As a teenager, Danielle Thomé faced challenges breaking into her father’s construction business, Projex Engenharia, due to gender norms in the industry. Despite eventual success in taking over the business, Thomé’s journey highlighted the gender discrimination prevalent in entrepreneurship.

The need for support networks for women entrepreneurs is evident, and SAP customer, WEConnect International, plays a crucial role in connecting women-owned businesses with global buyers. Thomé’s experience is just one example of the impact such networks can have.

Women entrepreneurs, facing unique challenges including gender bias and limited access to funding, hold immense potential to contribute significantly to the global economy. However, they often encounter barriers such as cultural norms, underestimated value by investors, and increased caregiving responsibilities, exacerbated by the pandemic.

The World Economic Forum emphasizes the economic benefits of gender equality, suggesting that advancing women’s employment could add trillions to the global GDP. Despite this, women-led businesses receive a minimal share of venture capital investments, hindering their growth.

The power to drive change extends beyond traditional procurement functions. Consumers express preferences for diverse businesses, and governments worldwide are enacting regulations to promote diversity and inclusion. Corporate leaders are also redefining policies to prioritize inclusive sourcing metrics in procurement strategies.

SAP Business Network, particularly the SAP Ariba Supplier Lifecycle and Performance solution, aids in creating connections between enterprise buyers and women-owned businesses. Through WEConnect International’s WECommunity platform, powered by SAP technology, buyers can easily find and engage with women-owned suppliers, fostering global visibility for these businesses.

WEConnect International’s president, Elizabeth Vazquez, emphasizes the value of women-owned businesses as a vital and underutilized resource. The SAP-enabled online portal has resulted in significant outcomes, with increased buyer membership, revenue growth for women-owned businesses, and a surge in new registrations.

The success stories, like that of Danielle Thomé and Projex Engenharia, showcase the transformative impact of networks and technology in empowering women entrepreneurs. As SAP continues its commitment to diversity and equity goals, it is heartening to see technology becoming a catalyst for positive change in the entrepreneurial landscape.