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Connecting businesswomen to opportunity

Recent estimates show that the world’s big multinationals still procure very little from women-owned businesses. However, the latest CanadExport podcast (MP3, 21.0 MB) ^* features WEConnect Canada, a new non-profit organization that could change all that.

Many of the world’s top multinational corporations have created supplier diversity programs, which are designed to increase opportunities for minorities and women entrepreneurs. But given that women entrepreneurs are still vastly underrepresented in such supplier diversity programs, the creation of WEConnect Canada should provide a much-needed boost to both women entrepreneurs and the Canadian economy.

WEConnect Canada is for businesses that are majority-owned by women that have export potential. Once qualified by WEConnect, entrepreneurs can:

• access new corporate and government markets;
• develop new market opportunities with large contract potential;
• gain a foothold along the international chain of supply and demand;
• join a powerful business network; and
• participate in business-to-business trading and partnerships.

In this podcast, CanadExport speaks to Laraine Kaminsky, WEConnect Canada’s Lead Strategist, about why this programme could mean big business for women entrepreneurs in this country.

“Now, more than ever, the world needs supply chain development that includes women-owned businesses that offer good value, innovation, job creation and economic growth,” says Kaminsky. “We are excited about building on the existing support network in Canada and partnering with corporations, associations, governments, and women entrepreneurs to accelerate the growth of women-owned businesses in the country through WEConnect.”

To date, WEConnect Canada members include Accenture, Alcatel-Lucent, BMO Financial Group, Cisco, IBM, Manpower, Pfizer, Staples, and Wal-Mart—all of which have a supplier diversity program for women-owned business.

Qualification will enable businesses to have access to markets in Canada, the U.S., the United Kingdom and other countries. WEConnect Canada will also offer training, mentoring and coaching opportunities.

As a major partner on this initiative, the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) will play a major role in raising awareness of WEConnect Canada through the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, both domestically and abroad.

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