thepower the power ofaccess of access
letter from letter from the leadership the leadership
In 2025, WEConnect International proved that access changes everything
This year, our work reached women entrepreneurs across 144 markets, facilitated over 17,000 business connections, and trained more than 20,800 women We hosted 300+ events and convenings, and engaged 180 member buyers committed to building supply chains that are not only stronger, but more resilient. In a survey of women-owned businesses in our network, 70% reported increased business revenue, and 59% said they hired more people
These are not just numbers. They are contracts won, companies scaled, and jobs created. They represent the compounding power of access to markets, to knowledge, to connections, and to opportunity
But these are also not just business outcomes. The ripple effects reach further into households, neighborhoods, and communities. Women-owned businesses told us they are creating jobs, mentoring other entrepreneurs, supporting children’s education, and reducing economic vulnerability in the places they call home When a woman-owned business wins a contract, the benefits don’t stop at the balance sheet.
In a year defined by economic u and shifting global trade dynam resilience of women-owned bu stood out. From a supplier in Ja a major contract after getting c tech firm in India securing high engagements with 11 multinati our network delivered In Sou alone, a five-year initiative supp the U.S. Department of State re 207 confirmed contracts and 2, jobs. In Latin America, the WE3 generated 3,000+ business con
From Osaka to Johannesburg, Mumbai to Madrid, São Paulo to Toronto, our summits, bootcamps, and matchmaking events connected purpose-driven buyers with qualified, ambitious women suppliers ready to compete on the global stage.
As we reflect on 2025, we are proud of what this community has built together But we are also clear-eyed about what remains. Half of the world’s population is still underrepresented as suppliers in global value chains. Every purchase is a chance to invest in untapped potential, drive innovation, and build markets that work for everyone
For 16 years, WEConnect International has been unlocking what we believe is the largest untapped source of growth in the world economy Women-owned businesses are ready, qualified, and hungry to compete and the buyers who find them first gain a real competitive edge. Our work exists to accelerate that match, at scale, across every market.
We invite you to read our 2025 Annual Report to see what can be accomplished when we invest in access Then we ask you to join us in going further
Denise Naguib, Chair of the Board Co-Founder
about us about us
CONNECTING WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES TO GLOBAL OPPORTUNITY
WEConnectInternationalistheleadingglobalnonprofitnetworkthatconnects women-ownedbusinessestoprocurementopportunitieswithmajorcorporationsand governmentbuyersaroundtheworld.
AttheheartofourworkisWEConnectInternationalcertification,whichverifiesthata businessisatleast51%owned,managed,andcontrolledbywomen.Thiscredential opensdoors,helpingbuyersidentifycompetativewomen-ownedsuppliersandbuild stronger,moreresilientsupplychains.
Westrengthenoutcomesonbothsidesofthemarket:equippingwomen entrepreneurswiththeknowledge,connections,andopportunitiestheyneedtoscale, whileenablingbuyerstodiscoverandengagequalifiedwomen-ownedsuppliers throughtargetedmatchmaking,globalevents,andsourcingintelligence.
OURMISSION
Todrivemoneyinto thehandsofwomen businessownersby enablingthemto competeintheglobal marketplace.
OURVISION
Athrivingglobal economywherewomenownedbusinesses deliversustainable solutionsandfuel communityprosperityon aglobalscale.
OUR IMPACT
When women-owned businesses grow, entire economies benefit. Jobs are created. Communities are strengthened Markets become more resilient and competitive
IMPACT IMPACT 2025 ANNUAL REPORT
ACCESS CHANGES ACCESS CHANGES
EVERYTHING EVERYTHING
Behind every statistic in this report is a business owner who showed up, competed, and won. What changed for her was access to a buyer who found her through our network, a training that sharpened her pitch, a connection made at one of our global events. When women-owned businesses gain access, markets expand, innovation accelerates, and economies grow stronger.
