Highlights from the 2023 WBENC Conference
As a proud women- and veteran-owned business, Cork Tree Creative continues to champion opportunities for women entrepreneurs. In March 2023, team members Jan Carpenter, Laura Reed, and Sue Webb traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, to attend the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) National Conference. Hosted at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center from March 20-23, this annual event unites corporations and women business leaders to foster connections, growth, and innovation in women-led enterprises.
For the second consecutive year, the Cork Tree Creative team joined thousands of fellow women business owners at the WBENC National Conference to engage in dynamic discussions, gain industry insights, and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
A highlight of the event was the recognition of Laura Reed, who received the esteemed 2023 "Women's Veteran's Business Enterprise We Love" award from the National Veteran Owned Business Association. This honor, presented at the annual Women's Veteran's Business Enterprise of the Year Awards Dinner on March 21, underscores Cork Tree Creative’s dedication to empowering and celebrating veteran women in business.
Working with a Women and Veteran-Owned Business
Beyond award recognition, the conference provided an invaluable platform for Cork Tree Creative to connect with other like-minded entrepreneurs and leading corporations. Key highlights of the event included:
- Productive meet-and-greets with potential partners
- Engaging educational programming
- Inspiring keynote speakers
- The Collegiate Accelerator Pitch Competition
- Women-owned business demo stations
- Exclusive networking events, meetups, and celebrations (including a lively round of karaoke!)
As a company that has held WBENC certification since 2016, Cork Tree Creative is committed to leveraging these resources to drive success, innovation, and inclusivity in the business world. Additionally, as a certified Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE), we take great pride in our mission to support fellow veteran-owned businesses and amplify the voices of women leaders across industries.
Participating in the WBENC National Conference not only strengthens our business network but also reinforces our dedication to advancing opportunities for women and veteran entrepreneurs. We look forward to continuing to build on these connections and empowering more businesses to thrive in the years ahead.
