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Bridging Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs
Bridging Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs
Imagine what happens when two big organizations come together, combining their strengths and resources to create something truly remarkable.
A Collaborative Journey into the Future Value Chain, with the UPS Foundation and WEConnect International.
Imagine what happens when two big organizations come together, combining their strengths and resources to create something truly remarkable.
When United Parcel Service (UPS) – an unparalleled force in seamlessly connecting businesses and individuals, facilitating trade across borders meets WEConnect International – a catalyst for women entrepreneurs, fostering their growth and success through meaningful connections and support, incredible things are bound to happen. At the heart of both organizations lies the common thread of ‘connectivity’.
The Perfect Moment for Change
Why is this partnership so incredibly timely and important? Well, the world is waking up to the immense value that women-owned businesses have. But many of these businesses face roadblocks when it comes to accessing supply chains and building fruitful relationships with corporate buyers. That’s where the UPS Foundation and WEConnect International can assist. Together, they will break down barriers, leverage their combined resources, knowledge and networks to create opportunities for women-owned businesses to connect with value chains and thrive in today’s competitive market.
This partnership focuses on increasing the number of women-owned businesses in Canada in four key procurement categories – general contractors, materials handling, facilities management, and security services industries.
Melissa K. Adams, Global Supplier Diversity, UPS, describes the partnership this way: “Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) goes beyond UPS employees, to our customers and suppliers. DEI plays a role in how we show up for communities while growing the business. With strong support from our Executive Leadership Team, we have grown supplier diversity from a program to a profitable business strategy, with defined goals, high-level visibility, and accountability for results. With the support and partnership of WEConnect International, we focus on understanding where women-owned enterprises (WBEs) are and what they need to grow their business and achieve higher levels of proficiency.”
A World of Impact
By leveraging the extensive global network and logistics expertise of UPS, along with WEConnect International’s deep understanding of supplier diversity and inclusion, this collaboration underlines the demand, desire and immense potential to empower and support women entrepreneurs worldwide.
“I’m thrilled that UPS has identified the Canadian market as a key area of focus to identify women-owned businesses for their future procurement needs,” said Stephanie Fontaine, Regional Director for Canada and the US – WEConnect International. “Canada has an abundance of capable women business owners ready to serve large supply chains and they will welcome this opportunity to be more visible to the UPS team. Throughout the collaboration, my team will identify businesses in the pertinent categories, support their registration as women-owned businesses on WECommunity and finally inform them on how to develop a robust business profile to ensure discovery in UPS supplier searches. It’s a timely project and speaks to the commitment of UPS to drive more money into the hands of women business owners, a mission we share.”
Time to Join the Movement
Are you a woman business owner looking to take your enterprise to new heights? Explore the WECommunity where you’ll tap into the corporate supply chains of over 180 member buyers, gain access to life-changing mentorship programs and unlock invaluable resources, such as WEConnect Academy, regional and global conferences, matchmaking events and much more. If you’re committed to supplier diversity and inclusion, you may also wish to explore becoming a member-buyer to help build sustainable communities.
Together, it’s time to embrace the power of collaboration and harness the benefits of inclusivity to create a brighter future for women in business. Get in on the action, because the future is female, and it’s time to shine!
More about the UPS Foundation
Theapproach of the UPS Foundation revolves around four key focus areas: health and humanitarian relief, equity and economic empowerment, local engagement, and planet protection. At UPS, giving extends beyond mere financial contributions. The Foundation believes in combining the skills, passion and time of their employees with logistical expertise, transportation assets and charitable donations to create a tangible impact on society. Through cash grants, in-kind support, and the dedication of passionate volunteers, the Foundation invests in global communities. As strong advocates of diversity and inclusion, they are committed to supporting women-owned businesses.
More about WEConnect International
WEConnect International is a member-led, global non-profit that brings motivated, large corporate, multilateral and government buyers together with qualified women-owned suppliers around the world. It works with over 180 multinational buying organizations, with over $3 trillion in annual purchasing power combined, that have committed to sourcing more products and services from women-owned businesses based in over 140 countries. WEConnect International identifies, educates, registers, and certifies women’s business enterprises that are at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by one or more women. WEConnect International provides Women Business Enterprise certification in over 55 countries that represent 70% of the world’s population.
This blog regarding the partnership between our member UPS and WWConnect was submitted by Stephanie Fontaine, WEConnect International.
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