Women in Business

Dell has announced that it will host the fourth annual Dell Women's Entrepreneur Network conference in Istanbul, Turkey, June 2-4, 2013. The two-day, invitation-only event connects female founders, CEOs and leaders of high-growth businesses in some of the world's top entrepreneurial marketplaces, to share best practices and challenges and spotlight the positive impact women-owned businesses have on the global economy.

Current Network members and Dell chose Turkey for the 2013 event because it is one of the fastest-growing markets in the world, strategically located between Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia. Regulatory and taxation changes have fostered a culture of innovation and support for entrepreneurs and small businesses, resulting in an economic growth rate of nearly 9% in 2011.

"Dell is committed to accelerating the advancement of women globally by fostering entrepreneurship," said Karen Quintos, Dell senior vice president and chief marketing officer. "Through our Network, Dell connects female entrepreneurs with the right technology as well as access to capital, networks and new markets. Globally the number of women entrepreneurs is growing, and we believe there is great potential for the Turkish female community as well as female entrepreneurs to access this growing market.

The theme of next year's event, "Pay it Forward," focuses on how women can positively impact and reinvigorate entire communities by giving back to those in need. In Turkey, this call to "pay it forward" rings true as the creation of startups and small businesses, especially in the growing technology market, is seen as a force to stabilise employment and support continued growth. Turkey's technological advancements are becoming internationally recognised and the country's newly-created science and technology park, Teknopark Istanbul, is being touted by many as "The Next Silicon Valley."

Dell Women's Entrepreneur Network 2013 attendees will be challenged to share their knowledge and experiences to help power women to further their own businesses and the global economy. With speakers representing - Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States.