2024Annual Report

2024 ANNUAL REPORT 1

CONNECTING WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES TO THE GLOBAL MARKETPLACE WEConnect International is the leading global nonprofit connecting women-owned businesses to large buyers around the world.

For 15 years, we’ve helped thousands of women-owned businesses in over 135 countries access the opportunities, skills, and networks they need to grow—while supporting corporations, multilateral institutions, and governments in building more resilient global supply chains.

OUR MISSION

OUR VISION

OUR WORK

WEConnect International helps drive money into the hands of women business owners by enabling them to compete in the global marketplace.

A thriving world where womenowned businesses deliver sustainable solutions and fuel community prosperity on a global scale.

We connect buyers to women-owned sellers globally, enhance their capabilities to transact business, and instill confidence that sellers meet buyers’ standards for women-owned businesses.

Through certification, education, and high-impact events, WEConnect International delivers business solutions at scale—accelerating growth for women-owned businesses and measurable impact for buyers committed to sourcing with purpose.

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Letter from Leadership ................................................................................ 4 2024 By the Numbers ................................................................................... 5 Our Global Reach ........................................................................................... 7 How We Deliver Impact ............................................................................. 9 Virtual Education ............................................................................................ 10 Flagship Programs & Events ................................................................... 11 Impact by Region ............................................................................................ 16 Africa ................................................................................................................. 17 Europe & MENA ......................................................................................... 21 Latin America & Caribbean ................................................................ 25 North America ............................................................................................ 29 South Asia ...................................................................................................... 32 Southeast Asia & Oceania ................................................................... 36 Member Buyers ............................................................................................... 40 Top Global Champions ............................................................................... 43 Financial Report .............................................................................................. 44 Leadership & Governance ......................................................................... 46 Join Us .................................................................................................................... 48

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In 2024, WEConnect International delivered growth and impact on a global scale.

Together, we expanded our reach, deepened connections, and championed the critical role of women as business owners in our supply chains—proving that buying with purpose isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s smart business.

We are proud of what we’ve accomplished, but our work is far from over. Now more than ever, we must accelerate our efforts to build more resilient markets that create lasting value for everyone.

Buying with purpose is no longer optional—it’s essential. In an era defined by rapid globalization, shifting customer demands, and market uncertainty, our collective success depends on the strength of our partnerships. The impact of our member buyers, womenowned businesses, strategic allies, donors, and our world-class team of professionals cannot be overstated.

That’s why we are proud to showcase our 2024 Growth + Impact Report—highlighting the power of strategic sourcing to drive innovation, opportunity, and prosperity for all.

In today’s complex economy, every challenge is an opportunity. When we harness our purchasing power toward purpose, we unlock untapped potential, level the playing field, and create new pathways for competitive advantage. Half of the world’s population remains underrepresented in our global value chains. This isn’t just an issue of fairness—it’s a missed opportunity for groundbreaking solutions, job creation, and economic prosperity for all.

For 15 years, WEConnect International has been at the forefront of this change—helping women-owned businesses compete, scale, and meet the needs of large member buyers with over US$4 trillion in annual purchasing power. This is not business as usual. This is power.

Now, we call on you—our forward-thinking partners—to take action. The future of global business depends on how we choose to spend our money. Let’s turn today’s challenges into thriving economies, flourishing communities, and game-changing innovations.

Join us. Invest in change. Be the catalyst for a more prosperous world.

Denise Naguib Chair of the Board

Elizabeth A. Vazquez President, CEO & Co-Founder

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2 0 24 I M PA C T SCALING GLOBAL ACCESS More women-owned businesses, more buyers, more markets, more opportunity.

135+

63

20,000+

Markets with Women-Owned Business registration

Markets offering WEConnect International certification

Women-Owned Businesses registered in WECommunity

1,750+

200+

Women-Owned Businesses certified

Member Buyers engaged

DELIVERING BUSINESS IMPACT Turning connections into contracts and business growth.

83,000+

$24 billion

$5 billion

Business connections made

Total member global spend with womenowned businesses

Spend with womenowned businesses based outside the U.S.

47%

50%

4%

of women-owned businesses in our network reported growth in overall revenue

of women-owned businesses grew their business by up to 10 employees

of women-owned businesses in our network surpassed 250 employees and generated more than $10 million in annual revenue

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2 0 24 I M PA C T

BUILDING CAPACITY TO GROW Equipping women to compete and scale

100+

14,000+

Training events and webinars

Women trained online and in person

10

12%

Languages supported in WECommunity

of women-owned businesses in our network reported increased revenue through virtual capacity building

YEAR-OVER-YEAR More growth. Greater impact.

