WEConnect International
WEConnect International is a global nonprofit founded in 2009 that certifies women-owned businesses and connects them with corporate, multilateral, and government buyers across 135+ markets.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersWashington, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What WEConnect International does
WEConnect International is a global nonprofit founded in 2009 and headquartered in Washington, DC, that identifies, educates, registers, and certifies women-owned businesses and connects them with corporate, multilateral, and government buyers. The organization maintains a global database of more than 20,000 certified Women's Business Enterprises (WBEs), businesses that are at least 51% women-owned, managed, and controlled, and serves 180+ member buyers representing over $4 trillion in aggregate annual purchasing power across 135+ markets. Its core product is the WEConnect International Platform, which combines self-serve business registration, an internationally recognized WBE Certification, a searchable supplier directory, and a buyer membership program. Adjacent offerings include the WEConnect Academy (an online learning platform launched in March 2023 covering marketing, leadership, finance, and HR), structured business matchmaking at regional summits (Africa, APAC, Europe & MENA, Latin America & Caribbean), and capacity-building programs such as bootcamps and masterclasses.
The business model is nonprofit and membership-driven. Revenue is generated through recurring buyer membership fees paid by corporations and multilateral institutions, certification-related fees, event sponsorships, and donations, including support from entities such as the U.S. Department of State. Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven: regional summits, matchmaking roundtables, and partnerships with organizations such as Walmart, Standard Chartered, NMSDC, WBENC, TiE Global, ASME Singapore, and HAMROH (Uzbekistan) drive both supplier registration and buyer acquisition. Distribution is anchored by direct enterprise sales to buyer-members, an online self-serve registration flow for women-owned businesses, and a network of regional offices and country-level implementation partners that extend reach into 135+ markets.
Operationally, WEConnect runs with 11-50 staff across its Washington, DC headquarters and regional presences in Singapore (APAC HQ) and Osaka, supported by regional directors for Africa, APAC, and Europe & MENA. The organization has no parent company, no public listing, and no venture funding; governance rests with a board chaired by Denise Naguib, with Elizabeth A. Vazquez serving as CEO and Co-Founder.
WEConnect International firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- WEConnect International
- Legal name
- WEConnect International
- Website
- https://weconnectinternational.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- WEConnect International is a global nonprofit founded in 2009 that certifies women-owned businesses and connects them with corporate, multilateral, and government buyers across 135+ markets.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
WEConnect International industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Supplier Diversity & Certification Services
- SIC
- Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Conformity Assessment, Testing, Inspection & Certification Cooperation (BPADANAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- United Nations System & Specialized Agencies (BPADAAAA), International Standards, Norms & Technical Regulatory Bodies (BPADAAAJ)
Keywords
Where WEConnect International is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Washington
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
WEConnect International business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Buyer Membership Fees: WEConnect International generates revenue through membership fees from corporate, multilateral, and government buyers who pay to access the network of certified women-owned businesses and procurement opportunities.
- Certification Services: The organization certifies women-owned businesses (at least 51% women-owned, managed, and controlled) and provides business development resources, training, and access to procurement networks.
- Sponsorships and Donations: WEConnect International receives support through sponsorships of events and programs, as well as donations from supporters committed to advancing women entrepreneurs.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
WEConnect International product offering
Product offeringCore offering
WEConnect International is a global nonprofit that identifies, educates, registers, and certifies women-owned businesses (at least 51% women-owned, managed, and controlled) and connects them with corporate, multilateral, and government buyers seeking diverse suppliers. Its core deliverables include Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification, a global database and online marketplace of certified suppliers, a Buyer Membership program for corporations, and capacity-building training delivered through the WEConnect Academy.
Product overview
WEConnect International is a global nonprofit platform that operates a network connecting women-owned businesses with large corporate, multilateral, and government buyers. The core offering consists of the WEConnect International Platform for registration and certification of women-owned businesses, combined with the WEConnect Academy for capacity building and training. The platform includes a global database of 20,000+ women-owned businesses, business matchmaking services, WBE Certification, and a Buyer Membership Program. Member buyers represent over $4 trillion in annual purchasing power across 135+ markets.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- WEConnect Academy: A training platform providing essential training and resources for women business owners to strengthen their businesses, gain valuable insights, and become contract-ready.
Products and services
- WEConnect International Platform A global nonprofit platform that identifies, educates, registers, and certifies women-owned businesses (at least 51% women-owned, managed, and controlled), connecting them with large corporate, multilateral, and government buyers through a global database and direct business connections.
- WEConnect Academy Online learning platform providing training and resources from industry experts on engaging with global buyers, innovative tools and strategies for business success, and building strong business foundations in marketing, leadership, finance, and human resources. Aimed at women business owners preparing to compete in global procurement markets.
- Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification
Quantifiable outcome
- 70% of surveyed women-owned businesses in network reported increased business revenue
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use WEConnect International
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
WEConnect International technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
WEConnect International partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.
- HAMROH Women's Entrepreneurship Support ProgrammecoreWEConnect International and HAMROH signed an MoU to strengthen women-owned businesses in Uzbekistan and expand regional cooperation across Central Asia. WEConnect International provides its globally recognized WBE Certification framework and access to its global network of corporate buyers. HAMROH serves as the national implementation partner in Uzbekistan, leveraging its institutional role, government engagement, and nationwide presence across all 14 regions.
- Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (ASME) SingaporecoreWEConnect International and ASME exchanged MOU certificates to provide Singapore's women-owned businesses with a structured pathway to global markets. The partnership includes the ASME Women's Initiative with targeted leadership programs, Impact Sourcing Roundtables, and Global Business Matchmaking sessions.
- Disability:INmajorStrategic partner in presenting the 2025 Impact Sourcing Top Global Champions recognition, working to connect competitive suppliers to global market opportunities.
- Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)coreStrategic partner in presenting the 2025 Impact Sourcing Top Global Champions recognition, collaborating to connect diverse suppliers to global market opportunities.
- Accenture and AmCham SingaporemajorCollaborative report on supplier diversity and women-owned businesses in Southeast Asia. Analysis of 631 companies across Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia revealed that supplier diversity can increase corporate revenue by 2.2% in Southeast Asia.
- Disneyland PariscoreDisneyland Paris collaborated with WEConnect International and Envi School on a pilot program to accelerate the growth of women-owned businesses in France. The training and mentorship initiative brought together 40 women-owned businesses for capacity building and networking.
- Sophia ForgemajorStrategic partnership to transform the landscape for women-owned businesses in Asia Pacific, providing support and resources for women entrepreneurs in the region.
- PhilWEN (Philippines)majorPartnership to elevate women-owned businesses in the Philippines, connecting local entrepreneurs with WEConnect International's global network of buyers.
- WalmartcoreWalmart developed the Women-Owned logo initiative in collaboration with WEConnect International and WBENC to highlight products from vetted women-owned businesses on its shelves. The logo has grown into a globally recognized symbol used across multiple countries and platforms.
- Women in Energy Network (WIEN)majorWEConnect International in Nigeria partnered with Women in Energy Network to provide women working across Nigeria's energy industry with credible certification, connections, and opportunities to network and thrive within the industry.
- TiE GlobalmajorWEConnect International and TiE Global signed an MOU to unlock unprecedented opportunities for women entrepreneurs through co-branded workshops, mentoring opportunities, capacity-building initiatives, and global recognition programs. TiE Global brings 62 chapters in 14 countries and over 15,000 members.
- Social Traders and Supply Nation (Australia)coreThree leading social procurement organizations formed a partnership to transform social procurement in Australia. The partnership combines over 6,000 suppliers and 1,000 businesses, working together on joint initiatives, referral pathways, and strengthening Indigenous and women-owned businesses.
