated internet-accessible database of certified WBEs is created and partner organizations are trained in its use. Approximately 500 certified WBEs are “grandmothered” into the database. WBENC’s membership grows to 21 corporations. One hundred companies say they will accept WBENC certification.

1998
Susan Bari is named WBENC’s founding president. Membership grows to 64 corporations with 350 companies and government agencies accepting WBENC certification. There are now 12 partner organizations providing certification aided by an interactive, on-line application form. WBENC publishes its inaugural white paper, “Best Practices in Supplier Diversity for WBEs,” which leads to the first Search for America’s Top Corporations.

1999
Women’s Enterprise Leadership Forums (formerly called Women’s Input Committees), are launched throughout the WBENC network. WBENC holds its first fundraising gala, the Salute to Women’s Business Enterprises, at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, and the first Applause Award is presented to the Women’s Business Initiative in the City of Dallas. Three more WBOPs (Houston, Florida and Colorado) are planned for the end of the year.

2000
By November 15, membership reaches 87 corporations and the database contains more than 2,000 certified WBEs. In partnership with the North Texas Women’s Business Council (now Women’s Business Council Southwest), the first national conference and trade fair, Women In Business 2000, sells out. The second annual list of Top Corporations - - the “Sweet Sixteen” - - is announced at Forum 2000 in New Orleans. The new event brings WBEs together with representatives of top companies. WBENC moves into new offices on Connecticut Avenue in Washington, DC.

2001
By December 30, WBENC boasts 104 corporate members and its affiliates process more than 3,000 WBE applications. A VIP reception in the White House honors America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises. WBENC partners with the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) in Chicago for Women in Business 2001.

2002
Continuing its research in best practices in supplier diversity, WBENC publishes Next Practices: Excellence in Corporate Purchasing from WBEs. WBENC announces the Executive Scholarship Program for WBEs, and by midyear 16 WBEs are awarded up to $5,000 each. WBENC partners with Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance (formerly Houston’s Women’s Business Council) in Houston for Women in Business 2002.

2003
Membership is 150 strong. The inaugural TUCK-WBENC Executive Program is held in October at the IBM Palisades facility and is attended by 49 participants. Scholarships are awarded to 14 WBEs through the Executive Scholarship Program. Women in Business 2003 is held in New York City with more than 250 exhibitor booths. WBENC releases the WBENC Balanced Scorecard to eager corporate members seeking a tool for self-evaluation of their supplier diversity programs.

2004
It is a year of mergers and acquisitions; nonetheless, WBENC ends the year with 180 members. WBEs from around the US are selected to testify before Congressional committees, serve on the National Women’s Business Council, meet with the President of the United States in a roundtable discussion and listen to the State of the Union address in the First Lady’s box. A new WBENC logo is first revealed during the Salute. WBENC adds two new committees: Global Business and Strategic Sourcing and Supply Chain Effectiveness. WBENC publishes its first book: Breaking Through: Creating Opportunities for America’s Women and Minority Owned Businesses, authored by Susan Phillips Bari.

2005
Certifications exceed the 5,000 mark while corporate membership tops 200. WBENC revises its By-Laws and adopts a Code of Ethics. The Wall Street Journal features members of a new program – The Zenith Group – launched in partnership with the WPO. The Women in Business 2005 Conference in Las Vegas hosts more than 2,300 attendees with 400 exhibiting companies. A second book, Partnering for Profit: Success Strategies for Tomorrow’s Supply Chain, also by Susan Phillips Bari, is released.

2006
Eighteen companies receive the designation of a 2005 Top Corporation during a White House ceremony. WBENC corporate membership reaches 235 and over 14,000 women business owners seek WBENC certification. WBENC’s 7th annual Women in Business Conference is held in Miami and attracts more approximately 2,500 attendees and over 400 exhibitors.

2007
Two thousand and seven marks WBENC's 10th anniversary. A full calendar of 10th anniversary activities is held, including a Founders’ Dinner to honor the original founders and builders of the organization. WBENC continues to flourish: Sixteen companies receive the designation of a 2006 Top Corporation, and this annual award receives coverage in FORTUNE Small Business magazine. In March, the annual Salute to Women’s Business Enterprises was held in Dallas, Texas, where the foundation of what would come to be known as “WBENC” was laid. WBENC’s 8th annual Women in Business Conference took place in June in sunny Los Angeles, California, where over 2,500 attendees gathered to network, learn and form alliances with one another.