11%

50%

Increase in Women-Owned Businesses registered in WECommunity (18,000 → 20,000)

Increase in Certified Women-Owned Businesses (1,200 → 1,750)

8%

23%

Increase in Member Buyers (185 → 200)

Increase in Women Business Owners Trained (11,400 → 14,000)

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Certification Registration

CERTIFIED WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES IN 60 MARKETS Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Austria Australia Bahamas Bangladesh Barbados Belgium Belize Bermuda Brazil British Virgin Islands Canada Chile China Colombia Costa Rica Dominican Republic Ecuador El Salvador France

Grenada Germany Guatemala Guyana Honduras Hong Kong India Indonesia Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Kenya Macao Malaysia Mexico Montserrat Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua

Nigeria Pakistan Panama Peru Philippines Poland Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Singapore South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Switzerland Taiwan Trinidad and Tobago Turkey Turks and Caicos Islands United Kingdom United States - Foreign Owned Vietnam

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REGISTERED WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES IN 135+ MARKETS Albania Andorra Angola Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Bahamas Bangladesh Barbados Belgium Belize Bolivia Botswana Brazil British Virgin Islands Brunei Bulgaria Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Chile China Colombia Comoros Costa Rica Cote d'Ivoire Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Estonia Ethiopia Finland France Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Grenada

Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong SAR China Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Latvia Liberia Lithuania Luxembourg Macau SAR China Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Malta Mauritius Mexico Moldova Mongolia Morocco Mozambique Myanmar [Burma] Namibia Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Niger Nigeria Norway

Oman Pakistan Palestinian Territories Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Rwanda Saint Lucia San Marino Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands South Africa South Korea Spain Sri Lanka Suriname Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Togo Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Uganda United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Vanuatu Vietnam Zambia

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H OW WE D E L I VE R I M PA C T WEConnect International helps drive money into the hands of women business owners by providing the access, tools, and connections they need to scale—and by working with buyers who want access to all of the world’s best suppliers.

Our approach is practical, global, and built for impact. We certify women-owned businesses, strengthen their capacity to compete, connect them to market opportunities, and help buyers and partners identify competitive new suppliers of products and services.

IDENTIFY & CERTIFY

1 WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES We identify and verify businesses that are at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by one or more women.

We maintain WECommunity, our global database of registered and certified Women-Owned Businesses active in over 135 markets.

Certified businesses may also use the Women Owned Logo —an internationally recognized symbol that helps consumers and buyers identify products and services from certified women-owned businesses.

AND 2 EDUCATE BUILD CAPACITY We equip women business owners with the knowledge, tools, and training to scale.

Through WEConnect Academy and local programs, we deliver both foundational business skills and buyer-specific guidance.

We offer in-language content and regional events tailored to local needs and global readiness.

CONNECT

3 TO BUYERS 4

ADVISE & ACCELERATE ACTION

We support buyers, donors, government agencies, and institutions in building or expanding their supplier development and engagement efforts.

We provide baseline mapping, ecosystem development, data and strategy support, and training on best practices.

We collaborate with funders to design and deliver regional and global initiatives that drive measurable results at scale.

We create meaningful, businessready connections between women-owned businesses and buyers.

Our events, summits, and matchmaking platforms enable real-time opportunities to connect and do business.

We work closely with our member buyers to support supplier discovery, development, and integration.

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WECONNECT ACADEMY EMPOWERING WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES T O L E A R N , G R O W, A N D C O M P E T E WEConnect Academy is our virtual learning platform, designed to equip women-owned businesses with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to scale. From foundational business skills to advanced supplier-readiness training, WEAcademy provides access to high-impact content that supports global growth.

In 2024, we continued to expand our commitment to online education—enabling thousands of women business owners around the world to build the capabilities they need to win new business and thrive in global supply chains.

14,000 Women completed training through WEConnect Academy and other WEConnect International programs in 2024.

WHAT'S NEW & WHAT'S NEXT A More Robust Learning Experience We’re investing in an upgraded Academy platform to deliver: More on-demand, self-paced courses Interactive content that adapts to real business challenges Specialized learning tracks for different industries and growth stages

Sustainable Supply Chain Training With rising demand for ethical and sustainable sourcing, we launched new training modules that: Equip women-owned businesses to meet global sustainability and compliance standards Help suppliers turn environmental responsibility into competitive advantage Highlight the power of generative AI tools for business

Unlocking Opportunity Through Innovation We’re scaling our education programs through: Strategic partnerships with funders and institutions Digital innovations that increase access and engagement A deeper commitment to long-term business resilience

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INITIATIVES FROM AROUND THE WORLD DRIVING GROWTH + IMPACT Across the globe, WEConnect International collaborates with funders, governments, and institutions to drive scalable solutions for women-owned businesses. These flagship programs demonstrate how strategic investment delivers measurable outcomes in financial resilience, market access, and policy transformation.