That is what WEConnect International is built to do: turn access into outcomes.
THE FOUR PILLARS OF ACCESS
ACCESS TO MARKETS
Elevating visibility and credibility through global registration and certification.
ACCESS TO CONNECTIONS
Fostering relationships through matchmaking, high-impact summits, and member engagement
ACCESS TO KNOWLEDGE
Building business readiness through training, capacity development, and expert-led programs
ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITIES
Connecting women-owned businesses to real sourcing opportunities from buyers across our network.
Expanding the global marketplace Expanding the global marketplace for
women-owned businesses for women-owned businesses
Access to markets is essential for business growth. By expanding our global network of women-owned businesses and corporate buyers, WEConnect International creates the scale and visibility needed for women entrepreneurs to reach new markets and compete globally.
2025 BY THE NUMBERS
20,468
Registered womenowned businesses
2,205
Certified Women’s Business Enterprises
144
Markets with Registration
Markets with Certification 63
“Being part of a global network of women-owned businesses opens doors that would have taken years to reach on our own.” DIDIGAN,SINGAPORE
Preparing women-owned businesses Preparing women-owned businesses to compete globally to compete
Women-owned businesses succeed when they have the knowledge and tools to navigate global markets. Through training, events, and educational resources, WEConnect International helps entrepreneurs strengthen their capabilities, understand buyer expectations, and position their businesses for growth.
2025 BY THE NUMBERS
Women trained 20,858
Skills Enhanced
Networking
Negotiating and Pitching
Financial Management
Procurement Readiness
Digital Marketing and AI
Team Leadership
Sustainability
Bid Writing and RFP Response
Trainings & webinars 325
Course modules added to WEConnect Academy 20
“This kind of peer-to-peer learning and mentorship is invaluable — you simply cannot put a price on having access to that level of expertise and genuine support.”
Building relationships that power Building relationships that power business Growth business Growth
Strong networks create stronger businesses. Through global events, partnerships, and an engaged community, WEConnect International connects women-owned businesses with buyers, peers, and partners, building relationships that lead to collaboration, business opportunities, and growth.
2025 BY THE NUMBERS
300+
Events
8,000+
Event participants
112,000+
Social media community
100+
Ecosystem partners
Turning connections into Real Turning connections into Real business opportunity business opportunity
Opportunities emerge when businesses and buyers can find each other. Through sourcing opportunities, matchmaking events, and engagement across WECommunity, WEConnect International helps connect women-owned businesses directly with buyers seeking innovative suppliers and partners.
Business connections made 17,000+
Member buyers engaged
78
180 Business matchmaking events
the Impact of access the Impact of access
Access changes what’s possible.
Across our global network, women-owned businesses who completed our annual survey are growing their companies, creating jobs, and making meaningful contributions to their communities.
59% said certification had a direct and positive effect on their operations
the Impact of access the Impact of access
Women-owned businesses who completed our annual survey described positive community impact through:
Inspiring others in their networks
Job creation
Mentorship of other women entrepreneurs
Programs & Programs & Initiatives Initiatives
HOW WE DELIVERED IMPACT IN 2025
Increasing Women’s Representation Increasing Women’s Representation in Global Supply Chains in Global Supply Chains
International Day 2025
Our annual global convening brought together 230 women-owned businesses, buyers, and partners for a focused day of matchmaking and learning.
94% of participants made new connections
97% gained new insights
1,200+ valuable business connections confirmed
Increasing Women’s Representation Increasing Women’s Representation in Global Supply Chains in Global Supply Chains
South Asia Trade & Procurement Program
INDIA, SRI LANKA, MALDIVES
This multi-country initiative, delivered in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, focused on preparing womenowned businesses for international trade and direct engagement with corporate procurement teams
5,600+ women-owned businesses engaged 225+ corporations participated in matchmaking 4 000+ buyer supplier connections facilitated 2 2 5 fo
Increasing Women’s Representation Increasing Women’s Representation in Global Supply Chains in Global Supply Chains
WE3A Regional Initiative
COSTA RICA, ECUADOR, EL SALVADOR, GUATEMALA, GUYANA, HONDURAS
This three-year regional program strengthened ecosystems for women entrepreneurs and increased their participation in regional and global value chains through buyer training, certification, and matchmaking.
3,000+ business connections through matchmaking
67 women-owned businesses certified
78 buyers trained on sourcing from women-owned businesses
25 million+ awareness campaign impressions elevating women
PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES
Helping Women-Owned Businesses Helping Women-Owned Businesses
Scale and Compete Scale and Compete
GlobalBusinessBootcampSeries DELIVEREDACROSS13MARKETS
Thisintensivetrainingseriesfocusedon financialreadiness,procurement expectations,salesstrategy,andgrowth planningforwomenentrepreneursacross multipleregions
800+ applications
363 women entrepreneurs participated (60% above target)
1,100+ business connections made 119 new women-owned businesses joined WECommunity 13 participants got certified Participants reported strong gains in procurement readiness (8.5/10) and pitching confidence (9.0/10)
ImpactSourcingRoundtable SOUTHAFRICA(JOHANNESBURG)
Thisconveningbroughttogether corporateleaders,ecosystempartners,and women-ownedbusinessestoexplore supplierdevelopmentmodelsand responsiblesourcingpractices.
Revenue-DrivenSalesMasterclass SOUTHAFRICA(JOHANNESBURG)
Thistwo-day,in-personmasterclassfocused onpricing,pitching,andbuyer engagementstrategiesforgrowth-oriented women-ownedbusinesses.
21 women-owned businesses trained, representing nearly 200 employees and $5M+ in revenue
80+ B2B connections made in two days
50%+ planned to pursue WBE certification
100% relevance rating and 9.6/10 satisfaction score
Corporate&PolicyRoundtables SOUTHASIA
Tencorporateandpolicyroundtables advanceddialoguebetweenbuyers, policymakers,andwomenentrepreneurs, embeddingsupplierengagementinto procurementstrategies.
2025AwardsCelebration& ImpactSummit VIRTUAL
Heldvirtuallytoenableglobal participation,thiseventconvened130 sourcingleaderstoexploreregional markettrends,theROIofimpactsourcing, andprocurementstrategiesforresilient supplychains.
2025ImpactSourcingTop GlobalChampionsRecognition VIRTUAL
Organizationswererecognizedfor leadershipinsourcingstrategiesthat empowersmallbusinessesacrossglobal markets.
GLOBAL GLOBAL NETWORK NETWORK
Certification
Registration
CERTIFIED WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES IN 63 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
REGISTERED WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES IN 140+ MARKETS
Albania
Algeria
Andorra
Angola
Argentina
Armenia
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belgium
Belize
Bolivia
Botswana
Brazil
British Virgin Islands
Brunei
Bulgaria
Burkina Fasso
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
Kosovo
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
Seychelles
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
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Vanuatu
Vietnam
Zambia
supplier PROFILEs supplier PROFILEs
CERTIFIED WOMEN’S BUSINESS ENTERPRISES
WEConnect International offers both registration and certification to help identify and engage women-owned businesses at different stages of readiness
Registration is free and provides an entry point into the global network Certification involves a rigorous, independent review of a business’s ownership, management, control, 51% owned, managed, and hese criteria are recognized
each of certified womenwork.
2,205
tified Women’s ness Enterprises
Countries
48 tal employees
44,782
111
erage number of employees
supplier PROFILEs supplier PROFILEs
TOP 5 INDUSTRIES REPRESENTED
MEMBER BUYERS MEMBER BUYERS
WEConnect International member buyers are the driving force behind the network’s ability to deliver impact at global scale. Through their commitment to impact sourcing and supplier engagement, member buyers help expand opportunity for women-owned businesses while strengthening supply chain resilience across industries and markets
In 2025, WEConnect International deepened its engagement and support of 180 member buyers strengthened cross industry collaboration and
MEMBER BUYERS MEMBER BUYERS
GLOBAL INDUSTRY GROUPS
To foster alignment and practical collaboration, WEConnect International convened Global Industry Groups across key sectors, including Technology, Healthcare, Automotive, Food & Beverage, and Chemical/Oil & Gas.
