Home

Great Lakes Woman's Business Conference 2024

The 2024 Great Lakes Women’s Business Conference brings together certified women-owned businesses from around the country, corporate members, government supplier diversity, and procurement professionals. The conference addresses the needs of both emerging and established business owners, empowering women entrepreneurs to build connections and shape the future of business by tackling current challenges head-on.

Keynote Speaker

Deborah Gardner

Deborah Gardner is a big deal frequency energy shifter, and the ultimate hype woman, moving audiences worldwide to take enormous action in their lives and businesses. Through her inspirational performances, Deborah passionately ignites a transformative spark, empowering individuals to be powerful dreamers, cultivating strength and courage within themselves.

From her roots as a Marine Brat navigating changing waters in a compact 16-foot trailer, she has evolved into a multifaceted individual—real-life wedding crasher, table server, Olympic swimmer, NBC Sports broadcaster and a proud hospitality industry ninja.

WEmatch

Deadline to apply will be posted in 2024 for Suppliers to apply for one-on-one sessions between qualified certified WBEs and Corporates with specific business opportunities

WEpitch Competition

WEpitch Competition, is a
fast-paced business pitch tournament. Fifteen WBEs will pitch their businesses to a panel of business experts at the Women’s Business Conference.

Educational Workshops & Coaching Labs

Discussion groups that emphasize the exchange of ideas, demonstrations of skills & application of techniques & interactive business training,
and coaching sessions.

Supplier Diversity & Awards Program

The awards are for outstanding members that go above and beyond to support the Great Lakes Women WBC. Their leadership and support are an inspiration to all.

As we reflect on our 40 remarkable years, we extend an invitation to join us on the evening of Monday, September 23, 2024, at 5 pm.

Join us in celebrating the extraordinary success and profound economic impact achieved by the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council. Your presence will make this celebration even more meaningful. We look forward to welcoming you.

Featuring a Special Performance from
The Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences Choir

Get ready for an unforgettable performance as we celebrate our 40th anniversary with a spectacular medley of songs from 1984 to 2024, brought to life by the incredible Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences Choir.

This talented group of young performers, aged 7 to 14, first captured the world's attention when their rehearsal footage of Pharrell Williams’ song, “Happy,” went viral. Their infectious energy and talent led them to appear live on The Ellen Show, America’s Got Talent, and The Today Show as well as wowing audiences at Disney World and even graced the White House stage with a private holiday performance for President and Mrs. Barack Obama. Their remarkable performances have also impressed civil rights icon Ruby Bridges and music mogul Berry Gordy. These young stars represented our city at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, where they received a standing ovation from an audience of thousands.

Under the exceptional direction of Ms. Angela Kee, we are proud to present the Emmy award-winning Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences Choir. Prepare to be captivated by their harmonious voices and dynamic presence as they take the stage to honor four decades of excellence.