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.
About Us
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 & business resources.
- Offer resources for WBE certification application.
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.
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 of Education Fund (R&EF) of SCWBEC was created as the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that facilitated our financial oversight responsibilities. While under the ‘auspices’ of Suffolk County, our logo included the county seal and it was subsequently removed upon becoming an independent entity.
In July of 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 between Suffolk County and SCWBEC is important because the Office of Women’s Services assists our organization through the WBE Certification process and referrals of members and strategic partners.
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 1 meeting each quarter must be held at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppague.