Who should apply: Women-owned businesses in Canada looking to export to the U.S.
Canadian Delegation at Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) 2025
Event Type: Trade event
Date: June 22 to 26, 2025
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Venue: Morial Convention Center, New Orleans
Industry(ies): Aerospace, Agriculture and processed foods, Alcoholic beverages, Automotive, Chemicals and plastics, Clean technologies, Consumer products, Creative industries, Education, Financial and insurance services, Fish and seafood, Forestry and wood products, Industrial machinery, Information and communications technologies, Infrastructure, Life sciences, Mining, Oil and gas, Professional services, Tourism, Transportation
Export Theme(s): Women
Registration deadline: June 21, 2025
Event description
Are you a women-owned business in Canada looking to expand into the U.S. market? Don’t miss the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) Conference – the largest event of its kind focused on supplier diversity and business growth.
This premier event brings together thousands of women entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and supplier diversity professionals eager to build partnerships and do business. Attendees include representatives from:
- the Fortune 500
- the U.S. federal government
- women business owners and their teams
- key representatives of WBENC strategy partner organizations
With over 95% of Fortune 500 companies integrating supplier diversity into their procurement strategies, WBENC offers excellent visibility to companies led by individuals who have been traditionally underrepresented in trade, providing a platform for establishing valuable connections and gaining insights from industry peers.
The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) will be leveraging this event to provide women-owned businesses with:
- solutions to export-related questions
- strategic business advice on the U.S. market
- business-to-business connection opportunities
Embark on this journey with us and take part in the following activities designed to equip you with the information and tools necessary for success in the U.S. market:
- Know-Before-You-Go Webinar – Prepare for your exhilarating journey to WBENC in the legendary Crescent City by participating in this informative webinar with the Trade Commissioner Service in Dallas
- Two Engaging Virtual Workshops on How to Work with US Corporate Supplier Diversity Teams – Get the latest supplier diversity insights from two of the largest multinational corporations headquartered in the South-Central US and learn how they work with WBEs and how to refine your pitch in these challenging times
- WEConnect International Day - see details below
- Canadian Trade Commissioner Service and B2B Meeting Space at WBENC Expo
- Canada at WBENC Networking Breakfast on June 23 – an exclusive networking breakfast on the margins of WBENC aimed at connecting WBEs to local and regional contacts
To participate in the TCS' Canadian business program and benefit from TCS support at WBENC 2025, register as soon as possible.
Important notes
- TCS programming will kick off with participation in WEConnect International Day, taking place one day prior to WBENC at the Sheraton Hotel New Orleans on June 22, 2025. Note that participants are required to register separately to attend WEConnect International Day and must be WEConnect certified or WEConnect registered (there is no charge to become registered with WEConnect) to participate but there is a cost to attend regardless. Early bird discounts are substantial but end May 1. Check out the event website for more information, including links to become certified or registered with WEConnect.
- TCS business program participants must also register to WBENC 2025, visit the event website for more details
- Please note that some program elements such as the WBENC Match and Meet with America's Top Corporations on date TBD are open only to WBENC and WEConnect Certified WBEs who have a full conference registration
Benefits of participating
- Gain insights and market intelligence
- Meet key commercial entities, industry players, and potential buyers, investors and/or partners
- Participate in networking events
- Increase visibility of your product or service
- Receive on-the-ground assistance from the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
- Compare your product/service with international competitors
- Pitch your product /service to selected audiences
- Receive mentoring and coaching
How the program works
- B2B matchmaking: The TCS organizes curated B2B meetings, connecting Canadian companies with international partners, investors, and clients to explore new business opportunities.
- Pavilion/exhibit: Showcase your company at the Canada Pavillion where your organization can have a booth located in a high-traffic area.
- Networking opportunities: Join TCS-hosted networking sessions to connect with key industry players, government representatives, and global leaders, fostering collaborations that support international growth.
Contact us
Laura Aune
Trade Commisioner
Dallas, Texas
laura.aune@international.gc.ca