WEConnect International is the leading global nonprofit connecting women-owned businesses to large buyers around the world. For more than 15 years, WEConnect International has helped women-owned businesses access the opportunities, networks, and resources they need to compete and grow in the global marketplace. Through certification, education, supplier development, and business connections, the organisation helps drive money into the hands of women business owners while supporting companies seeking innovative and competitive suppliers across global value chains.
Operating in more than 135 markets and offering certification in 63 markets, WEConnect International has built a global network of more than 20,000 women-owned businesses and works with 180+ member buyers representing more than $4 trillion in purchasing power. The organisation identifies, educates, registers, and certifies businesses that are at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by women, helping increase visibility and access to procurement opportunities worldwide.
WEConnect International believes women-owned businesses are powerful engines for economic prosperity, innovation, and resilient supply chains. Yet despite women owning approximately one-third of privately owned businesses globally, corporations and governments continue to spend less than 1% with women-owned businesses worldwide. By connecting competitive women-owned businesses with large buyers, WEConnect International helps unlock new business opportunities, strengthen supply chains, and create positive economic impact for families and communities around the world.
The organisation’s work focuses on four key areas: identifying and certifying women-owned businesses, educating and building supplier capacity, connecting businesses with buyers through matchmaking and events, and advising organisations on strategies that expand supplier engagement and global sourcing opportunities. Through WECommunity, its global database and connection platform, women-owned businesses gain visibility with buyers actively seeking suppliers in industries including technology, professional services, facilities management, construction, marketing, and logistics.
In 2024 alone, WEConnect International facilitated more than 83,000 business connections, supported over $24 billion in member buyer spend with women-owned businesses, and trained more than 14,000 women entrepreneurs through virtual and in-person programs. Nearly half of businesses in the network reported overall revenue growth, demonstrating the impact of access to markets, education, and strategic business connections.
Through regional conferences, global events, supplier matchmaking, strategic partnerships, and targeted training programs, WEConnect International continues to expand economic opportunity and help women-owned businesses compete, grow, and thrive globally. By strengthening connections between buyers and suppliers, the organisation is building more resilient supply chains and creating lasting economic prosperity worldwide.
Jaxx Nelson is a leading advocate for supplier inclusion and women’s economic empowerment. As UK & Ireland Country Manager at WEConnect International, she connects women-owned businesses with corporate buyers, helping create clear pathways into global supply chains and sustainable growth.
With over 15 years in business development and sales, Jaxx has built partnerships across publishing, professional services, sustainability, learning and development, and start-ups. She has worked closely with FTSE-listed companies and understands how corporates assess suppliers, manage risk and build long-term commercial relationships. Having also grown ventures within women-owned businesses and launched businesses of her own, she brings valuable insight from both sides of the table.
Passionate about improving access to contracts, capital and credible networks, Jaxx champions practical solutions that help women founders become procurement-ready, investment-ready and positioned for long-term growth.
SheChain Live Partner
WEConnect International helps open up national and global supply chain opportunities for women-owned businesses.
They connects women entrepreneurs with major buyers, procurement teams and commercial networks, helping increase visibility, strengthen supplier diversity and create real pathways to growth.
Together, SheChain Live and WEConnect International are focused on turning conversations into commercial opportunity.