Women's Business Development Center

Women's Business Development Center www.WBDC.org Ignites Business Growth
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The mission of the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) is to support and accelerate business development and growth, targeting women and serving other underserved communities and veterans, in order to strengthen their participation in, and impact on, the economy.

Celebrating Innovators for the Next 250The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is hosting a nation-wide, $1 million...
06/05/2026

Celebrating Innovators for the Next 250

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is hosting a nation-wide, $1 million prize pool pitch competition to celebrate the innovation and ambition on Main Street that has fueled American ingenuity for 250 years. The competition is open to small businesses from all sectors who have utilized certain SBA capital products, and who are shaping the future of their industry with innovation and sound business practices and fundamentals.

Submission Deadline:
June 10, 2026

Finalist Notifications:
July 2026

Pitch Competition Finals Event: One day event between
September 8–18, 2026
(date to be finalized at a later time)

How to Submit
Eligible businesses must submit by June 10, 2026 at 11:59pm. Detailed eligibility requirements and submission instructions are available at sba.gov/freedom250

The Chicago Capital Activation Experience is a premier event where service-basedbusiness leaders connect directly with f...
06/05/2026

The Chicago Capital Activation Experience is a premier event where service-based
business leaders connect directly with funders, investors, and corporate partners. This is
the room where meaningful connections are made and growth strategies take shape.

Hyde Park, Chicago

What you’ll gain:
● One-on-one meetings with aligned funders
● Strategic networking with growth-minded CEOs
● Actionable insights from experienced operators and capital partners

Don’t miss the opportunity to open new doors for your business.

Learn more and request your invite https://foundersfirstcapitalpartners.com/ceo-capital-activation-chicago?utm_source=WBDC

Join us on June 30th as we honor the recipients of the 2026 Celebrating Women in Innovation Awards, spotlighting trailbl...
06/04/2026

Join us on June 30th as we honor the recipients of the 2026 Celebrating Women in Innovation Awards, spotlighting trailblazing innovators who have broken barriers and lifted up other women across their careers.

- Experience a dynamic panel of honorees sharing their journeys and insights.
- Grow your business and career by connecting with Chicago-based groups that provide resources to women in business.
- Enjoy bites and beverages crafted by women entrepreneurs in Chicago.

Come be inspired, make meaningful connections, and be part of a community driving innovation forward!

Learn More and Register: https://chicagoinnovation.com/events/celebrating-women-in-innovation-3/

The journey to IMPACT continues at the 2026 WBENC National Conference, June 15–18, in Salt Lake City. This year’s theme ...
06/03/2026

The journey to IMPACT continues at the 2026 WBENC National Conference, June 15–18, in Salt Lake City. This year’s theme focuses on accelerating growth, expanding opportunity, and strengthening the strategic relationships that move businesses—and communities—forward.

IMPACT goes beyond the numbers. It’s about progress, sustainability, and shared success. Be part of the momentum as WBENC brings together leaders, innovators, and decision-makers committed to building what’s next—together.

REGISTER NOW or BECOME AN EXHIBITOR—secure your spot today! https://www.wbenc.org/conference

Hey Illinois solopreneurs — this one's for you. 👋If you're already running your business and working with clients, but y...
06/02/2026

Hey Illinois solopreneurs — this one's for you. 👋
If you're already running your business and working with clients, but you're ready to get more focused and intentional about where it's going, the Solopreneurs' Mastermind Series might be exactly what you've been looking for.

Here's how the 6 months work:
Months 1–2 (June & July): Clarify your market-ready offer
Months 3–4 (Aug & Sept): Find and land a real test client
Months 5–6 (Oct & Nov): Deliver, learn, and refine

By November, you'll have done the real work, not just planned it.

This program is for solopreneurs who are already in business and based in Illinois. If that's you, we'd love to see you there. 💙

📅 Starts June 9 | 9-11AM
Virtual via Zoom | Meeting every second Tuesday of each month

👉 bit.ly/Solo-26

🚀 ¿Lista para llevar tu negocio al siguiente nivel?ScaleHigher en español regresa este verano—una cohorte de 6 semanas d...
06/02/2026

🚀 ¿Lista para llevar tu negocio al siguiente nivel?

ScaleHigher en español regresa este verano—una cohorte de 6 semanas diseñada para empresarias establecidas que buscan crecer con mentalidad estratégica.

📅 Inicia: 8 de junio, 2026
⏰ Horario: lunes y miércoles | 9:30 am - 12:30 pm CST
💻 Formato: Virtual vía Zoom

Aprenderás:
- Mentalidad de crecimiento y liderazgo
- Marketing digital y análisis de redes sociales
- Finanzas empresariales y planificación estratégica
- Certificaciones: ¿Son adecuadas para tu negocio?

¿Eres candidata ideal?
- Negocio con 2+ años de antigüedad
- Ingresos anuales de $75K+
- 2+ empleados
- Dedicación a tiempo completo
- Presencia digital establecida

No dejes pasar esta oportunidad de conectar con otras líderes empresariales y crear un plan de acción para el crecimiento.

👉 Regístrate ahora: bit.ly/ScaleHigher-26

Ready to turn your business idea into reality?Join us for the Road to Success Bootcamp — a comprehensive 4-week program ...
06/01/2026

Ready to turn your business idea into reality?

Join us for the Road to Success Bootcamp — a comprehensive 4-week program designed specifically for emerging and pre-venture entrepreneurs who are ready to build a strong foundation for success! All Illinois entrepreneurs are welcome to participate!

📅 Every Tuesday | June 2 - June 23, 2026 ⏰ 9:00 - 11:00 AM CST 💻 Virtual via Zoom

What You'll Master in 4 Weeks:

✅ Week 1: The Proper Mindset & Preparation
✅ Week 2: Developing Your Business Plan
✅ Week 3: Capital Readiness for Start-Ups
✅ Week 4: Legal Consult & Working Session

Program Requirements: Complete all 4 sessions + 1 advising session + follow-up survey = Graduate status & invitation to our Level 2 Road to Success cohort!

This is more than a bootcamp — it's your roadmap to entrepreneurial success. Whether you're in the ideation stage or ready to launch, this program will equip you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to move forward.

Spots are limited! Register now: bit.ly/r2s-June26

Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Meet Draga Culic, Founder & CEO of Blacklisted Brandy: a trailblazing Women Business Enterprise (WBE) making waves in th...
05/31/2026

Meet Draga Culic, Founder & CEO of Blacklisted Brandy: a trailblazing Women Business Enterprise (WBE) making waves in the spirits industry. From humble beginnings to remarkable achievements, her business journey is an inspiration. Join us in celebrating her entrepreneurial spirit!

Check out her spotlight feature in full: https://www.wbdc.org/en/wbe-spotlight/

We’re bringing the momentum to Chicago! Join us for the Chicago Capital ActivationExperience, presented in partnership w...
05/29/2026

We’re bringing the momentum to Chicago! Join us for the Chicago Capital Activation
Experience, presented in partnership with Founders First Capital Partners, designed to
fuel the growth of small businesses.

This experience connects entrepreneurs with funders, advisors, and ecosystem
leaders—all in one room. Gain access to capital opportunities, strategic relationships,
and insights to move your business forward.

June 9, 2026
Hyde Park, Chicago

Spots are limited - secure your invite today.
your invite today.

Learn More & Apply: https://foundersfirstcapitalpartners.com/ceo-capital-activation-chicago?utm_source=WBDC

Address

8 S Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL
60603

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13128533477

Website

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