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INTERNATIONAL DAY 2024 – DENVER, COLORADO On March 18, 2024, WEConnect International hosted its flagship global event in Denver, Colorado, bringing together 300+ global attendees for a day of matchmaking, networking, and strategic dialogue.

The event welcomed 162 women entrepreneurs from 20 countries, with 113 certified by WEConnect International and/or WBENC. Buyers from 48 WEConnect International member corporations—representing 25% of the global membership—joined the event, alongside additional non-member buyers and government representatives from the U.S., Canada, and Spain. With a strong buyer-to-supplier ratio and an unprecedented level of global representation, the event proved the power of international partnerships to drive strategic sourcing and scale women-owned businesses worldwide.

100% All International Day attendees who completed the post-event survey said they made NEW connections with women-owned businesses at the event.

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ANNUAL GALA – WASHINGTON, D.C. On May 15, 2024, WEConnect International welcomed more than 250 global leaders and advocates to Washington, D.C. for our annual Gala, celebrating the theme “Elevating Women’s NetWORTH with our NetWORK.” The evening honored the Top Global Champions, recognizing companies that are leading the way in strategic sourcing across industries and regions. Guests heard from inspirational speakers and helped raise critical funds to advance our mission of driving more money into the hands of women business owners worldwide.

GLOBAL SYMPOSIUM – WASHINGTON, D.C. The 2024 Symposium gathered over 100 member buyer professionals for a targeted day of learning, collaboration, and strategic planning. With 13 sponsoring member buyers and participation from eight prospective member companies, the Symposium focused on equipping leaders to encourage more women to compete for their business. Top-rated sessions addressed sustainability, global Tier 2 strategies, and scaling strategic sourcing programs. As WEConnect International continues to grow its global member community, the Symposium remains a critical space to accelerate collective action and advance impact.

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GLOBAL BUILDING FINANCIAL RESILIENCE FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS Global Training Program With expert-led bootcamps and peer networking, this program helped women-owned businesses across Latin America, Africa, and Asia boost access to capital and improve long-term business sustainability—showcasing the power of localized, hands-on financial training.

365 women-owned businesses trained Training offered virtually in 13 markets Featured a pilot in-person training in Costa Rica

SOUTH ASIA MAXIMIZING WOMEN BUSINESS OWNER CONTRIBUTIONS THROUGH TRADE U.S. Department of State Program in South Asia This multi-country initiative in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Maldives fostered strategic networking, addressed policy barriers, and secured measurable commitments to strategic procurement from public and private sector leaders.

700+ women-owned businesses reached 150+ corporate buyers engaged 10+ companies signed strategic sourcing pledges 30+ women-owned businesses secured new contracts

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LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN ACTIVATING REGIONAL VALUE CHAINS WE3A Project: Aspire, Activate, Accelerate In partnership with We-Fi, the IDB, and ASU Thunderbird School of Global Management, this project built crosssector capacity while shifting mindsets on the value of women-owned suppliers in key industries.

Nearly 500 women entrepreneurs and buyers engaged Activated in 6 markets including Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guyana, and Ecuador Focus on leadership, strategy, and supplier-buyer collaboration

INDONESIA EMPOWERING MICRO-BUSINESSES AT SCALE Indonesia Micro-Business Transformation Program This groundbreaking program in coordination with Pusat Investasi Pemerintah (PIP) helped close systemic gaps—connecting local women business owners to digital tools, financing opportunities, and global buyers via WECommunity. Early outcomes show increased confidence, resilience, and readiness to scale.

Trained 400+ ultra-micro women entrepreneurs Focus on financial literacy, digital access, and market integration In-person entrepreneurship summits in Jakarta and Bali

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From regional summits to local matchmaking events and targeted training programs, WEConnect International drives impact on the ground in major markets.

Each region plays a critical role in expanding access, strengthening partnerships, and delivering results for women-owned businesses and member buyers worldwide.

