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.

Ready to transform your business dreams into reality?We’re excited to roll out our next session of Plan for Profit, desi...
08/31/2026

Ready to transform your business dreams into reality?

We’re excited to roll out our next session of Plan for Profit, designed for passionate Illinois entrepreneurs like you who are eager to start or expand their business ventures.

Whether you are a start-up or emerging business, the Illinois SBDC at the WBDC provides a comprehensive training program for entrepreneurs learning to work on their business.

Take the first step by registering for our prerequisite bootcamp sessions.

Limited spots available, secure yours now: bit.ly/P4P-Bootcamp

¡Desarrolla tu negocio de cuidado infantil con Elevate! Crea un futuro para ti y la próxima generación. Únete a nuestro ...
08/31/2026

¡Desarrolla tu negocio de cuidado infantil con Elevate!

Crea un futuro para ti y la próxima generación. Únete a nuestro programa de desarrollo empresarial diseñado específicamente para dueños de guarderías en el hogar que desean expandirse y convertirse en centros de cuidado infantil. Aprende estrategias comprobadas para aumentar tu clientela, descubre las mejores prácticas de marketing, domina la gestión financiera y mucho más.

Fechas: Cada martes | 8-29 de septiembre, 2026
Horario: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, CST

¡Regístrate antes del 7 de septiembre y asegura tu lugar! bit.ly/Elevate-Verano26 ✨

The founders who bring taste and creativity to market, continued.We are still celebrating the women entrepreneurs who bu...
08/28/2026

The founders who bring taste and creativity to market, continued.

We are still celebrating the women entrepreneurs who built WBDC across food, consumer goods, and creative industries: founders whose work brings flavor and beauty into everyday life. Their impact is our history, and it is the blueprint for what comes next.

Forty years of women like these started with people who believed in them. You can be that for the founders of the next 40 years.

Their impact is our history. Your support is our future.
Invest in the next 40 years: bit.ly/FOIGive

Taste, craft, and creativity.Introducing the next group in our Faces of Impact series, a celebration of the entrepreneur...
08/27/2026

Taste, craft, and creativity.

Introducing the next group in our Faces of Impact series, a celebration of the entrepreneurs, leaders, civic champions, and advocates behind four decades of the WBDC story. This week we honor women entrepreneurs in food, consumer goods, and creative industries: founders who bring flavor, beauty, and imagination to the market.

Their impact is our history. Your support is our future.
Invest in the next 40 years: bit.ly/FOIGive

Somewhere in our community is a founder who has not yet launched her business. She has vision, determination, and courag...
08/27/2026

Somewhere in our community is a founder who has not yet launched her business. She has vision, determination, and courage. What she lacks is access, a first opportunity, and an open door. On October 15, you can open that door.

40 & Forward is more than a celebration of 40 years of impact. It is a fundraiser to invest in the next 40 years of entrepreneurship, innovation, and business opportunities.

Join us under the stars at the Adler Planetarium as we unite to fund the future of small business ownership!

Buy your tickets today: bit.ly/WBDCOct15

Thursday, October 15, 2026 | 6 to 10 PM
The Adler Planetarium | Chicago

Peoria entrepreneurs! This one's for you!Join us for the Road to Success Bootcamp — a comprehensive 4-week program desig...
08/27/2026

Peoria entrepreneurs! This one's for you!

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

📅 Every Wednesday | September 9 - 30, 2026 ⏰ 9:00AM - 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: 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 before September 9: bit.ly/R2S-Peoria26

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

Ready to grow your business? Go to The Source! Whether you’re planning anexpansion, new storefront or product line, our ...
08/26/2026

Ready to grow your business? Go to The Source! Whether you’re planning an
expansion, new storefront or product line, our team can help you navigate it all through no-cost
business advising. Sign up today at cookcountysmallbiz.org






Ready to turn your business idea into reality?Join us for the Road to Success Bootcamp — a comprehensive 4-week program ...
08/25/2026

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 | September 8 - 29, 2026 ⏰ 9:00AM - 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 before September 7: bit.ly/R2SBootcampF26

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

Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, join our 6-week E-Commerce Cohort! Throughout the cohort,...
08/25/2026

Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, join our 6-week E-Commerce Cohort! Throughout the cohort, participants will explore various methods to launch an online business, develop a comprehensive digital marketing strategy, and master the use of analytical tools to evaluate their digital marketing initiatives.

📅 Every Wednesday, September 9 - October 14, 2026 | 9:00 am to 11:00 am, CST
💻 Virtual Zoom Sessions
⏳ Apply by September 8, 2026

Don't miss out – register now! bit.ly/wbdc-ecom26



Funded (in part) through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

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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