- National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)coreWEConnect International and NMSDC signed a strategic partnership to increase connections between minority- and women-owned businesses (MWBEs) and international corporate buyers. The partnership includes advocating for common economic interests, facilitating joint events, and promoting MWBEs internationally.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
WEConnect International competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC): U.S.-based nonprofit that issues the WBE Certification and connects women-owned businesses to corporate buyers. The most direct comparability overlap with WEConnect International's certification and matchmaking model, and a current strategic partner of WEConnect International.
- Supply Nation (Australia): Australia's leading supplier-diversity organization certifying Indigenous and diverse-owned businesses and connecting them to corporate and government buyers. Currently in a three-way partnership with WEConnect International and Social Traders.
- Disability:IN: Nonprofit that certifies disability-owned businesses and connects them to corporate supply chains. Operates an analogous two-sided certification and buyer-engagement model in the supplier-diversity space and is a current WEConnect International partner.
- National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC): Certifies minority-owned businesses (MBE) and links them to corporate and government buyers. Operates a parallel supplier-diversity certification and matchmaking platform with shared buyer audiences and overlapping corporate memberships.
- WE USA (formerly Count Me In / Women's Economic Ventures): U.S. nonprofit focused on accelerating women's entrepreneurship through education, resources, and access to capital. Operates in an adjacent niche to WEConnect International's capacity-building mission and shares a women-business-owner target audience.
- Social Traders (Australia): Australian social-enterprise certification and marketplace operator that connects certified social enterprises, including women-owned, to corporate and government buyers. Joint partner with WEConnect International and Supply Nation in Australia.
Emerging players
- Springboard Enterprises: Nonprofit accelerator and network that connects high-growth women-led companies to investors and strategic partners. Overlaps with WEConnect International in serving scaling women-owned businesses but focuses on capital rather than procurement access.
- TiE Global: Global entrepreneurship network with 62 chapters in 14 countries and 15,000+ members. An active WEConnect International partner running co-branded workshops and mentoring for women entrepreneurs, with partial overlap in audience and capacity-building offerings.
Others
- Bunker Labs: Nonprofit supporting veteran and military-spouse entrepreneurs through education, access, and community. Operates a parallel model of under-served entrepreneur certification and corporate engagement in the broader supplier-diversity ecosystem.
Broad incumbents
- Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA): U.S. federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that promotes the growth and global competitiveness of minority-owned businesses. A government incumbent that overlaps with WEConnect International's mandate to certify diverse suppliers and connect them to corporate and government buyers.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
WEConnect International social profiles
Digital presenceWEConnect International financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
WEConnect International leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
WEConnect International funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
WEConnect International M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about WEConnect International
What does WEConnect International do?
WEConnect International is a global nonprofit that identifies, educates, registers, and certifies women-owned businesses (at least 51% women-owned, managed, and controlled) and connects them with corporate, multilateral, and government buyers seeking diverse suppliers. Its core deliverables include Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification, a global database and online marketplace of certified suppliers, a Buyer Membership program for corporations, and capacity-building training delivered through the WEConnect Academy.
Is WEConnect International a public or private company?
WEConnect International is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was WEConnect International founded?
WEConnect International was founded in 2009. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is WEConnect International based?
WEConnect International is headquartered in Washington, United States, in the North America region.
How does WEConnect International make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Buyer Membership Fees are the primary driver. The others are certification Services and sponsorships and Donations.
Who are WEConnect International's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), Supply Nation (Australia), Disability:IN, National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), WE USA (formerly Count Me In / Women's Economic Ventures) and Social Traders (Australia). Emerging players are Springboard Enterprises and TiE Global. Bunker Labs is listed as an others. Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does WEConnect International have an API?
No public API is recorded for WEConnect International.
What industry is WEConnect International in?
WEConnect International's product category is Supplier Diversity & Certification Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPADANAD, Conformity Assessment, Testing, Inspection & Certification Cooperation, with a secondary code of BPADAAAA, United Nations System & Specialized Agencies. Its SIC code is 8600.