More Than 40 Women Business Owners Join the First WEConnect International Event in the Canary Islands

More than 40 women business owners from across the Canary Islands gathered at the Gabinete Literario for WEConnect International’s first event in the archipelago. Organized in partnership with Proexca, the Canary Islands’ public export agency, the session explored how women-owned businesses can prepare to enter global supply chains and connect with multinational buyers.

The strong turnout reflected growing local interest in practical pathways to international markets. Participants learned what multinational corporations look for in suppliers, how to meet corporate procurement standards, and how certification as a women-owned business can increase visibility among sourcing teams actively seeking new suppliers.

Gustavo González de Vega, Regional Deputy Minister for Economy and Internationalisation and vice-president of Proexca, opened the session by addressing one of the most common barriers facing businesses.

“Going international is usually seen as something complex, distant, or reserved for a few,” he said. “That is exactly where institutions and global networks need to step in. Internationalisation is not just about selling beyond our borders; it is about changing how you think as a business, spreading risk, becoming more competitive and connecting into international value chains.”

Valeria Rodríguez Felgueras, Europe Growth and Engagement Manager at WEConnect International, guided participants through the certification process and the resources available to registered businesses, from introductions to potential buyers to training that helps suppliers present their capabilities effectively to corporate procurement teams.

The event built on Proexca’s ongoing work with WEConnect International to expand opportunities for women-owned businesses in the region. Since 2023, the partnership has supported the training and certification of 45 Canarian women business owners, with another 15 currently completing the process. This progress places the Canary Islands among the first regions in Spain to establish a structured pathway connecting women-owned businesses with global market opportunities.

Women-owned businesses in the Canary Islands can register with WEConnect International and begin the certification process throughout the year, with Proexca continuing to support local companies as they prepare.

The conversation will continue at the WEConnect International Europe & MENA Regional Summit in Seville on 9–10 November 2026. The two-day event will bring certified women-owned businesses and member buyers together for sourcing meetings, training and networking.