Founded in 2000, the Greater Women’s Business Council (GWBC®) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a trusted regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). As a third
‑party certifier, GWBC® delivers a world
‑class certification process that rigorously vets women
‑owned businesses for procurement opportunities with major corporations and government entities.
GWBC® serves a region experiencing one of the fastest-growing concentrations of women-owned businesses in the country. To fuel this momentum, we provide small businesses with education, resources, access to funding, innovative networking opportunities and direct connections to corporations seeking diverse suppliers across Georgia and the Carolinas.
Each year, GWBC® achieves an average 14% increase in certified women-owned businesses — evidence of our continued growth, impact and relevance. Our mission remains steadfast: to empower small businesses, with a special focus on women-owned enterprises, through certification, education, access to capital and mentorship.
GWBC® was launched with the support of founding corporate members Delta Air Lines and UPS, whose early investment helped establish the organization as a leader in supplier development and inclusion.
Our mission is to advance, promote, and advocate for small businesses — especially women-owned firms — through certification, education, mentoring and corporate partnerships across Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, three of the nation’s fastest-growing states for women-owned business development.
Whether you are a certified women-owned business, a small business exploring certification, or an entrepreneur seeking community and support, we encourage you to engage with GWBC® and leverage our technical assistance and programming.
Today, GWBC®’s Corporate Member-Partners include many of the nation’s most recognized brands, all committed to achieving supplier inclusion goals and driving economic growth by investing in small businesses.
Over the past 25 years, GWBC® has been recognized as “Best in Class” within the WBENC network, supported more than 125 certified small businesses through mentoring programs, and delivered high-impact educational and networking initiatives such as the Accelerated Education Series, Cohort Programs and Power of Partnering events. We have also collaborated with corporate partners on grant initiatives designed to strengthen and scale small businesses throughout the region.
Being certified is the best way to gain access to resources and connections to accelerate your business growth!
Current Top Industries our Businesses represent:
- Education, Professional, Scientific & Technical Services, Construction, Wholesale Trade, Administrative & Support Services, Waste Management & Remediation Services
- Corporate and government members total 40+ engaged entities
- Events and programs attract 1,600+ attendees annually
(*2025 numbers are reported to GWBC®)