In 2025, these groups brought together procurement leaders and women-owned suppliers to:
Share industry-specific insights and best practices
Identify sourcing opportunities and emerging needs
Strengthen relationships across buyers and suppliers, and across regions
Through these forums, member buyers play an active role in shaping sourcing strategies that are both competitive and inclusive of underrepresented businesses.
IMPACT SUMMIT
The WEConnect International 2025 Virtual Awards Celebration & Impact Summit, held on October 21, convened sourcing leaders and partners committed to responsible and impact-driven procurement Hosted virtually to enable global participation, the full-day event brought together 130 attendees from across regions and industries
IMPACT SOURCING TOP GLOBAL CHAMPIONS
During the Impact Summit, we announced the 2025 Impact Sourcing Top Global Champions, a recognition honoring organizations demonstrating leadership in global sourcing strategies that empower small and medium enterprises and expand access to opportunity across supply chains
These organizations set a high standard for what global sourcing can achieve driving innovation, resilience, and economic impact across markets through intentional, results-driven procurement practices
REGIONAL REGIONAL
2 0 2 5
AFRICA AFRICA
Across many African markets, women-owned businesses operate in rapidly developing economies where access to corporate and government supply chains is often limited by procurement complexity, delayed payment cycles, capital constraints, and limited visibility with large buyers. At the same time, corporations and financial institutions across the region are increasingly leading on ways to deliver practical support to entrepreneurs, strengten local supplier participation, and advance more inclusive sourcing practices.
AFRICA AFRICA
In 2025, activity across Africa focused on strengthening procurement readiness, connecting women-owned businesses directly to buyers and financial institutions, and building ecosystem support that enables women entrepreneurs to compete more confidently in local, regional, and global markets.
3,629 Registered women-owned businesses
200+
73
Certified Women’s Business Enterprises
7,904
Dark blue indicates countries where Certification is available Light blue indicates additional countries with businesses registered in the network
AFRICA AFRICA PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
AFRICA REGIONAL SUMMIT | APRIL 29-30, JOHANNESBURG
The summit convened women-owned businesses and corporate buyers for structured matchmaking and sourcing conversations, resulting in more than 400 targeted buyer–supplier engagements.
AFRICA DIALOGUES | FEBRUARY, JULY & OCTOBER, VIRTUAL
A tri-regional virtual convening series for Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, introducing women-owned businesses and corporate buyers to certification, buyer requirements, and cross-border market access.
SUPPLIER CONNECT SERIES | APRIL THROUGH NOVEMBER, VIRTUAL
A monthly learning and networking forum for women business owners in Kenya, supported by SBM Bank, connecting women-owned businesses with corporations and ecosystem partners around compliance, sustainability credentials, procurement readiness, and access-to-finance pathways
AFRICA AFRICA PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
REVENUE-DRIVEN SALES MASTERCLASS | JULY 16-17, JOHANNESBURG
A two-day, in-person masterclass designed to help growth-oriented women-owned businesses refine pricing, pitching, and buyer engagement strategies Participating businesses represented nearly 200 employees and more than $5M in annual revenue. The program achieved a 96/10 satisfaction score, and over half of participants indicated plans to pursue WBE certification
IMPACT SOURCING ROUNDTABLE | OCTOBER 23, JOHANNESBURG
This convening brought together 57 corporate leaders, ecosystem partners, and women-owned businesses to explore supplier development models and practical approaches to inclusive sourcing. Corporate case studies and open dialogue led to commitments around SME-friendly payment terms and long-term supplier engagement
ASIA ASIA PACIFIC PACIFIC
Offering certification in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam
ASIA ASIA PACIFIC PACIFIC
In 2025, activity across the region focused on strengthening market readiness, creating direct buyer engagement opportunities, and building ecosystem support that connects women-owned businesses to global value chains in practical, measurable ways.
(*) Dark blue indicates countries where Certification is available Light blue indicates additional countries with businesses registered in the network
ASIA PACIFIC ASIA PACIFIC
ASIA PACIFIC ASIA PACIFIC PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT | FEBRUARY 15, BALI
A large-scale summit designed to equip women-owned businesses with tools to leverage sustainability and ESG credentials for market access and corporate procurement alignment inside and outside of Indonesia.
DIVERSITY DIVIDEND REPORT LAUNCH | OCTOBER 9, SINGAPORE
A high-level convening with corporate leaders and policymakers that presented new data showing that increasing women’s representation in supply chains directly contributes to revenue growth and resilience. The launch generated regional media coverage and corporate dialogue around inclusive sourcing as a business strategy
BUYER-FOCUSED ROUNDTABLES AND FORUMS | SINGAPORE, HONG KONG, AUSTRALIA, JAPAN, PHILIPPINES
Events including the Sustainability Ecosystem Roundtable, Standard Chartered ESG forums, Disney Supplier Diversity Symposium, Trident Roundtable (NSW Government), WTO Export Readiness Workshop, and JLL Vendor Partner Week convened procurement leaders and suppliers to translate inclusive sourcing and ESG goals into business opportunity and impact conversations
GLOBAL BUSINESS BOO
Multi-session bootcamps and growth capability for w
2 0 2 5
EUROPE EUROPE & MENA & MENA
Across Europe and MENA, women-owned businesses operate in mature, highly regulated markets where entry into corporate and government supply chains depends heavily on compliance, credibility, and relationship-based access. At the same time, there is growing momentum among corporations, governments, and regional partners to embed responsible procurement into their sourcing strategies.
Offering certification in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, and United Kingdom
europe & mena europe & mena
In 2025, activity across the region focused on high-level convenings, certification expansion, mentorship, and buyer dialogue designed to translate responsible procurement commitments into practical supplier engagement.
682
3,482 3,098
ness ctions ated
49
Trainings and webinars delivered
98
Events, conferences, and summits (virtual, hybrid, and in-person)
Women business owners trained 1,517
3,113
Event participants
europe & mena europe & mena PROGRAM
HIGHLIGHTS
EUROPE & MENA REGIONAL SUMMIT | NOVEMBER 17–18, MADRID
A two-day regional summit convening 320 participants, 17 multinational corporations, and 12 regional partners. The event generated 1,591 targeted one-to-one meetings via the WEConnect International platform and included a delegation of 30 Canadian WBEs to strengthen cross-border collaboration.
europe & mena europe & mena PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
UK INCLUSIVE SOURCING SUMMIT | SEPTEMBER 11–12, LONDON
Hosted at the Guildhall in partnership with MSDUK, OutBritain, Veteran Owned UK, Social Enterprise UK, and the City of London Corporation. The event brought together 350 participants, 43 corporations, and hundreds of diverse suppliers to advance the national dialogue on responsible procurement
CERTIFICATION EXPANSION THROUGH THE JPMORGANCHASE FRANCE INITIATIVE
A targeted certification drive supporting women-owned businesses across France to navigate the WBE certification process and strengthen visibility with corporate buyers. The program successfully achieved 100 certified French WBEs, significantly expanding the supplier pipeline in the market.
europe & mena europe & mena
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
DISNEYLAND PARIS TRAINING & MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
JANUARY–JULY, PARIS
A four-month training initiative for 40 women-owned businesses, delivered by local WBE partner Envi, focused on sales capability, corporate readiness, and sustainable growth A second mentorship phase began in November for 20 selected participants
GOVERNMENT & INSTITUTIONAL ENGAGEMENT
Events including a Breakfast Meeting at the French National Assembly (Paris), the Castilla La Mancha regional launch (Toledo), and ConnectHer (Riyadh) brought together women-owned businesses, government leaders, and corporate partners to strengthen the role of responsible procurement in regional economic development.
LATIN AMERICA LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN & THE CARIBBEAN
Across Latin America and the Caribbean, women-owned businesses operate in highly entrepreneurial markets where cross-border trade, regional integration, and access to corporate procurement networks are key drivers of growth. At the same time, many entrepreneurs face barriers related to visibility with multinational buyers, financial readiness, and navigating complex procurement expectations.
Offering certification in Argentina, Brazil, The Caribbean, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, and Peru
conferences
LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
LATIN AMERICA REGIONAL SUMMIT
– NOVEMBER 11-12,
SÃO PAULO
Hosted at Bayer’s facilities, the summit convened 400+ participants over two days, generating 1,800+ business connections through structured matchmaking More than 10 expert-led panels and 12 hours of programming focused on sustainability, AI for business, ESG, agribusiness, and responsible value chains.
LATINAMERICA LATIN AMERICA &THECARIBBEAN
& THE CARIBBEAN
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
WE3A VIRTUAL REGIONAL CONFERENCE | VIRTUAL
The closing conference of the WE3A initiative with the IDB and ASU brought together 320 participants, 40+ women-owned businesses, and 50+ buyers. Seven panels showcased best practices, and 90% of surveyed participants rated the content as Good or Excellent.
MEXICO, CHILE, AND COSTA RICA SUMMITS
Regional summits in Mexico (150+ participants), Chile (50+ participants), and Costa Rica (120+ participants) convened women entrepreneurs and member buyers to strengthen cross-border business relationships and expand procurement opportunities across Southern Cone and Central American markets.
GLOBAL BUSINESS BOOTCAMP SERIES | 8 COUNTRIES (VIRTUAL) PLUS COSTA RICA (IN-PERSON)
Multi-session bootcamps strengthened financial readiness, decision-making, and growth planning for women entrepreneurs across the region, contributing to stronger positioning for corporate procurement engagement.
2 0 2 5
NORTH NORTH AMERICA AMERICA
Across North America, women-owned businesses operate in mature but highly relationship-driven procurement environments where gaining traction with large buyers often requires sustained visibility, credibility, and persistence.
Offering certification in Canada and support in the United States in partnership with WBENC
NORTH AMERICA NORTH AMERICA
In 2025, economic uncertainty, tariffs, and funding constraints added additional pressure for entrepreneurs seeking to grow and diversify their client base beyond domestic markets
Throughout the year, activity across the region focused on strengthening connections within the women-owned business community, supporting global market exploration, and creating highly intentional spaces where buyers and suppliers could build the relationships that lead to long-term procurement opportunities.
4,402
NORTH AMERICA NORTH AMERICA PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
NORTH AMERICA SUMMIT | SEPTEMBER 25, TORONTO
A sold-out summit hosted at EY, convening 150+ participants for a full day of storytelling, learning, matchmaking, and networking. Early feedback indicated strong follow-up conversations around procurement and partnership opportunities.
NORTH AMERICA NORTH AMERICA PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
WEFOUNDERS LUNCHEON | SEPTEMBER 25, TORONTO
An exclusive gathering with EDC of Canada’s leading women business owners with revenues over $10M, creating space for peer connection and dialogue around scaling, procurement, and global opportunity
CONNECT. COLLABORATE. SUCCEED | SEPTEMBER 26, TORONTO
Delivered in partnership with CAMSC and CQCC, this multi-stakeholder event focused on educating suppliers on procurement practices and impact sourcing, with 1:1 matchmaking resulting in immediate next steps toward potential contracts.
ECONOMICRESILIENCY&LEADERSHIPEVENTSWITHEY |FEBRUARY-MAY,VIRTUAL
A series of events addressing economic turbulence, succession planning, and business resiliency, equipping women entrepreneurs with expert guidance on navigating tariffs, funding, and operational challenges.
Offering certification in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka 2 0 2 5
SOUTH ASIA SOUTH ASIA
Across South Asia, women-owned businesses operate in highly entrepreneurial markets with strong export potential, but face persistent barriers to entering corporate supply chains due to limited buyer access, capital constraints, compliance complexity, and visibility challenges. At the same time, corporations, chambers, and government partners across India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Maldives are increasingly recognizing the role women entrepreneurs play in building resilient, diversified economies.
SOUTH ASIA SOUTH ASIA
In 2025, activity across South Asia focused on large-scale trade and procurement convenings, intensive capability-building, and direct buyer engagement designed to translate market access into measurable contracts, jobs, and cross-border trade opportunities.
Certified Women’s Business Enterprises
Women business owners trained 3,443
Trainings and webinars delivered 53
Conferences, summits, and expos delivered 14 Corporate and policy roundtables across the region 4
Participants in Impact Sourcing Roundtables 114
SOUTH ASIA SOUTH ASIA PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
BUILDING RESILIENT ECONOMIES SUMMIT | MARCH 5, NEW DELHI
Convened 160 participants including 16 member buyer representatives and enabled 600+ business connections through structured matchmaking, product showcases, and high-level dialogue on trade and resilient supply chains
SOUTH ASIA SOUTH ASIA PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
SRI LANKA SUSTAINABLE TRADE & ECONOMIC SUMMIT | AUGUST 7, COLOMBO
In partnership with AMCHAM and the Export Development Board, this event convened 150+ participants, featured a public trade show with 60 women-owned businesses, generated strong B2C sales, and created 100+ corporate business connections.
TRADE FOR IMPACT REGIONAL CONFERENCE | AUGUST 28, BANGALORE
A regional convening marking the culmination of a five-year trade initiative, bringing together 170 in-person participants, 7 member buyers, and enabling 400+ business connections across India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
WOMEN ENTERPRISE EXPO | NOVEMBER 25, COLOMBO
Featured 65 women-owned businesses, engaged 20+ corporate buyers, attracted 1,000+ visitors, and generated on-site sales and sourcing conversations.
POWER OF ACCESS ROADSHOW SERIES | INDIA, SRI LANKA, BANGLADESH, MALDIVES
Nine roadshows reached 600+ women-owned businesses and 25 corporate buyers, combining capacity building with product showcases to strengthen procurement readiness and buyer engagement.
SOUTH ASIA SOUTH ASIA
FIVE YEARS OF TRADE, ACCESS, AND IMPACT IN SOUTH ASIA
From 2020 to 2025, WEConnect International implemented a landmark regional trade and procurement initiative across India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Maldives in partnership with the U.S. Department of State. Designed to strengthen women-owned business participation in corporate and cross-border value chains, the program addressed both sides of the market: building the capability of women entrepreneurs while working directly with corporations, chambers, and policymakers to expand supplier engagement
Grounded in a comprehensive ecosystem assessment of nearly 600 women-owned businesses and corporate buyers, the initiative delivered a sequenced platform of training, matchmaking, corporate roundtables, and regional trade convenings that created one of the most procurement-ready pipelines of women-owned suppliers in South Asia
RESULTS ACROSS FIVE YEARS
207 documented corporate contracts secured by women-owned businesses
2,533 jobs created through new revenue and trade opportunities
4,721 business connections facilitated between women-owned businesses and corporate buyers
8,248 hours of training delivered to more than 2,000 women entrepreneurs
209 businesses completed the Global Procurement Readiness Assessment (GPRA), receiving customized growth pathways
3,583 women-owned businesses registered in WECommunity, dramatically increasing visibility to multinational buyers
551+ corporations engaged through trainings, roundtables, and matchmaking
15 Supplier Development Pledges signed by corporate buyers, formalizing commitments to engage and develop women-owned suppliers
Signature convenings including the Empowering Inclusion Summit Series, Trade for Impact Regional Conference, and country-level expos and roadshows brought together more than 1,700 participants, including senior corporate leaders, U.S. officials, chambers, and women entrepreneurs. These platforms advanced cross-border trade relationships and strengthened regional economic cooperation.
