P&G continues to support women-owned businesses with its 5th Singapore Women Entrepreneurs Academy
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Along with marking the fifth edition for Singapore, the 2023 program also saw participants from Malaysia joining for the first time
The program culminated in a virtual graduation ceremony for 23 women entrepreneurs
SINGAPORE, March 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG) and WEConnect International successfully concluded the 2023 edition of its flagship P&G Women Entrepreneurs Academy (WEA) today with a virtual graduation ceremony. This year's edition was a milestone as it is the fifth year the program was organized in Singapore while concurrently being the first edition organized for Malaysia. P&G Women Entrepreneurs Academy 2023 Virtual Graduation Ceremony
The ceremony was graced by Guest-of-Honor, Ms Low Yen Ling, Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, Singapore. There was also a virtual message by YB Dato' Sri Hajah Nancy Binti Haji Shukri, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Malaysia. This year, 23 women entrepreneurs – 10 from Singapore and 13 from Malaysia, underwent a wide range of training and development modules. Held online over a period of three weeks, the modules were designed with WEConnect International and conducted by senior P&G representatives with an aim to develop the entrepreneurs' capabilities and help them grow their businesses. The modules covered a wide breadth of business development topics including operations, procurement, leadership skills, sales, and company branding. "At P&G, our vision is to create a more equal and inclusive world. We have a role and desire to remove barriers to economic opportunities for women through sustainable measures and advocacy efforts. Having successfully organized the Women Entrepreneurs Academy elsewhere in the region, we are thrilled to have one for Malaysia in 2023. Women-owned businesses are not just good for the economy, but also for shaping a community. This is because when more women take the lead, they become role models to many others to take the same path. With P&G programs like this providing a support network and unlocking capability, we take a step towards equality and a level playing field for women," said Priyali Kamath, Senior Vice President, Skin & Personal Care and Executive Sponsor, Equality & Inclusion, P&G Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa. The P&G Women Entrepreneurs Academy is a key initiative in P&G's long-term commitment towards an equal and inclusive environment aimed to close the gender economic gap. It is conducted in conjunction with WEConnect International, a global non-profit organization that works with multinational corporations and multilateral organizations to generate market access opportunity for women's business enterprises in over 135 countries. "Enabling the growth of women-owned businesses could increase the size of Singapore's economy by as much as S$95 billion, about 20% of GDP. Women own 20.6 per cent of business entities in Malaysia and have contributed significantly to the country's economy, creating over seven hundred thousand jobs. We are very pleased that this collaboration with P&G is driving positive change in the lives of women business owners in Singapore and Malaysia, by providing them with opportunities to build knowledge and skills and develop strong networks," said Mrinalini Venkatachalam, Regional Director for Southeast Asia and Oceania, WEConnect International. Starting out as the Women Entrepreneurs Development Program (WEDP), the initiative is part of P&G's Supplier Diversity Program. Since its inception in 2016, the P&G Women Entrepreneurs Academy has been conducted all over the world, in Singapore, Malaysia and other countries in the region including China, India, Japan, South Africa, and Indonesia. About Procter & Gamble
P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands. About WEConnect International
WEConnect International is a member-led, global non-profit that brings motivated, large corporate, multilateral and government buyers together with qualified women-owned suppliers around the world. It works with over 170 multinational buying organizations, with over $1 trillion in annual purchasing power combined, that have committed to sourcing more products and services from women-owned businesses based in over 135 countries. WEConnect International identifies, educates, registers and certifies women's business enterprises based outside of the U.S. that are at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by one or more women. WEConnect International provides certification in over 60 countries that represent over 80 percent of the world's population. Source: P&G

P&G continues to support women-owned businesses with its 5th Singapore Women Entrepreneurs Academy

WEConnect International is a global network of 15,000 businesses that aims to connect women-owned businesses with buyers. To become certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise, companies must meet four criteria based on ownership, management, control and independence. Businesses must be at least 51%-owned by women, as well as managed and controlled by one or more women. Ruth Partington, founder and chief executive, Empower, said: “From the existence of a ‘broken first rung’ for women stepping up to management, to nearly one in two men – and one in three women – believing men intrinsically make better leaders, it is still necessary in 2023 to recognise the rarity of female-owned businesses. “I am honoured that Empower is in this position, and supported by an incredible team of people who continue to pave the way for gender equality in the workplace.”
The WBE certification is valid for 12 months.

