WILMA’s Leadership Accelerator: 2026 Community Groups
Learn more about the local community groups participating at the 2026 conference
Connect with local community groups and learn about how to get involved during the Leadership Accelerator!
WILMA invites members from local women’s organizations and business resource groups to the annual Accelerator conference to give attendees a chance to plug into opportunities. Reps will have tables set up along the concourse for you to connect, network, and learn about their different programs + offerings.
Tables will be set up all morning, but our Coffee & Connections Happy Hour from 9-10am is your chance to meet and connect with members from these organizations.
Learn more about the participating community groups below.
CAPE FEAR CREW
CREW is a premier network for commercial real estate professionals, fostering business connections, leadership development, and industry growth.
GENESIS BLOCK FOUNDATION
Genesis Block Foundation bridges the gap between aspiration and sustainability through education, commercialization resources, and market outreach opportunities.
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF WILMINGTON
The Junior League of Wilmington, (JLW) is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to empower women to enrich and improve the community through effective action and leadership. Composed of women committed to making a positive impact, the JLW provides valuable leadership training and gives local women the tools to get involved, put their talents to work, and positively impact Southeastern North Carolina. Through various programs, initiatives, and partnerships, the JLW strives to develop women, build strong relationships, and create lasting change in the local community.
PROFESSIONAL WOMEN IN BUILDING
wcfhba.com/professional-women-in-build-council
The Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council is the voice of women in the building industry. We are dedicated to promoting industry professionalism and supporting our members at the local, state, and national levels by offering networking and educational opportunities, legislative awareness, outreach and professional and personal development. The Cape Fear PWB chapter is a pivotal group in empowering and supporting women in the building industry through connections and outreach.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY COMMISSION FOR WOMEN
www.nhcgov.com/231/Commission-for-Women
The Commission is organized for the purpose of acting as an advocate for women and a resource of information on the status of women in New Hanover County for the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners and Wilmington City Council.
NOVANT HEALTH FOUNDATION + WAVES OF GIVING
Novant Health Betty H. Cameron Women’s & Children’s Hospital and our Child Life team will be on-site, hosting a toy donation to bring joy and comfort to pediatric patients throughout the year. New, unwrapped toys and comfort items in original packaging will be accepted for donations. Click here for more details on Waves of Giving.
UNCW’S CENTER FOR INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
uncw.edu/research/centers/innovation-entrepreneurship
CIE is an extension of UNCW and collaborates with public and private organizations to support regional economic development and the creation and growth of innovation-based businesses. We engage and support UNCW students, faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as entrepreneurs and youth throughout the community and region, in the creation of entrepreneurial ventures, knowledge-based jobs, and innovative business solutions.
UNCW’S SMALL BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CENTER
sbtdc.org/locations/wilmington
Founded in 1984, the North Carolina SBTDC is a business advisory resource for growing and developing small- to mid-sized businesses. Our highly skilled professionals provide services statewide from offices hosted by campuses of the University of North Carolina System. The SBTDC operates in formal partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, making it a unique and valued asset in the economic development infrastructure of North Carolina.
GREATER WILMINGTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Driving growth and defining tomorrow are at the heart of our work. The Greater Wilmington Chamber provides its members with business-building programs, leadership development, and opportunities to connect with other businesses. We deliver timely information and advocacy to ensure your business is seen, heard, and supported.
Visit WILMAAccelerator.com to learn more about WILMA’s Leadership Accelerator.
