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Supplier Diversity – What You Need to Know
The Government of Canada is committed to advancing women’s participation in all aspects of Canadian life including helping women entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. Targeted outreach to Canadian women in business is key to raising awareness of the programs and services offered by the Government of Canada to assist women in the international marketplace.
WEConnect Canada
The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) has worked closely with WEConnect Canada since its official launch in March 2009. WEConnect Canada delivers the leading international certification standard for women-owned businesses. It is a Canadian non-profit organization led by corporate members that certifies firms that are at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by women.
WEConnect Canada connects these businesswomen with the growing global demand from corporations and the public sector for diverse and innovative suppliers. WEConnect Canada certification enables Canadian women-owned companies to benefit from privileged access to corporate, Fortune 500, and government contract opportunities in Canada, United States, the United Kingdom, and India. In addition to certification, WEConnect Canada delivers education, training, and mentoring programs.
Fast Facts
Supplier diversity promotes the sourcing of products and services from groups not traditionally included in supply chains. Supplier diversity programs are growing every year:
- 97% of Fortune 500 companies have supplier diversity programs
- In 2009, Walmart’s supplier diversity program totalled nearly $9.2 billion and AT&T spent $6.9 billion
Articles About Supplier Diversity
A League of Your Own (Profit Guide)