Empower_becomes_a_certified_Women’s_Business_Enterprise

P&G Australia and WEConnect provide business network, training, and mentorship for women entrepreneurs in Sydney
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SYDNEY, Dec. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Women business leaders from 24 Australian small and medium enterprises have graduated from the inaugural P&G Women Entrepreneurs Academy in Sydney. Held in partnership between Procter & Gamble and WEConnect International, the program provides a wide range of training and development courses on topics such as sales, communications, procurement, human resources, and leadership skills. P&G Women Entrepreneurs Academy
The graduation ceremony was officiated by Kumar Venkatasubramanian, Managing Director P&G Australia & New Zealand, who also led the course on Leadership Skills. "Small businesses play a critical role in Australian society, and we are passionate about helping them succeed. It was inspiring to meet the 24 women leaders of these businesses, many of whom are making a difference through their focus on gender equality, environmental sustainability, and indigenous inclusion – priorities that are closely shared by P&G Australia & New Zealand. I'm proud to see the great success of this program and look forward to seeing these inspiring women and their businesses thrive," Mr Venkatasubramanian said. A joint survey conducted by P&G Australia and WEConnect International with responses from the 24 women business owners found that 95% of participants said it was very important to have access to a support network, coaching and training. However, only 41% currently have access to a strong network of support. 91% of participants agreed that it is challenging at times to strike a healthy balance between managing a business and having time for family, household and other passions. Mrinalini Venkatachalam, Regional Director Southeast Asia & Oceania, WEConnect International, said that women-owned and women-led businesses are a critical source of innovation and growth in Australia:
"In many parts of the world, women-owned businesses are a significant and reliable source of innovation in global value chains, bringing new ideas, products and services into the market. It is inspiring to see the success of women-owned businesses in Australia and there is a great opportunity to strengthen the power of these female entrepreneurs." Since its inception in 2016, P&G and WeConnect have partnered to host this Academy in 13 other markets, including Singapore, South Africa, Japan, and the US. About Procter & Gamble
P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands. About WEConnect International
WEConnect International is a member-led, global non-profit that brings motivated, large corporate, multilateral and government buyers together with qualified women-owned suppliers around the world. It works with over 160 multinational buying organizations, with over $1 trillion in annual purchasing power combined, that have committed to sourcing more products and services from women-owned businesses based in over 130 countries. WEConnect International identifies, educates, registers and certifies women's business enterprises based outside of the U.S. that are at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by one or more women. WEConnect International provides certification in over 50 countries that represent over 65 percent of the world's population. About P&G and WEConnect International's Survey
Survey was conducted by P&G and WEConnect International in October-November 2022. The survey data quoted is based on all responses received from a total of 24 respondents. All respondents were applicants in the P&G Academy for Women Entrepreneurs and represent a range of different industry sectors and business sizes.

P&G Australia and WEConnect provide business network, training, and mentorship for women entrepreneurs in Sydney

ANDER GILLENEA/AFP via Getty Images
Among the countries in Latin America, Ecuador has the highest proportion of small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) run by women, however only 11% of their exports according to a study on women's businesses in five regional countries, including Ecuador, Primicias reported . Five organizations, including WEConnect International, the World Bank's Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi), and the International Development Bank (IDB), collaborated to produce the study, which was dated Nov. 23. Sula is one of the Ecuadorian SMEs led by women that does export. Their sustainable beachwear is sold in the United States. In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, at the end of 2020, the concept for this company emerged when Macarena Morillo finished her environmental management coursework and returned from the United States. As it was difficult to find employment during the crisis, she and her sister, Valentina, decided to launch a business. Macarena launched the Sula brand in 2021. The brand sells swimsuits, t-shirts, towels, bags, and caps made with textile material made from recycled bottles in Ecuador. Sula products are sold in Quito’s Mariscal Sucre international airport, Mariscal La Mar airport in Cuenca, commercial premises on Santa Cruz Island, and on cruise ships that sail through the Galapagos Islands. Sula uses online platforms like Instagram and a website to sell to customers in various locations throughout the nation. Additionally, electronic commerce has made it possible for goods to reach the United States, particularly North Carolina. Compared to other nations in the region, Ecuador has a lower percentage of women-owned SMEs that export. For instance, 38% of women-owned small enterprises in Guatemala export. According to WEConnect International, 26% of people do this in El Salvador, 15% do so in Costa Rica, and 12% do so in Honduras. Because many women-owned SMEs in Ecuador are born out of necessity and do not thrive, their export level is lower. On the other hand, in most of the countries of the region, entrepreneurs motivated by business opportunities predominate. According to the Espae Business School, companies founded out of necessity have a tendency to stagnate or even go out of business since they lack planning, differentiation, and access to finance. Representation image. ANDER GILLENEA/AFP via Getty Images
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Fewer Than 11% Of SMEs Run By Women Export Their Products

