Our mission
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, our mission is to empower and connect women business owners across Long Island. We encourage and provide resources to our members to succeed in business through networking and professional development opportunities.
The Suffolk County Women's Business Enterprise Coalition (SCWBEC) is the only organization of its kind on Long Island. It was established in 1990 by a group of visionary business women to assist Long Island's women-owned businesses with procurement bid opportunities. While still maintaining its historical core values, SCWBEC has expanded its membership to include all of Long Island and to provide educational programs which inform our members.
To achieve our mission, SCWBEC works to:
- Offer professional development programs.
- Promote business networking opportunities.
- Offer the Linda Jasper / Sally Ann Slacke Award to aide a business financially.
- Connect members with procurement and business resources.
- Offer resources for WBE certification application.
Membership criteria
Any woman whose business or residence is located on Long Island, NY and she alone, or together with one or more women, own at least 51% of the business.
Resource and Associate Memberships are also available.
Our history
In April of 1990, Sally Ann Slacke and Linda Jasper founded SCWBEC to provide a central directory of Women Owned Businesses in Suffolk County, NY and bring awareness of procurement opportunities from the public and private sectors.
Until July 2013, SCWBEC operated under the "auspices" of Suffolk County with support from the Office of Minority Affairs and the Office of Women Services. The Research and Education Fund (R&EF) of SCWBEC was created as the 501(c)(3) nonprofit that facilitated financial oversight.
In July 2013, due to new Suffolk County requirements, SCWBEC needed to become its own entity. This was accomplished by renaming the R&EF Corporation to Suffolk County Women's Business Enterprise Coalition, Inc. to retain the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status. The continuing relationship with Suffolk County is important because the Office of Women's Services assists our organization through the WBE Certification process and member referrals.
When we meet
Historically, the Board meets on the 1st Thursday of each month, and the General Meeting is the 2nd Thursday of each month. A minimum of one meeting each quarter is held at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge.