Program Snapshot & Vision
Empowering Small Businesses. Strengthening Supply Chains. Driving Impact.
In partnership with Disneyland Paris (DLP), WEConnect International designed and delivered a high-impact program to identify, train, and elevate 40 small- and medium-sized womenowned businesses across France, equipping them to engage with global value chains and corporate buyers
This initiative reflects a shared commitment to building more sustainable, innovative, and resilient supply chains, while unlocking new opportunities for women entrepreneurs to grow, compete, and lead
In the long term, the program has helped advance inclusive economic growth and strengthen the communities in France where participating businesses operate. It also brought high-impact visibility opportunities (embassy event with Canadian delegation, VivaTech, ESSEC pitch event, corporate meetings, regional summit) while connecting women-owned businesses to decision-makers, partners, and international ecosystems.
Program Objectives
Train a total of 40 women-owned businesses in the Greater Paris region
What We Delivered
Certify 20 womenowned businesses as Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs)
Provide targeted mentorship to 20 businesses to accelerate readiness
A multi-month, immersive experience combining expert-led training in procurement readiness, sustainability practices, and corporate engagement with one-on-one executive mentorship with DLP’s senior leaders and access to WEConnect International’s globallyrecognized Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification, designed to translate potential into real market opportunity.
“In collaboration with Disneyland Paris, we support women-owned businesses in France in strengthening their capabilities and accessing real commercial opportunities, while driving lasting economic impact for families, communities, and global supply chains.”
– Elizabeth A. Vazquez CEO and Co-Founder, WEConnect International
Key Results
The Numbers Tell the Story
40 26 23
Women-owned businesses trained
90% of participants reported positive impact on business
5,000+
Businesses certified as WBEs, surpassing the target by 30%
23
Disneyland Paris leaders engaged as mentors
Ecosystem members reached directly via 100+ in-person and virtual events
Impact Highlights
2,900+
Employees directly benefited from increased business capacity and opportunity
Other Impact
WOBs mentored by DLP leaders
250
Women-owned businesses reached and briefed about the initiative
50,000+
People informed about the initiative through social media
6,000+
Indirect beneficiaries reached through job creation, retained employment, and community-level economic growth, contributing to more resilient local economies
Stronger supplier pipeline aligned with responsible procurement goals
Increased readiness of women-owned businesses to engage with global buyers
Enhanced confidence, leadership, and strategic positioning among participants
Expanded access to international markets through WBE certification
In HER words
Participant Testimonials
Julie Laurent, Founder, Silky (Certified WBE | Marketing Services)
“I managed to create synergies and establish rich connections, which I will utilize for business development.”
Irina Fedorenco, Founder and CEO, CODRII
“This program has changed my life and outlook, and has opened me up to new perspectives. I am immensely grateful.”
Laetitia Routaboul
“This has been a very rewarding experience”
Frédérique Montrésor
“Excellent exchanges and a different perspective from the customer's point of view”
Catherine Courtois
“I had an excellent experience! My mentor was fully involved and invested in his role. The exchanges sometimes led to reverse mentoring.”
Alexandra Dimian
“It's very useful because it's more individualized and it allows me to have an outside perspective.”
program Details
The Disney Capacity Development for Women-Owned Businesses in France represents a strategic collaboration between WEConnect International and Disneyland Paris to strengthen the competitiveness and visibility of women entrepreneurs within global supply chains.
Designed in alignment with Disneyland Paris’ commitments to responsible procurement, sustainability, and inclusive economic growth, the program provided a comprehensive pathway for women-owned businesses to build capabilities, access networks, and secure globally recognized Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) certification.
By combining practical training, executive mentorship, and direct exposure to corporate expectations, the initiative created a dynamic platform for business growth and long-term impact
The 40 women entrepreneurs selected for the program:
Program Design & Delivery
Over a four-month period, 40 women-owned businesses from across France participated in a structured and highly interactive program designed to address key barriers to growth and market access.
Delivered in collaboration with Envi, a leading French training organization, the program blended entrepreneurial development with corporate procurement insights, ensuring participants gained both strategic perspective and practical tools
The Cohort
The cohort reflected a diverse and dynamic segment of the French economy:
Over 90% of participants reported annual revenues up to $500,000
47% of businesses were founded in or after 2020
A majority were based in the Greater Paris region
Training Experience
The curriculum was structured around four core pillars, each designed to address critical aspects of business growth and corporate readiness:
Entrepreneurial Mindset
1
2
3
4
Short, high-impact sessions focused on resilience, leadership, and decisionmaking. Participants strengthened their confidence, sharpened focus, and developed strategies to navigate uncertainty and growth.
Pitch and Communication
Interactive pitch sessions enabled participants to refine their value proposition and storytelling, receiving direct feedback from leading entrepreneurs and industry experts. These moments proved transformative in building confidence and executive presence.
Technology and Innovation
Hands-on AI workshops introduced practical tools to enhance productivity, marketing, and customer engagement empowering participants to integrate digital solutions into their business strategies.
Corporate Insights
Exclusive sessions led by Disneyland Paris teams provided an inside look into corporate procurement, supplier expectations, and partnership dynamics Participants gained clarity on how to position their businesses to meet global standards.
Across all sessions, participants reported increased confidence, stronger business development skills, and a clearer understanding of how to engage with large corporate buyers.
WBE Certification
As part of the program, WEConnect International successfully verified and certified at total of 26 women-owned businesses, waiving their certification fees as part of the process
Businesses certified as WBEs, surpassing the target by 30%
Why WBE Certification Matters
Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) certification provides formal, third-party verification that a business is at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by one or more women WEConnect International offers this certification in 63 markets through a globally recognized process
For corporate buyers, certification increases confidence that a supplier has been vetted and verified, while for women-owned businesses it creates a clearer pathway into global procurement opportunities.
The Value for Businesses
Certification helps women-owned businesses increase their visibility with corporations and buyers seeking qualified suppliers through supplier development and engagement and procurement networks.
It also strengthens credibility in the marketplace, giving businesses a recognized way to signal ownership status, professionalism, and readiness for larger commercial opportunities.
Through WEConnect International, certified businesses can access networks, business connections, and opportunities designed to help them compete and grow in global value chains
The Value to this Program
By pairing training and mentorship with WBE certification, the program helped participants build the skills, credibility, and visibility needed to pursue new business relationships with confidence
Mentorship & LEadership Engagement
Following the training phase, 23 participants were selected for a personalized mentorship experience with senior leaders from Disneyland Paris.
Mentors, comprising directors and senior managers, provided tailored guidance over four months, dedicating their time and expertise to support business growth and strategic positioning.
Mentorship focused on:
Procurement readiness and supplier
positioning
Business sustainability and long-term growth strategies
Market expansion and client engagement
Leadership development and professional confidence
The experience fostered meaningful connections, trust, and knowledge exchange.
Participants highlighted the value of direct access to corporate leaders, noting significant improvements in their strategic thinking, professional posture, and overall confidence
Participants also expressed interest in future similar programs, with optimistic expectations about future business opportunities and longterm results.
Mentors were consistently recogniz commitment, accessibility, and abil provide actionable insights, creating engaging and impactful experience
Results & IMPACT
The program delivered measurable outcomes that extend beyond individual business growth to broader ecosystem impact.
Key achievements include:
40 women-owned businesses trained
26 women-owned businesses successfully certified as WBEs
23 businesses directly connected with Disneyland Paris mentors
90%+ positive participant feedback on program impact
Beyond these results, the initiative has contributed to building a stronger, more dive supplier pipeline, supporting Disneyland Par long-term procurement strategy while advancing inclusive economic participation
Participants are now better equipped to compete in corporate and institutional mark bringing innovation, agility, and new perspectives to global supply chains.
The program also generated significant momentum within the broader ecosystem, reaching over 250 women-owned businesses
5,000+ ecosystem members, and 50,000+ impressions in social media.
40 Women-owned businesses empowered
Employees indirectly supported 2,900
6,000+
People indirectly impacted through sustained jobs and community strengthening.
Visibility & Recognition
The program gained strong visibility and recognition on social media, with participants, partners, and Disney teams actively sharing their experiences, key milestones, and success stories, amplifying its impact well beyond the immediate cohort.
50,000+
(estimated)
People informed about the initiative and the DLP-WEConnect International collaboration through social media.
Looking Ahead
Disneyland Paris and WEConnect International have taken an important step by investing in the growth and readiness of women-owned businesses
Ongoing collaboration, grounded in the evolving needs of women business owners, will be essential to deepen their access to supply chains and ensure they can compete, grow, and lead.
ABOUT US
By listening to their feedback, adapting support, and maintaining a strong partnership, we can help build a more inclusive and resilient business ecosystem, one where women-owned businesses are not only invited in, but positioned to thrive. Website
WEConnect International is the leading global nonprofit network that connects womenowned businesses to procurement opportunities with major corporations and government buyers around the world. We strengthen outcomes on both sides of the market: equipping women entrepreneurs with the knowledge, connections, and opportunities they need to scale, while enabling buyers to discover and engage qualified women-owned suppliers through targeted matchmaking, global events, and sourcing intelligence.
Point of Contact
Saritha Venumbaka, COO
svenumbaka@weconnectinternational.org
weconnectinternationalorg
1100 H St NW, Suite 530
Washington, DC, 20005 United States
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs to Build Sustainable Businesses
ENVI is a business school dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs through practical learning, coaching, mentoring, and community. As a partner in the WomenOwned Business Capacity Building & Mentorship Program, ENVI equipped participants with the tools, confidence, and strategy to grow resilient businesses.
CONFIDENCE CLIENTS
Helping entrepreneurs develop the mindset and resilience to move forward.
The ENVI Philosophy envischool.com
Building practical sales skills and business discipline.
COMMUNITY
Creating meaningful connections through mentorship and peer learning.
List of 40 Women-Owned Businesses in the DLP Program
ALEXANDRA DIMIAN BoostandShine Trainingandcoaching alexandra@boostandshinecom
ANN MASSAL ANNONYM
BrandingAgency theboss@annonymcom
ARINK ISSA AndIF
Advice iarink@yahoofr
CARINNE GUILBERT
Guilbertpropreté
Cleanliness
Carinneguilbert@guilbertnet
CATHARINE CELLIER-SMART
SmartTranslate
Professionaltranslation smartranslate@gmailcom
CÉLINE REDON ACESOCONSEIL
CybersecurityandPersonalData Protection(GDPR)Consulting celineRedon@aceso-conseilcom
FABIENNE FILLIOLE Comeback-groupe Afluens Marketing Ffilliole@comebackgraphiccom
OANA MARCOUX ookaroun venTech ioanamarcoux@lookarouncom
ISMAELLE HADDOUZI e-PeakPeopleHR HRTech Ih@peakpeople-hrcom
JULIE LAURENT
SILKY Marketing julielaurent@silkyfr
CHARLENE VERVOITTE NICHAPARIS
Readytowearwoman charlene@nichapariscom
FLORE LIATCHE OpadjéléSécuritéPrivée Privatesecurity/Audit-consulting opadjelesecurite@gmailcom
IRINA BRANDINGARTISAN FEDORENCO CODIRII
Brandstrategy irinabrandingartisan@gmailcom
JOHANNE DUPUY LPITraductions
Multilingualtranslationand interpretingagency johannedupuy@lpitraductionscom
KHADIDIATOU KEBE
BeautéINÉE
BeautyTech(skincarediagnostics andadvice)
Khadidiatoukebe@beauteineefr
CATHERINE COURTOIS
DLCCConseilet
Formation
AdultEducationandTraining ccourtois@dlccfr
CRISTINA FLISSEAU AVOMOVR
Digitaltwinsinteractivevirtualtour Cristinaflisseau@avomovrfr
FRÉDÉRIQUE MONTRESOR HAYSOO-BLEUREFLET E-commerce&Retail frederique@bleu-refletcom
ISABELLE CHEVREUL
IFConcepts-Agence Invictus
Audiovisualcommunicationand production contact@agence-invictuscom
JULIDÉ NINEK MONEYKIIZ Training julide@moneykiizcom
KHERA DEFAMIE lebruitdelacerise (feminineleader)
HR,coachingandtraining khera@feminine-leadercom
ANNEX
List of 40 Women-Owned Businesses in the DLP Program
LAETITIA ROUTABOUL
LinkConsulting ESN laetitia@link-consultingfr
MARTHA MURGUIA MaisonBleuAgave SpiritsIndustry contact@bleuagavecom
PATRICIA UDEKWE Comète Training patricia@wearecometecom
LILIA MELEGA Designer'slink Upcycled&SustainableFashion Marketplace contact@designerslinkfr
RIE-EMMANUELLE MARA TerralConseilSAS HRadvice marie-emmanuellecamara@terralconseilcom
SARA FREITAS CodriiAgency Marketing&communications sara@sfmtraductioncom
STÉPHANIE ASTRUC LéklaStudio Communicationandgraphicdesign stephastruc@lekla-studiofr
NATACHA CHALÉAT POETICS
Chocolate,eventplanning, corporate/employeegift chocolat@poeticsfr
RACHEL OUGIER SIMONIN ROCC(RachelOugier Consultingandcanevas) Mentalhealth-managingstress anduncertainty Rachel@3rocccom
SARAH OUATTARA Samarafacilities Corporateeventservices Saouattara@gmailcom
PAMELA DAVID KimiaDesign Interiordecorationandspace design kimiadesigncontact@gmailcom
SABRINE CHENNAOUI MONSAPO
Circulareconomy/Waste management/Detergents sabrinechennaoui@monsapocom
SOPHIE ENSENAT Kazoar Communicationsagency sophieensenat@kazoarfr
SUSAN LANGMANN sldigital Marketing/Communication Susan@sldigital
SUSANA MARTINS MSINTERNATIONAL Merchandisemarketingand sourcing contact@msinternationaleu
SUZANA AYACHE SAYCONSULT
Advice sayache@say-consultfr
TADJA AL MIKDAD Coachinov Training,coachingandconsulting Tadjaalmikdad@yahoofr
VICTORIA NÉGRÉ NOCLIPPARIS
RetailLuxuryGoodsandJewelry noclipparis@gmailcom
ZOÉ LEGRAND Velcarat Sparklingwinesales/Eventservices zoelegrand@champagnevelcaratcom