Women-focused trade missions and events

The Business Women in International Trade (BWIT) team organizes women-focused trade missions and events each year. The missions allow Canadian women-owned businesses to explore international opportunities, access supplier diversity opportunities and gain important market knowledge.

Focus on business women

For over 20 years, BWIT has taken hundreds of Canadian women entrepreneurs on women-focused trade missions around the world, this includes Brazil, Europe, Mexico and the United States. BWIT runs annual missions and supports important women-focused events.  

BWIT trade missions include on-the-ground support from the BWIT team, trade commissioners and our impressive network of partners, including the Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC). 

Upcoming trade missions

• Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) National Conference and Business Fair
  June 21-25, Atlanta, Georgia
  Join the BWIT trade mission at  the world’s largest gathering of corporate and government buyers.  Connect with women business leaders from over 18 countries while engaging in tailored Canadian programming. Enjoy three days of inspiring speakers, executive workshops, matchmaking and networking, Attend the WBENC Business Fair with more than 300 exhibitors and procurement specialists.

Previous trade missions

• Go for the Greens Business Development Conference for Women 
  September 18–21, 2019, Orlando, Florida
• Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) National Conference and Business Fair
  June 23-27, 2019, Baltimore, Maryland

Why join a trade mission?

Our women-focused trade missions include:

• two information sessions via webinar
• welcome kit
• networking reception and opportunities
• matchmaking and business-to-business (B2B) meetings
• Canadian booth
• on-the-ground support from experienced trade commissioners

We  offer expert advice and support during and after each mission.

Get ready for your trade mission

Learn how to prepare for your trade mission, and make the most of your mission experience.

Events

Join us and other business women at upcoming events:

• Annual CAMSC Diversity Procurement Fair
  Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council
  Held in Toronto every year in April
  This two-day event matches global corporations committed to diversity with Aboriginal and minority-owned businesses.
• Power the Economy
  WeConnect International in Canada National Conference
  Held in Toronto every year in October
  This event is for Canadian women-owned businesses that want to connect with multinational corporations and governments. Network with other women entrepreneurs, listen to inspiring speakers and take part in a corporate matchmaking session.
• WBE Canada Conference
  Held in Toronto every year in November
  WBE Canada’s annual conference brings together Canadian corporate and government leaders, procurement professionals and women-owned businesses.

Connect with Business Women in International Trade (BWIT)

Questions or need support

• Email the BWIT team: bwit@international.gc.ca

Join the conversation

• Connect with BWIT on LinkedIn
• Follow the conversation on Twitter: #BWIT or #womenexporters