Women-owned businesses across New South Wales are set to gain greater access to government procurement opportunities through a new partnership between the NSW Government and WEConnect International.
Providing an update on the pilot last week, the NSW Government said it’s investing more than $35,000 to help women-owned enterprises strengthen their procurement credentials, connect with buyers and compete for larger contract opportunities.
Fifty businesses from across NSW have already been selected to participate, with each receiving fully funded WEConnect International certification valid for three years.
The certification is designed to give procurement teams confidence that participating suppliers meet WEConnect International’s criteria for women’s ownership and control, while increasing the businesses’ visibility among government and corporate buyers seeking to diversify their supply chains.
The selected businesses represent a broad range of industries and communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally and linguistically diverse enterprises.
Businesses from regional, rural, remote and cross-border areas are also taking part, alongside suppliers operating in traditionally male-dominated sectors such as construction and infrastructure.
Business leaders recently gathered in Sydney for the program’s first Information and Buyer Engagement Session to learn about the certification process and what major buyers look for when assessing prospective suppliers.
NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said women-owned businesses make an important contribution to the state’s economy but continue to encounter barriers when pursuing significant procurement opportunities.
“Women-owned businesses are an important driver of innovation, economic growth and employment across New South Wales,” she said.
“Too often, women entrepreneurs face barriers accessing larger procurement opportunities. This pilot is helping remove those barriers by providing globally recognised certification and direct connections to buyers.
“By supporting more women-owned businesses to participate in government and corporate supply chains, we’re creating new opportunities for business growth and strengthening a more diverse and inclusive economy.”
WEConnect International Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth A. Vazquez said certification would help procurement professionals identify eligible suppliers and allow participating businesses to improve their readiness for larger contracts.
“Certification provides businesses with an internationally recognised credential that helps buyers identify women-owned suppliers with confidence,” she said.
“We are proud to partner with the NSW Government and these outstanding women-owned businesses as they strengthen their procurement readiness, build relationships with major buyers and unlock new opportunities for growth.
“Inclusive sourcing creates economic opportunity, drives innovation and delivers stronger outcomes for businesses, communities and the broader economy.”
The pilot forms part of the NSW Government’s wider efforts to increase women’s participation in business and supply chains, alongside the Supporting Women in Business grants, Investing in Women grants and the Women-Owned Enterprises Australia Supplier Network.