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I M PA C T BY R E G I O N

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I M PA C T BY R E G I O N

Africa is home to a dynamic and growing community of women entrepreneurs—yet systemic barriers continue to limit their access to large procurement opportunities, financing, and business networks. In 2024, WEConnect International expanded its work across the region, partnering with global institutions to break down barriers, accelerate certification, and deliver high-impact matchmaking that opens the door to global markets.

Offering certification in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.*

1,300+

200+

250+

Women-owned businesses in Kenya trained in procurement readiness

Women entrepreneurs engaged in corporate buyer matchmaking across Nigeria, South Africa, and the continent

Women-owned businesses convened at the Africa Regional Conference in Johannesburg

7+

6+

Partnerships signed and platforms launched with IFC, UPS, ExxonMobil, IBM, Corteva, Sanofi, Ericsson, and others

Meet the Member Buyer events hosted

(*) Dark blue indicates countries where Certification is available. Light blue indicates countries with businesses registered in the network.

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Procurement Readiness in Kenya Through the IFC’s Sourcing2Equal Kenya initiative, over 1,300 women-owned businesses received training in procurement readiness, with 800 gaining deep knowledge in bid preparation, compliance, and corporate engagement.

Custom workshops aligned with five major buyer partners created real-time, practical access to markets.

Accelerating Certification and Corporate Access In the third year of a multi-country partnership with UPS, WEConnect International supported 46 women-owned businesses in Nigeria and South Africa to join WECommunity, with 16 advancing toward certification. Targeted training and corporate engagement helped drive new opportunities in supply chains once closed to women.

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Roundtable: Strategic Connections Across Africa To bridge the connection gap between entrepreneurs and decision-makers, WEConnect International worked with a strategic member to host a high-level roundtable where 50+ women entrepreneurs met with buyers to explore procurement pathways, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships.

Africa Regional Conference – Johannesburg At the “Empowering Growth and Sustainability” conference, 200+ womenowned businesses joined major multinationals for deep-dive conversations on procurement, financial literacy, and market strategy. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was spotlighted as a powerful accelerator for regional and cross-border trade.

Offering certification in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.

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I M PA C T BY R E G I O N

“The certification has been the single best way to generate new business over the past six months.”

— Carmen García Sanz, Cocota, Brand & Studio Design

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Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa (MENA) continued to be a key region for growth in 2024, with an emphasis on high-impact matchmaking events, regional collaboration, and building stronger engagement with both women-owned businesses and member buyers. Inperson and virtual programming helped drive connections, skills development, and long-term business opportunities.

Offering certification in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.*

500+

650+

1,415

Attendees brought together at local matchmaking events held in Toledo, Munich, Madrid, London, Leverkusen, and Zurich

Attendees welcomed at the regional conference in Paris, featuring 2,750+ business matchmaking meetings and participants from 34 countries

Women business owners reached through virtual capacitybuilding events

6

80,000+

6,600+

New local and regional member buyers joined the network

Business connections facilitated

Stakeholders trained through regional programming

(*) Dark blue indicates countries where Certification is available. Light blue indicates countries with businesses registered in the network.

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Creating Market Access in Spain In Toledo, WEConnect International brought together more than 150 participants for a business matchmaking event. With more than 250 meetings and 13 multinational buyers in attendance, the event showcased the power of connection to drive real business opportunities and expand access to supply chains in Spain.

Expanding Opportunities in the DACH Region In collaboration with the Verband der Unternehmerinnen (VdU), WEConnect International hosted 75 women-owned businesses and corporate leaders in Munich to explore new avenues for collaboration. The event marked a milestone in growing opportunities for women-owned businesses across the DACH region, with a strong focus on building relationships and unlocking access to regional and global markets.

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Expanding Access Through Virtual Learning With 65 virtual events tailored for the region, WEConnect International continued to build the capacity of women-owned businesses through digital training on procurement readiness, sustainability, and market expansion.

Regional Conference in Paris Hosted in collaboration with advocacy partners across Europe, the 2024 regional conference brought together 350+ women business owners and 247 corporate buyers representing 73 multinational companies. The event featured extensive matchmaking, peer learning, and cross-market connections—with representation from 34 countries and 39 partner organizations.

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"Thanks to WEConnect International, we have gained access to new business opportunities and established strategic connections with global buyers." — Carolina Montoya, EcoMedia Web & Multimedia

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Latin America continues to be one of our most vibrant regions, marked by cross-market collaboration, strong engagement with global and local buyers, and creative approaches to empowering women-owned businesses.

In 2024, programs across Brazil, the Andean Region, and Mexico delivered high-value matchmaking, training, and international exposure to help women entrepreneurs scale with confidence.

