July Recap: WBE Canada’s Events for Women Business Owners

July was a month of inspiration and growth for Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) in Canada, thanks to a series of dynamic events organized by WBE Canada. From enriching Open Office Calls to engaging in-person Meetups, and a transformative Supplier Diversity Day in Vancouver, Certified WBEs were provided with a plethora of opportunities to connect, learn, and excel. Let’s take a closer look at the empowering events that unfolded in July and the valuable insights they offered to women business owners.

The first event of July was the monthly Open Office Call, providing Certified WBEs a platform to get their questions answered, seek feedback, and connect with Silvia Pencak and the WBE Canada Team. These live calls allow participants to submit their work in advance, such as capability statements, pitches, WBE profiles, and outreach strategies, to receive constructive feedback during the hour-long session. These interactive calls not only facilitate learning but also create a fun and supportive environment for WBEs to engage with experts and peers.

The following week, the WBE Community and Champions came together in Halifax, NS, at the Brightwood Golf and Country Club for a unique WBE Meetup. This in-person event allowed WBEs to connect face-to-face and enjoy a beautiful summer evening. The WBE Canada Team and Denise Garagan of Denny’s Atlantic Detail Products hosted the event, discussing the latest updates at WBE Canada, certification, events, programs, mentorship, and the upcoming National Conference in November.

In Montreal, QC, on July 18th, WBEs gathered at Le PARLOIR – caves privées for another enjoyable Meetup event. Hosted by Anne-Marie Deslauriers of Delan, the event celebrated WBE Canada’s record-topping number of certified WBEs and provided an opportunity for WBEs in the area to connect, network, and learn about the latest updates at WBE Canada.

The GTA area also had its Meetup on July 18th, held at Profile Wine Group. This Meetup, hosted by Marte Belisle of SommeEvents, celebrated the growing number of certified WBEs and brought together WBEs, the WBE Team, and other stakeholders in the geographic area. Attendees discussed updates, certification, events, programs, and more, while also enjoying wine-tasting and delightful charcuterie.

The month wrapped up with a day of learning, networking, and inspiration during WBE Canada’s Supplier Diversity Day in Vancouver, BC. Corporate and government professionals, as well as certified and non-certified women-owned businesses, attended the event. Panels discussed challenges and opportunities for Canadian women-owned businesses in corporate and government supply chains, and roundtable business networking allowed WBEs to pitch their products/services to buyers present at the event.

July was a vibrant and transformative month for Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) in Canada, as WBE Canada organized a series of empowering events. Open Office Calls offered valuable feedback and guidance to Certified WBEs, while Meetups in Halifax, Montreal, and the GTA celebrated community and shared knowledge. Supplier Diversity Day: Vancouver showcased the commitment to diversity and collaboration, creating opportunities for corporate and government professionals to connect with diverse suppliers. WBE Canada’s dedication to empowering women entrepreneurs and fostering a supportive community left a lasting impact, promising a future of continued growth and success.


Learn more about WBE Canada’s Canadian Women Brand here.

Are you a Canadian business that is 51% or more owned, managed and controlled by women interested in learning more about the benefits of becoming a certified diverse supplier? Find out more about WBE Certification!

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