DWEN Q&A

What is Dell Women’s Entrepreneurship Network (DWEN)?

Through DWEN, Dell is empowering women entrepreneurs to grow their business through the power of technology, expansion of global networks and access to capital. By highlighting female entrepreneurial success and creating a supportive atmosphere, DWEN helps a group of like-minded women share best practices, build business opportunities through collaboration, explore international expansion and access new resources and technologies that support business growth.

Why was DWEN created?

At the height of the recession in 2009, we started brainstorming ways we could help our customers continue to grow and influence the global economy. Two realities inspired us to focus on women entrepreneurs: The fact that entrepreneurs are the force that historically leads the economy out of financial crisis and second, that women business owners (whose combined companies – at that time – would make up the fifth largest GDP in the world!) still struggled to access the capital, networks and resources they need to take their businesses to the next level.

Why is Dell supporting women entrepreneurs?

Investing in women has a positive impact on the global economy. Women-owned businesses are significant drivers of job creation and economic growth. At Dell, women make a critical contribution in every aspect of our business – employees, leaders, customers, suppliers and partners. We’re actively supporting our customers with improved access to capital, technology, networks and information – areas where women have historically been under-served where we feel we can make a significant impact.

Why do you have a separate program focused on Women entrepreneurs?

Under representation of women in business today is a missed opportunity—not just from a moral standpoint but an economic one. One of the world’s greatest emerging markets is closer than you think. Women are the world’s most powerful consumers, and their impact on the economy is growing every year. The global incomes of women were predicted to reach a staggering $18 trillion by 2018, according to global professional services firm EY. Also, Women drive 70-80% of all consumer purchasing, when they earn an income they reinvest 90% back into their communities.

What are the benefits of joining DWEN?

CONNECT

• Access to a growing global community of women entrepreneurs
• Investors and advisors both in-person and online.

INSPIRE

• Share your stories, learn from others
• Take advantage of opportunities to be spotlighted on a global platform.

TRANSFORM

• Tailored content and technology resources
• Dell Small Business Technology Advisors to help grow your business
• Technology Financing through Dell Financial Services
• Rewards and tailored discounts on your technology needs.

Why do I see men’s profiles on the site?

While the mission of DWEN is to support and enable woman* entrepreneurs, men are welcome to participate as DWEN Champions. DWEN Champions support the mission of DWEN in their roles as members of the Dell Technologies team, investors, partners, educators, speakers and more. Specific activities and/or local chapters or groups may be reserved for women members. Any participants that do not adhere to DWEN’s community terms of service will be removed from the site.  

*including those who identify as a woman, or is nonbinary. 

Can I receive donations, grants or investments through DWEN?

 DWEN support entrepreneurs through complimentary content, networking, tech advise, events, content, and more, but do not offer donations or grants.  Occasionally members may be able to participate in a Technology Funding Competition, restrictions and limitations apply.