Offering certification in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, and Peru.*

1,000+

1,000+

20+

Women-owned businesses trained across the region

Connections made at the Regional Conference in Mexico

Events hosted, including webinars, matchmaking sessions, and Meet the Member gatherings

15+

4,500+

Multinational buyers were engaged in direct programming

Women-owned businesses registered and supported through WECommunity

(*) Dark blue indicates countries where Certification is available. Light blue indicates countries with businesses registered in the network.

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Driving Engagement in Brazil WEConnect International in Brazil led a dynamic mix of in-person and virtual programming, connecting women-owned businesses with buyers and creating new opportunities for growth, visibility, and collaboration.

130+ certified women-owned businesses participated in matchmaking sessions 15+ member buyers engaged through targeted events 400+ business connections facilitated 7 webinars delivered to support education and engagement 3 meet-the-member sessions held with Accenture, Hershey’s, and Suzano Women-owned retail catalogue launched in collaboration with Apex, Integrare, and EY Winning Women

Matchmaking & Training in the Andean Region In Colombia, Ecuador, and Chile, WEConnect International hosted a range of activities to strengthen the regional network.

Matchmaking session in partnership with Pfizer, a recognition event with ANDI Antioquia, and a cross-border networking session with women entrepreneurs from Spain.

More than 1,000 women business owners participated in training covering new market strategies, behavioral science, franchising, the care economy, and STEM. Efforts helped prepare women business owners for international expansion and participation in global events such as the European Regional Conference.

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Regional Conference in Mexico The 2024 Latin American and Caribbean Regional Conference hosted in Monterrey, Mexico, convened over 150 attendees for two days of panels, workshops, inspiring talks, and matchmaking. More than 1,000 business connections were made, with 30 speakers and 20 multinational corporations participating. The event demonstrated growing momentum for strategic sourcing in Latin America and underscored the critical role of womenowned businesses in driving prosperity across the region.

Sustainability Training in Costa Rica WEConnect International delivered sustainability training for women entrepreneurs in Costa Rica. The program focused on integrating finance and environmentally responsible practices into business operations, helping participants align with emerging ESG standards and expand their market opportunities.

"Participating in business matchmaking through WEConnect International has allowed us to expand our markets and strengthen our presence throughout the region."

— Belén Galera, Dígito57

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“By becoming WEConnect certified, I gained entry into a powerful global network of women business owners—and corporate buyers seeking to do business with women suppliers.”

— Kalyne Romaine Envision Global Solutions

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North America continues to be a powerful growth engine for the WEConnect International community.

In 2024, we saw significant momentum in Canada and the U.S.—with record growth in certified women-owned businesses, deeper regional partnerships, and expanding interest in global opportunities among WBENC-certified companies.

The region also played a key role in advancing strategic sourcing across certifying bodies and sectors.

Offering certification in Canada and the United States (foreign-owned)

400+

80+

1,750+

Certified womenowned businesses reached in Canada, driven by the value of 3-year certification

U.S.-based WBENCcertified businesses joined WEConnect International to expand globally

Women business owners trained through in-person and virtual opportunities

2,000+

400+

6+

Business connections facilitated through inperson and virtual meetings

Attendees convened at DEFY, Canada’s largest collaboration in support of underutilized suppliers

Events from Montreal to Vancouver to St. John’s, connecting buyers and womenowned businesses across Canada

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Growing Our Cross-Border Community Canada’s women-owned business community continues to grow rapidly, with 400+ certified women-owned businesses leveraging WEConnect International to connect with buyers across global markets. In the U.S., our agreement with WBENC expanded awareness of international opportunities—resulting in 80+ WBENC-certified businesses joining the WEConnect International network to access buyers in over 135 markets.

DEFY: Advancing Supply Chains in Canada In June 2024, WEConnect International cohosted DEFY, Canada’s largest conference for underutilized suppliers, alongside CAMSC, CGLCC, and IWSCC. The event drew 400+ attendees, with representatives from 50+ major supply chains participating in matchmaking and interactive sessions.

Engaging Across the Region In October 2024, WEConnect International joined events in both Newfoundland and Vancouver to engage stakeholders and promote certification as a strategic tool for women entrepreneurs. Panels with buyers from TD Bank, ExxonMobil, and BDC emphasized certification’s value in opening doors, driving B2B connections, and supporting gender equity in procurement.

