Who We Are : Women Owned

WBENC & WEConnect International

Women Owned is an initiative from WBENC and WEConnect International. These two non-profits are dedicated to advancing the success of certified Women Owned businesses in the United States and worldwide.

The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned, operated, and controlled by women in the United States. WBENC, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit, partners with 14 Regional Partner Organizations to provide its world class standard of certification to women-owned businesses throughout the country. WBENC Certification is the most widely recognized and respected national certification for women-owned businesses in the United States. WBENC is also the nation’s leading advocate of women-owned businesses as suppliers to America’s corporations, offering development programs, networking opportunities and more for certified companies.

For more information, please visit: www.wbenc.org.

More About WBENC

WEConnect International is a member-led, global non-profit that brings motivated, large corporate, multilateral and government buyers together with qualified women-owned suppliers around the world. It works with over 160 multinational buying organizations, with over $1 trillion in annual purchasing power combined, that have committed to sourcing more products and services from women-owned businesses based in over 135 countries. WEConnect International identifies, educates, registers and certifies women’s business enterprises that are at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by one or more women. WEConnect International provides Women Business Enterprise certification in over 55 countries that represent 70% of the world’s population.

For more information, visit: www.WEConnectInternational.org.

More About WEConnect

Women Owned in Retail

Women Owned in Retail is an education and outreach program born from the Women Owned movement and WBENC industry groups to help women-owned businesses with consumer goods scale and thrive in the retail space. Women-owned businesses are behind some of the most innovative, game-changing consumer products on the market, driving industry trends and reinventing product categories. But the path from product development to retail success can be a daunting one, particularly for women entrepreneurs who are much less likely to receive start-up capital to fund their businesses.

The Women Owned in Retail program is here to help! This program is open to ALL women-owned businesses with consumer products. You do not need to be certified by WBENC to attend Women Owned in Retail programming.

Learn More About Women Owned in Retail

Supporters & Partners

When it comes to building a movement of support for women-owned businesses, one thing is for certain: we are stronger together.

Women Owned partners with corporations and other organizations who are committed to the growth and success of women-owned businesses with consumer goods. We are proud to stand with these amazing partners who support the growth of the Women Owned initiative and are dedicated to expanding opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

Ready to join the movement to support women entrepreneurs?

Get Involved

Discover Women Owned in Retail programming, sponsors and events.

Learn More