WEConnect Canada, through an official accreditation program for women-owned companies, helps introduce these businesses to big corporations looking for diversity in their supply chains. The independent, not-for-profit organization started Canada in March, 2009, though it is modelled on a U.S. parent, now in its 13th year.
To become a WEConnect member, a company must be at least 51-per-cent owned by women. There are 67 certified companies in Canada and another 24 are currently going through the application process, says Betty Wood, WEConnect Canada's head of certification and programs.
"There is quite a variety of companies in terms of size, and certainly smaller and medium-sized companies take part," Ms. Wood adds. "All members need at least $100,000 in sales, though some members in the U.S. can go up to a billion in sales."
Ms. Wood took your questions about WEConnect and how it works. View an archive in the box below.