Thank you to our top cross-promotional partners: RFAQ, PARO, NLOWE, WEOC, CAMSC, GCLCC, IWSCC, TCS, BDC, TD, and EDC.

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“The opportunity to pitch to corporate buyers through WEConnect International has been transformational for my business.”

— Niroshini Rathninda Lady Green

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South Asia continues to be a strategic region for supplier development, matchmaking, and ecosystembuilding. In 2024, WEConnect International significantly expanded its regional engagement through high-impact conferences, policy dialogue, and training programs— creating more direct opportunities for women-owned businesses to connect with corporate buyers, strengthen their capabilities, and scale sustainably.

Offering certification in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

2,680+

3,900+

Business connections facilitated through in-person matchmaking

Women-owned businesses trained in procurement readiness, sustainability, cybersecurity, and more

1,200+ Participants engaged across 6 regional events

500,000+

10

Stakeholders reached through regional outreach and awareness campaigns

Companies signed strategic sourcing pledges in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives

(*) Dark blue indicates countries where Certification is available. Light blue indicates countries with businesses registered in the network.

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Market Access Through Matchmaking Six in-person events across India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Maldives connected over 700 women-owned businesses with more than 150 corporate buyers. Through matchmaking and pitching sessions, over 30 women-owned businesses secured new contracts and expanded into regional and international markets.

Capacity Building for Sustainable Growth Targeted workshops and masterclasses supported 3,900+ women-owned businesses with skills in procurement strategy, supply chain standards, cybersecurity, sales, and ESG-aligned pitching—equipping them to compete more effectively in global value chains.

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Maximizing Women Business Owner Contributions Through Trade Through this U.S. Department of State program, WEConnect International convened key corporate and government stakeholders in roundtables and policy sessions.

These efforts led to formal pledges from over 10 companies—including UCB Fintech and Nelna Agri Development—to improve supplier outreach, establish KPIs, and mentor women-owned small businesses.

“WEConnect International didn’t just bring clients; it also provided mentoring and networking opportunities that were crucial for business growth.”

— Rakhee Mehra, Trophykart

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In Southeast Asia and Oceania, WEConnect International deepened its engagement with public and private sector leaders to expand opportunities for women entrepreneurs, increase access to capital and networks, and equip womenowned businesses with the skills and tools needed to compete in global value chains.

From Indonesia to Australia, 2024 marked a year of transformative partnerships with corporations, governments and civil society partners.

Offering certification in Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, People’s Republic of China, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam.*

250+

800+

100+

Attendees attended the Asia Pacific Regional Conference in Australia

Women entrepreneurs trained through flagship programs in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam

Participants in strategic policy dialogues with ASEAN institutions

3+

2,000+

Landmark partnerships signed with Supply Nation, Social Traders, and AmCham Singapore

WECommunity registration and certification across the region

(*) Dark blue indicates countries where Certification is available. Light blue indicates countries with businesses registered in the network.

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Procter & Gamble Women Entrepreneurs Academy In its sixth year in Singapore and second in Malaysia, this 8-week program provided 22 women entrepreneurs with intensive training on digital transformation, legal strategies, and venture capital readiness—strengthening their ability to scale and attract investment.

ASEAN Trade Policy Dialogue In partnership with the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on MSMEs and ASEAN Secretariat, WEConnect International co-hosted a high-level regional webinar exploring policies to advance women in trade. The event catalyzed new conversations and action across government, private sector, and multilateral stakeholders.

Asia Pacific Regional Conference in Australia The 2024 conference in Brisbane brought together women business owners, buyers, and policy leaders to drive regional collaboration.

Key moments included: The launch of The Value of Advancing Women-Owned Businesses in Australia report with EY New strategic partnerships with Supply Nation and Social Traders, uniting over 6,000 suppliers and 1,000 companies to advance strategic procurement Policy alignment with Australia’s national strategy for women in business

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Strategic Partnership with AmCham Singapore In October 2024, WEConnect International signed a three-year partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (AmChamSG). This collaboration opens new doors for women-owned businesses across the region by expanding market access through AmCham’s network of 650+ member companies and 7,000+ professionals.

Indonesia Micro-Business Transformation Program In partnership with the Indonesian Government’s PIP, WEConnect International launched a first-of-its-kind initiative supporting 400+ ultra-micro women entrepreneurs. The program delivered business training, financial literacy, and access to global markets via WECommunity.

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DRIVING GLOBAL GROWTH

“WEConnect International’s multinational and multi-regional footprint is an asset to the advancement of women in business. They provide positive momentum for women-owned businesses’ access to opportunities, which serves as a catalyst.”

