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August 26, 2019

USAID Awards W-GDP Grant to WEConnect International

WASHINGTON, DC, August 26, 2019 – WEConnect International has partnered with USAID, SAP Ariba, Accenture, ExxonMobil Corporation, IBM and the Procter & Gamble Company to leverage technology to help realize the commitment of the private sector to increase corporate spend with women-owned businesses around the world. This grant is part of the United States Women’s Global Development and Prosperity or W-GDP Initiative.

Recognizing the potential of women to help drive inclusive economic growth, the partnership will increase market access opportunities for women-owned businesses through the co-creation of a new global technology platform that will make it easier for buyers to find women suppliers, especially in developing countries.

Over the next three years, this new platform will not only make it easier for WEConnect International member buyers and sellers to find and connect with each other, women business owners will also be able to access relevant business opportunities and other critical business resources, partner networks, business tools and training on how to scale and, in turn, grow their local economies.

“This exciting new partnership will help to ensure more women business owners in developing countries can leverage technology to access new markets and increase their local and global impact,” says Elizabeth A. Vazquez, CEO and Co-Founder of WEConnect International. “This Global Development Alliance with USAID, SAP Ariba, Accenture, ExxonMobil, IBM and Procter & Gamble demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships in support of women’s economic empowerment and inclusive growth.”

 

About WEConnect International

WEConnect International helps women-owned businesses succeed in global value chains. It identifies, educates and certifies women’s business enterprises based outside of the U.S. that are at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by one or more women, and then connects them with member buyers. WEConnect International members represent over US$1 trillion in annual purchasing power and a commitment to supplier development and inclusive sourcing. The result is a network of member buyers working with women business owners based in over 115 countries that are learning, collaborating and winning new business.

For media inquiries please contact: Angela Walker| Vice President of Marketing and Communications, WEConnect International | awalker@weconnectinternational.org