AUSTRALIAN WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS INVITED TO JOIN EXCLUSIVE TRAINING AND NETWORKING EVENT WITH P&G BUSINESS LEADERS
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SYDNEY, Sept. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Procter & Gamble, in partnership with WEConnect International, is launching a dedicated training academy for women-owned enterprises, the "P&G Academy for Women Entrepreneurs". For the first time, Australia-based women business owners will have an opportunity to partake in the Academy, which provides tailored training and coaching designed to help these businesses grow and thrive. P&G and WEConnect International are now actively recruiting participants to sponsor for inclusion in this program: click here to apply . Kumar Venkatasubramanian, Managing Director of P&G Australia and New Zealand, explains the importance of this program, "At P&G, we aspire to create a company and a world where equality and inclusion are achievable for all. All around the world, P&G is committed to diversifying our supplier base and accelerating opportunities for women-owned and women-led businesses. This is good for our community, it's good for our economy, and it's another step towards a level playing field for women. I am thrilled to launch P&G's Academy for Women Entrepreneurs in Australia as we can play a critical role in supporting women-owned and women-led enterprises with access to world-class training, coaching, and mentoring." The P&G Academy for Women Entrepreneurs has been developed as a key initiative in P&G's commitment toward equality and inclusion, with an aim to help close the economic gender gap. The P&G Academy provides training for women-owned businesses in Australia through a range of development courses including topics such as business growth strategies, brand building, leadership skills, human resources, and procurement. The program will take place at the P&G Head Office in Sydney on November 29-30, 2022. "Women-owned businesses are one of the most underutilised drivers of innovation and job growth in Australia. Seeing that six out of the seventeen Sustainability Development Goals are intrinsically connected to women's economic empowerment and entrepreneurship, we simply cannot afford to allow the contributions of women-owned businesses to go unnoticed, unmonitored or unsupported. The real bottom line is that supplier diversity and inclusion, and women's economic empowerment through gender-inclusive sourcing, is key to delivering on Environmental, Social, and Governance goals and ensuring more inclusive and sustainable global prosperity", added Mrinalini Venkatachalam, Regional Director for Southeast Asia and Oceania, WEConnect International. Since its inception in 2016, P&G and WEConnect have partnered to host this Academy in 13 other markets, including Singapore, South Africa, Japan, and the US. About Procter & Gamble
P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always Discreet®, Ambi Pur®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Herbal Essences®, Metamucil®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Vicks®, and Voost®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit www.pg.com for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands. About WEConnect International
WEConnect International is a member-led, global non-profit that brings motivated, large corporate, multilateral and government buyers together with qualified women-owned suppliers around the world. It works with over 110 multinational buying organizations, with over $1 trillion in annual purchasing power combined, that have committed to sourcing more products and services from women-owned businesses based in over 120 countries. WEConnect International identifies, educates, registers and certifies women's business enterprises based outside of the U.S. that are at least 51% owned, managed and controlled by one or more women. WEConnect International provides certification in almost 50 countries that represent over 60 per cent of the world's population. Source: Procter and Gamble

AUSTRALIAN WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS INVITED TO JOIN EXCLUSIVE TRAINING AND NETWORKING EVENT WITH P&G BUSINESS LEADERS

Entrepreneurs' Organization is a global, peer-to-peer network of influential business owners. EO is the catalyst that enables entrepreneurs to learn and grow.

Entrepreneurs' Organization

Carrie Santos , Chief Executive of the Entrepreneurs ' Organization , said , `` The Entrepreneurs ' Organization exists to support business owners -- and we are excited to be able to provide more specialized support for women in business through our partnership with WEConnect International .

WEConnect International Announces New Collaboration with Entrepreneurs’ Organization to promote and support Women-Owned Entrepreneurs.

P&G serves consumers around the world with a portfolio of brands, including Always, Ambi Pur, Ariel, Bounty, Charmin, Crest, Dawn, Downy, Fairy, Febreze, Gain, Gillette, Head & Shoulders, Lenor, Olay, Oral-B, Pampers, Pantene, SK-II, Tide, Vicks, and Whisper. The P&G community includes operations in countries worldwide.

Procter & Gamble

By working in partnership with WEConnect International , P&G aims to empower participants to continue to develop and grow their businesses , at a time when economic recovery is more important than ever .

P&G UK partners with WEConnect International as part of Gender Equality mission

TD Bank Group (TSE: TD) offers a range of financial products and services. The platform provides accounting services, credit cards, borrowing services, investment, and insurance services to its customers. The company was founded in 1855 and is based in Toronto, Canada.

TD Bank Group

TD Bank Group and WEConnect International , along with program delivery partner , Le Réseau des Femmes D'Affaires du Quebec , will offer this exclusive workshop during the year .

TD Bank Group and WEConnect International Work Together to Fund Training for Women-Owned Businesses in Québec

Digid operates as a business consulting service. It provides payment systems and financial technologies. It was founded in 2016 and is based in Istanbul, Turkey.

Digid

UN Women is a UN organization dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. UN Women supports UN Member States as they set global standards for achieving gender equality, and works with governments and civil society to design laws, policies, programs, and services needed to implement these standards. It stands behind women's equal participation in all aspects of life, focusing on five priority areas: increasing women's leadership and participation; ending violence against women; engaging women in all aspects of peace and security processes; enhancing women's economic empowerment; and making gender equality central to national development planning and budgeting.

UN Women

Quantum Leaps Corporation

WEConnect International is a company that offers service and support to companies that are owned by women.

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Elizabeth Vazquez	Quantum Leaps Corporation	Founder, Chief Executive Officer, President	Current
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