—Genne McDowell, Dow

“As a proud partner of WEConnect International, we have witnessed firsthand the unparalleled value and innovation that global womenowned businesses bring to the table through this vibrant WEConnect International’s network.”

—Cheryl Hofmeister, Organon

WECONNECT INTERNATIONAL 2024 GROWTH + IMPACT REPORT | PAGE 40

The growing global network of member buyers remains the driving force behind our ability to deliver global impact at scale. In 2024, we deepened our engagement with over 200 member buyers, strengthened cross-industry collaboration, and raised the bar for strategic sourcing.

GLOBAL INDUSTRY GROUPS To foster greater industry alignment, WEConnect International continues to convene Global Industry Groups across key sectors, including Technology, Healthcare, Automotive, Food & Beverage, and Chemical/Oil & Gas. In 2024, these groups brought together hundreds of procurement professionals and women-owned suppliers to exchange ideas, identify business opportunities, and create space for underrepresented businesses to thrive. Events included strategic sourcing trainings in Brazil and Mexico, WBE showcases across four sectors, and strategic collaborations with major buyers such as Adient, Ford, Eaton, and Pfizer.

Our annual Member Satisfaction Survey received responses from 50 global companies—up from 35 in 2023—and produced a recordhigh service quality score.

Members cited our trusted brand, access to qualified suppliers, and sharing of global best practices as key value drivers.

As a direct result of our streamlined service model, we reduced turnaround time for data scrubbing by 50%, accelerating the path from connection to contract.

WECONNECT INTERNATIONAL 2024 GROWTH + IMPACT REPORT | PAGE 41

TOP REQUESTED CATEGORIES IN 2024 Member buyers most frequently requested connections with women-owned businesses where for the categories shared below, reflecting consistent demand across key sectors of the global supply chain.

Construction 15%

HR/Training 13%

Gifts/PM 6% Logistics 7%

Marketing 13%

Manufacturing 7% Catering 7% Professional Services 10%

IT/Technology 13% Facilities Maintenance 10%

1,203

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES POSTED IN WECOMMUNITY

926

In 2024, member buyers posted more than 1,200 opportunities in WECommunity— creating more direct pathways for womenowned businesses to access contracts, grow their networks, and win new business.

As the network expands and demand increases, WECommunity continues to be a vital gateway for opportunity and growth.

288 2022

2023

2024

WECONNECT INTERNATIONAL 2024 GROWTH + IMPACT REPORT | PAGE 42

Each year, WEConnect International recognizes the companies leading the way in global supplier development. In 2024, we received 75 Top Global Champion submissions—up from 52 in 2023—including entries from 19 non-member buyers. These submissions reflect the rising global demand for responsible supply chains.

This year’s Platinum Global Champions spanned top-performing industries including healthcare, technology, and financial services, and reported an average Tier 1 non-U.S. underutilized supplier spend increase of 4.5% from 2023. Respondents identified the UK, Australia, Brazil, India, the Netherlands, Poland, South Africa, Sweden, and Switzerland as key growth markets for their global programs. Partners in this effort included WBENC, NMSDC, NGLCC, NaVOBA, and Disability:IN—demonstrating the strength of collective action across the ecosystem.

