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The goal of this program is to create a lasting relationship between German women entrepreneurs and Canadian women entrepreneurs from New Brunswick in similar industries. This is not a mentoring program but rather a win-win exchange, the two companies may be of comparable size and stages.

The program includes at least one 60 to 90-minute meeting per month during which the "twins" can exchange best practices, markets/ industries information, cultural differences, local functioning. They can also collaborate more actively by sharing key contacts, making connections and helping their twin to penetrate the local market.

The program includes a year’s support from the VdU & WBNB associations, with the goal of creating lasting friendships or partnerships between participants.

The launch event took place on May 28th, during a virtual group meeting with 29 participants. The Canadian and German candidates as well as the project partners were present.  Representatives from Global Affairs Canada, from the Canadian Embassy in Berlin and from the German Embassy in Ottawa joined the event.

Testimonials:

The Embassy of Canada congratulates WBNB and the VdU on this useful initiative, which should generate some new ideas to increase our bilateral trade with Germany. This initiative is very much in line with Canada’s goal to increase the number of business women involved in international trade. The Trade Commissioners at the three Canadian diplomatic missions in Germany would be pleased to support this initiative by providing information and guidance in response to inquiries from the Canadian participants on some of the practical commercial questions which may come up from this sharing of ideas.

Christopher MacLean, Counselor, Commercial, Embassy of Canada in Berlin

“The German Embassy in Ottawa congratulates WBNB and VdU on this fantastic initiative, which is intended to create lasting and thriving partnerships between German and Canadian companies. This project perfectly mirrors Germany’s goal to promote increasing business relations in the framework of the CETA agreement and to support women entrepreneurship on our joint way forward towards success through equality and diversity.”

Lydia Sasnovskis, Second Secretary, Political and Commercial Affairs, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Ottawa

‘’We are delighted to see the open-mindedness, enthusiasm and commitment of the Canadian & German candidates for this project. We hope that this exchange program will create business opportunities and lead to rich exchanges, friendships and lasting partnerships.

These women entrepreneurs have clearly understood that network is a true asset, the real key to success in business.’’

Claire Ephestion, WBNB Export and International trade Development Officer, Project Leader "Canadian-German Exchange of Women Entrepreneurs"

"In these challenging times it is more important than ever to build bridges across continents and form strong alliances. With this project, we would like to show our female entrepreneurs the opportunities that the CETA agreement offers and open up new business perspectives."

Dr. Marie-Claire Weinski, VdU International Commission Board Member, VdU Project Leader "German-Canadian Exchange of Women Entrepreneurs"