The Business Women in International Trade (BWIT) program of the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) is organizing a delegation to WBENC in partnership with the Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC) and the Embassy of Canada in Washington, D.C.

Business delegates will deepen their understanding of supplier diversity opportunities open to them with Fortune 500 companies.  They will participate in business networking opportunities, a notable business fair, and be included in Canadian programming events, such as a networking reception, and a welcome activity with corporations.

BWIT trade mission feature:

• High-calibre networking
• Business-to-business matchmaking
• Inspired programming
• Government of Canada on-the-ground support

What is WBENC?

The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is the largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners and entrepreneurs.

Event: BWIT Trade Mission to the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) National Conference and Business Fair
Focus Sectors:  Multi-sector
Dates: June 23-27, 2019
City: Baltimore, Maryland

Participate in WBENC 2019 –   the world’s largest gathering of corporate and government buyers and connect with businesswomen from around the world. This years’ theme is “Connect-Grow-Thrive”.  Attendees enjoy Canadian programming and three days of acclaimed speakers, executive workshops, matchmaking and networking opportunities, including the WBENC Business Fair – the largest of its kind with more than 350 exhibitors and procurement specialists looking to source from women-owned businesses.

What to expect on BWIT Trade Mission to WBENC?

Join the BWIT Trade Mission to the WBENC National Conference and Business Fair in Baltimore in partnership with the Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC), Export Development Canada (EDC) and Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).

BWIT offers Canadian delegates valuable support by helping you:

Make the most out of your stay: On top of the 1:1 MatchMaker Meetings offered by WBENC to certified enterprises, our service provider will arrange business matching meetings for qualified export-ready Canadian women entrepreneurs. BWIT will do our best to ensure you meet the right corporate/government buyers while in Baltimore!

Learn from seasoned businesswomen: Two preparatory webinars will give you the opportunity to learn from businesswomen who have already attended and prepared for such large events, and ask the questions you need, to decide whether this trade mission is a good fit for your business growth.

Get valuable tips:  From how to get the most out of networking opportunities, to guidance through the four-day program, to the how’s and where’s to do business in Baltimore, don’t forget that our team on the ground is there to assist you to navigate through the undertakings of doing business abroad.

A welcoming environment: Pre-departure webinars and on-the-ground assistance during the Conference and Business Fair; support from Canadian Government officers, including Export Development Canada (EDC); Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC); Canada booth on the premises, everything you need to get the right kick-start for the show.

Meet the right people: Attend a series of special activities including;

A “meet and mingle” to get to know your fellow delegates, the WEConnect International Day, WBE Canada’s Breakfast with Brands, a networking reception hosted by the Canadian Government, Canadian Programming. Build relationships, attend workshops and panels, take advantage of unassigned seating during the Conference luncheons, be strategic.

Program at a glance – Key events and dates

Registration to participate in the BWIT trade mission is now open!  Take advantage of the Canadian programming, including listing your company in the Canadian Directory of Participants.

• June 23 (evening): Government of Canada “Meet-and-Mingle”
• June 25-27: Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) National Conference and Business Fair
• June 24-25: pre-WBENC conference orientation sessions:
  • June 24: WEConnect International Day and evening reception;
  • June 25: WBE Canada Breakfast with Brands
• June 25: Government of Canada reception (by invitation only) – an opportunity for Canadian businesswomen delegates to network with invited corporations, trade commissioners, and others (group photo)
• June 26:  Government of Canada Booth at the WBENC Business Fair
• June 27:  WBENC Finale Luncheon, followed by a group photo of Canadian delegation on WBENC Stage

Register

To register for the trade mission:

1. Complete a trade mission Registration form, online.
2. Complete a Company objectives and profile form, online.
3. Register for the WBENC National Conference and Business Fair

Please note: There is no fee for receiving services from BWIT and the Trade Commissioner Service. Delegates are responsible for covering the cost of their travel, accommodations and registration for events.  Eligible women-owned companies could qualify for CanExport financial assistance. More information.

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