WECONNECT INTERNATIONAL 2024 GROWTH + IMPACT REPORT | PAGE 43

2024

2023

2022

Program Revenue

$7,537,612

$7,621,659

$8,358,209

Expenses

$8,143,388

$7,968,893

$7,969,747

Change in Net Assets

-$605,776

-$347,234

$691,962

Net Assets - Beginning of year

$3,245,701

$3,205,672

$2,513,710

Net Assets - End of year

$2,639,925

$2,858,438

$3,205,672

Assets

$3,890,673

$4,363,596

$4,532,219

Liabilities

$1,250,648

$1,505,158

$1,326,547

Net Assets

$2,639,925

$2,858,438

$3,205,672

Program Services

$6,764,790

$6,573,101

$6,816,172

Administration

$874,102

$1,184,709

$1,208,781

Membership Development

$400,653

$153,177

$182,555

Business Developent

$504,496

$211,083

$19,400

Total

$8,143,388

$8,122,070

$8,226,908

Membership Development 5% Business Development 6%

Program Services 78%

Administration 11%

WECONNECT INTERNATIONAL 2024 GROWTH + IMPACT REPORT | PAGE 44

BREAKDOWN OF PROGRAM SERVICES

2024

2023

Certifications

$657,994

$660,367

Capacity Building

$1,490,231

$1,470,353

Connections

$2,161,187

$2,339,497

Strategic Research

$171,865

$167,036

Supplier Diversity Initiatives

$941,411

$1,045,445

Technical Outreach

$941,449

$890,403

Capacity Building 23%

Supplier Diversity Initiatives 15%

Connections 34%

Technical Outreach 15%

Strategic Outreach 3%

Certifications 10%

WECONNECT INTERNATIONAL 2024 GROWTH + IMPACT REPORT | PAGE 45

BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR

Jim Jones

Sabrina Goicoechea

Denise Naguib

Development Expert

National Grid

Marriott International

Kathy Golding

Selina McCole

TREASURER

EY

Goldman Sachs

Andrew Cannon Brookes

Kristine Mangan

Sherry-Lee Singh

Standard Chartered Bank

J&J

Walmart

Casondra Devine

Nairouz Bader

Sue Bhatia

Amazon

Envision Partnership

Rose International

Elizabeth A. Vazquez

Pamela Chambers O'Rourke

Tara Clinton

WEConnect International

Icon Consulting

ExxonMobil

Erin Stewart

Piers Cumberlege

William Kapfer

Pinnacle Group

Development Expert

JPMorgan Chase

GLOBAL BRAND AMBASSADORS In 2024, WEConnect International formed a new Global Brand Ambassador Council comprised of global leaders who provide thought leadership, external representation, and strategic guidance to advance our mission.

Adam Rubinfield

Jennifer Stula

Sherri Rossoff

World Bank Group

PwC Foundation

RockCreek

Angela Thomas-Anderson

Jennifer Turner

Shira Rotem

Circular Action Alliance

IBM, Program Director

The Israel Fintech Center

Clay Atkins

Loreto Carranza

Tamra Pawloski

Intel

Bayer

Corteva

Genne McDowell

Margery Kraus

Thais Torritani

Dow

APCO Worldwide

P&G

Heidi Koester Oliveira

Marie Caron

Tyler Butler

Mars Pet Nutrition

ETS

Collaboration for Good

Janice Howroyd

Padmini Ranganathan

Wendy Perry

Act One Group

TELUS

Workforce BluePrint

Jason Cirpiano

Rakhi Agarwal

Zandile Njamela

Tivor

Sanofi

Accenture

Jennifer Stula

Raul Suarez-Rodriguez

PwC Foundation

Merck

WECONNECT INTERNATIONAL 2024 GROWTH + IMPACT REPORT | PAGE 46

GLOBAL TEAM Elizabeth A. Vazquez

Gary Linden

President, CEO and Co-Founder

Director of Global Markets

Saritha Venumbaka

Eroshan Alagaretnam

Chief Operating Officer

Regional Director of South Asia

Jithmi Mitchell

Frida Owinga

Certification Manager

Regional Director of Africa

Michael Tobolski

Ixchel Alcantara

Vice President of Corporate Relations &

Regional Director of Latin America and

Member Engagement

the Caribbean

Paige Adams

Jerome Flint

Head of Membership Development

Regional Director of Europe and MENA

Jose Cunningham

Minnie Venkatachalam

Director of Special Projects

Regional Director of Southeast Asia and

Brittany Gonzalez

Oceania

Associate Director of Membership

Stephanie Fontaine

Growth and Development

Regional Director of Canada and the US

Shorena Megrelishvili Associate Director of Development

WECONNECT INTERNATIONAL 2024 GROWTH + IMPACT REPORT | PAGE 47

In 2024, WEConnect International helped create tens of thousands of connections, delivered game-changing trainings, and deepened our reach in over 135 markets.

Together with our member buyers, funders, and allies, we’ve grown our network, expanded opportunities for our community, and elevated women-owned businesses on a global scale. And yet, the gap remains.

Women make or influence 80% of all consumer purchasing decisions

Women make up 51% of the world’s population

Women own 33% of all privately owned businesses

80%

51%

33%

But they still receive less than 1% of corporate and government spend globally.

<1%

This isn’t just a gender gap. It’s a market failure. And we’re here to fix it.

The good news? There’s a clear path forward—and we’re already on it. Our collective efforts are building more resilient economies, stronger supply chains, and a thriving global marketplace.

As we look to 2025, we invite you to be part of the next chapter.

WECONNECT INTERNATIONAL 2024 GROWTH + IMPACT REPORT | PAGE 4 8

2024 ANNUAL REPORT w w w . w e c o n n e c t i n t e r n a t i o n a l . o r g