Day 117: Women’s Business Development Center

For a while my mother operated a small business, a restaurant my dad started that she eventually ran until the land was sold and the business closed. For as much headaches and work that business was, you can still tell how much she misses it. It was a way for her to be self-sufficient, take care of her family, and run her own business. I believe that everyone with the desire should have the opportunity to experience the thrill and the challenges of running their own business and the WBDC is working to assist women in their goal for entrepreneurship.

The Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) is the oldest, largest, most comprehensive, and successful women’s business assistance center in the United States. They’re nationally and internationally recognized for their responsive, innovative, and effective programs and advocacy efforts. WBDC delivers business services and financial assistance to empower women towards entrepreneurship and economic self-sufficiency.  Since founding in 1986, they’ve grown from a two-person operation to a national leader in women’s economic development with a budget of $2.2 million. WBDC operation has grown to a staff of 24 full-time employees and consultants, a roster of expert trainers, industry-specific advisory boards, and a powerful Board of Directors comprised of Chicago women considered leaders in their fields.

Over the years, they’ve assisted more than 55,000 women in the greater Chicago area, helped establish 14 additional women’s business assistance centers in six states in the U.S., and continue to be credited for  programs and policies that impact women’s economic development across the nation and globally. 

Now in their third decade, the WBDC serves diverse entrepreneurs at all stages of development through the following programs and services:
  • Targeted entrepreneurial training in workshops and seminars
  • Industry-specific programs
  • Multicultural Outreach Programs
  • Professional business counseling
  • Financial assistance
  • Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) certification
  • Procurement and business opportunity assistance
  • Advocacy on women’s business ownership and economic development 
  • Regional and national events and conferences 
  • Access to information and resources covering all aspects of business ownership.
Amount Donated: $5

To support the Women’s Business Development Center, please visit: http://www.wbdc.org