Canadian delegation at Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) 2026

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 85% 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. The event offers a platform to establish valuable connections and gainin insights from industry peers.

The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) will be leveraging this event to provide a delegation of Canadian women-owned businesses with:

• solutions to export-related questions
• strategic business advice on the U.S. market
• business-to-business (B2B) connection opportunities

• Know-before-you-go webinar: Participate in one of the two informative webinars with the TCS in Denver to connect with and inform the Canadian WBE companies interested in attending WBENC 2026. Guests from CanExport and WeConnect International will be there to answer questions.
  • Info-session webinar 1: Thursday, March 12 at 1:30 pm ET
  • Info-session webinar 2: Wednesday, March 18 at 1:30 pm ET
• We will host a virtual workshop in April for those who are registered or planning to attend WBENC. The workshop will serve to discuss objectives and identify B2B targets.
• We will host an additional workshop in May to provide feedback and advice to the Canadian delegation on their leave behind documents and pitches.
• We plan to host a networking event on the morning of June 15 for the Canadian delegation and local partners.
• WEConnect International Day event on June 18: The Consulate will plan to sponsor and attend and support Canadian WBEs on the ground to facilitate B2Bs.

To participate in the TCS Canadian business program and benefit from our support at WBENC 2026, please send an email to Karen Palmarini (karen.palmarini@international.gc.ca) and Sean Clark (sean.clark@international.gc.ca) with the following info:

• full name of attendee
• company name
• address
• email address
• sector 
• WEConnect or WBENC certified [yes/no]
• have you attended WBENC before [yes/no]

• 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 Trade Commissioner Service
• Compare your product/service with international competitors
• Pitch your product /service to selected audiences
• Receive mentoring and coaching

• Business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking: The TCS organizes curated B2B meetings, connecting Canadian companies with international partners, investors, and clients to explore new business opportunities.
• Networking opportunities: Join TCS-hosted networking sessions to connect with key industry players, government representatives, and global leaders, fostering collaborations that support international growth.