The program also reached more than 700,000 people through media, thought leadership, and awareness campaigns, elevating the role of women-owned businesses as contributors to resilient, responsible supply chains
FINANCIALS FINANCIALS
FINANCIALS FINANCIALS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIR
Denise Naguib, Marriott International
TREASURER
Andrew Cannon Brookes,
Standard Chartered Bank
SECRETARY
Piers Cumberlege, Straightview International
PRESIDENT
Elizabeth A. Vazquez, WEConnect International
Casondra Devine, Amazon
Erin Stewart, Pinnacle Group
Jim Jones, Development Expert
Kathy Golding, EY
Kristine Mangan J&J
Nairouz Bader, Envision Partnership
Pamela Chambers O'Rourke, Icon Consulting
Sabrina Goicoechea, National Grid
Selina McCole, Goldman Sachs
Sherry-Lee Singh, Walmart
Sue Bhatia, Rose International
Tara Clinton, ExxonMobil
William Kapfer, JPMorgan Chase
BRAND AMBASSADORS BRAND AMBASSADORS
Adam Rubinfield, World Bank Group
Angela Thomas-Anderson, CAA
Clay Atkins, Intel
Genne McDowell, Dow
Heidi Koester Oliveira, Mars Pet Nutrition
Janice Howroyd, Act One Group
Jason Cirpiano, Tivor
Jennifer Stula, PWC Foundation
Jennifer Turner, IBM
Loreto Carranza, Bayer
Margery Kraus, APCO Worldwide
Marie Caron, ETS
Padmini Ranganathan, TELUS
Rakhi Agarwal, Sanofi
Raul Suarez-Rodriguez, Merck
Sherri Rossoff, RockCreek
Shira Rotem, The Israel Fintech Center
Tamra Pawloski, Corteva
Thais Torritani, P&G
Tyler Butler, Collaboration for Good
Wendy Perry, Workforce BluePrint
Zandile Njamela, Accenture
GLOBAL TEAM GLOBAL TEAM
STAFF
Elizabeth A. Vazquez, CEO, President, & Co-Founder
Saritha Venumbaka, COO
Gary Linden, Director of Global Markets
Eroshan Alagaretnam, Regional Director, South Asia
Ixchel Alcantara, Regional Director, Latin America & Caribbean
Jerome Flint, Regional Director, Europe & MENA
Brittany Gonzalez, Associate Director, Membership Growth and Development
Shorena Megrelishvili, Head of Projects
Jithmi Mitchell, Certification Manager
Mrinalini Venkatachalam, Regional Director, Southeast Asia & Oceania
Stephanie Fontaine, Regional Director, North America
Alongside a global community of specialists supporting our work across the regions:
JOIN US JOIN US
The future
of global
supply chains depends on who has access to them.
WEConnect International exists to expand that access creating pathways for women-owned businesses to compete, grow, and thrive in markets worldwide.
FOR WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES
We provide what matters most: visibility, credibility, and direct connection to opportunity through certification, training, and access to global buyers.
FOR CORPORATE BUYERS FOR PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS
Joining means investing in economic systems that work: where women entrepreneurs create jobs, strengthen supply chains, and drive resilient growth across regions.
We deliver a qualified pipeline of womenowned suppliers across markets and industries, and a trusted platform to advance impact sourcing with measurable results.
This is how access scales. This is how economies grow stronger. This is how we build supply chains that reflect real world needs.
JOIN US.
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