Women's Business Development Center (WBDC)

Overview

Since its inception in 1986, [http://www.wbdc.org The Women's Business Development Center (WBDC)] has been assisting and inspiring women at every stage of entrepreneurship. Founded by Hedy Ratner and Carol Dougal, the WBDC has grown from a two woman operation into a nationally recognized not-for-profit that stands out as a leader in entrepreneurial training, resources and as an advocate for women business issues [http://www.wbdc.org/about/about.asp Women's Business Development Center ] ] .

The WBDC is located in the heart of Chicago, across from Millennium Park and is easily accessible by public transportation. Their offices on the fourth floor of 8 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois now house a full time staff of 27, a team of talented consultants and an influential and powerful Board of Directors. Their facilities include a large training room, board room, and three additional offices for client consultations.

To date, they have assisted over 50,000 women in the greater Chicago area, have helped women win over $655 million in government and private sector contracts as well as securing over $90 million in loans .

Services

The Women’s Business Development Center offers a variety of ever expanding services to meet all areas of women entrepreneurs’ growing and changing needs. They provide business skills, role models, encouragement and support.

Individual CounselingThe WBDC offers free one-on-one business counseling with seasoned experts in all aspects of business development and management. Their counselors are an invaluable resource and their team of consultants includes experts on: start-up businesses, established businesses, retail and franchise, childcare, marketing and finance. Each counselor has years of industry experience and 90% have owned or currently own their own business.

Bridge CounselingThese sessions are conducted in small groups to help bridge the gap between structured workshops and individualized counseling, as well as provide peer support.

Start-Up Business AssistanceBesides one-on-one counseling, the WBDC caters to start-up businesses and entrepreneurs in the planning stage with programs specifically geared toward the beginning stages of entrepreneurship. Their workshops and series guide participants through the process of creating and implementing a business plan as well as teaching women the skills and techniques essential for a successful start-up business.

Established Business AssistanceThe WBDC offers a variety of seminars and events to enhance the business skills and capabilities of seasoned entrepreneurs while assisting them with capacity building. The WBDC also hosts networking events and discussions to help business owners become active in the female business community and to gain support and insight from their peers.

Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) & Corporate ConnectionsThis program assists companies in increasing their business capacity by strengthening sales, operations, and marketing functions. The WBDC also assists them in the process of identifying, competing for, winning and eventually fulfilling both government and corporate contracts.

Financial AssistanceThe WBDC provides hands-on assistance with the array of financial documents necessary to obtain capital and to plan business growth. They also assist with loan packaging which has ranged from $1,000 to $1.2 million and provide in-depth financial workshops.

CertificationThe WBDC is the largest and oldest certifying partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). WBENC certification is nationally recognized and helps women business owners create new marketing opportunities in the corporate and private sectors [ [http://www.wbenc.org/AboutUs/ What is WBENC? ] ] .

Entrepreneurial Woman's Conference (EWC)

The Entrepreneurial Woman’s Conference Women’s Business & Buyers Mart, the oldest conference and business opportunities fair for women in business in the country, and the premier event for women business owners in the Midwest. In 2006, their keynote speaker was Oprah Winfrey [ [http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/75085,CST-NWS-wbdc28.article Oprah steps out in a rare Chicago appearance :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Metro & Tri-State ] ] and in 2007 their keynote was Martha Stewart [ [http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/summary_0199-7162438_ITM Stewart impresses conference attendees. | Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL) (September, 2007) ] ] .

Child Care Business Expo

The Child Care Business Expo is an energizing one-day conference providing a wealth of information, resources, and opportunities for new and existing child care providers. It is offered in both English and Spanish.

References